Baishan: More than just Changbai Mountain

Travel through snow-covered forests, drift amid rime ice, admire the snow-capped Tianchi Lake, and spend the night in a wooden cabin warmed by a traditional heated kang, or heated brick bed. In winter, Changbai Mountain fulfills every fantasy of a fairytale world of ice and snow.

Nestled deep in the heart of the Changbai Mountain range, Baishan city in northeast China's Jilin Province is embraced by rolling mountains. With a forest coverage rate of 84.6 percent, it ranks first among China's prefecture-level cities. Here, pristine winter landscapes coexist with dazzling autumn colors, offering beauty in every season.

Ecological treasures

Baishan is home to 10 national forest parks and six national nature reserves. The Songhua River and the Yalu River flow through the region, while more than 200 natural mineral springs and countless mountain streams nourish the land, earning Baishan its reputation as the most enchanting "back garden" of northeast China.

Adventure seekers can head to Ganfanpen National Forest Park, where dozens of ring-shaped valleys overlap in layers, forming a dramatic landscape described locally as "big basins enclosing small basins, small basins linking big ones." Visitors are advised not to explore without professional guides, as the area's unique magnetic field can interfere with navigation instruments.

Those drawn to forest aesthetics may prefer Lushuihe National Forest Park. Walking through Asia's largest primeval Korean pine forest, visitors are greeted by towering ancient trees that inspire both visual awe and inner tranquility.

For a truly unique experience, try a "mineral water rafting" journey. Floating along crystal-clear rivers with a constant year-round temperature, travelers feel gently embraced by the primeval forest.

A ginseng encounter

Baishan's exceptional ecology has nurtured a haven where all living things coexist. More than 1,000 species of medicinal plants thrive here, absorbing the essence of nature. The most renowned among them is ginseng, often hailed as the "king of herbs."

Each year during the White Dew solar term, locals return home and visitors arrive from afar to take part in a grand "autumn appointment." Following the ancient "fangshan" tradition, participants venture into the mountains in search of the "gold hidden in the soil."

After returning from the mountains, a visit to Wanliang town in Fusong county is a must. It is home to China's only national-level professional ginseng market. Amid the bustling crowds, the air is filled with the rich aroma of ginseng. From priceless wild ginseng to more affordable cultivated varieties, nearly everything can be found here. About 80 percent of China's ginseng trade takes place at this market.

For a deeper immersion, indulge in a ginseng feast and savor the wisdom of "medicine and food sharing the same origin."

The highlight is ginseng chicken soup. A free-range hen is stuffed with a whole Baishan ginseng root, then slow-simmered in clear mountain spring water with glutinous rice, red dates, and goji berries. After hours of gentle cooking, the broth turns a golden hue, glossy and fragrant.

A bite of ginseng dumplings fills the mouth with delicate herbal notes, while a sip of ginseng liquor offers a smooth finish. Together, they form Baishan's warmest expression of hospitality.

Borderland life

Following National Highway 331, known as one of China's most beautiful border routes, travelers pass through sweeping mountain ranges and rolling forests on one side, with the winding Yalu River on the other.

Along the route lies Changbai Korean Autonomous County, the country's only autonomous county of the Korean ethnic group. Strolling through its villages, visitors see strings of red chili peppers hanging from eaves, while the rich aroma of soybean paste soup drifts through the air.

Hidden deep within the forest, Jinjiang wooden village is the best-preserved and largest wooden house settlement in the Changbai Mountain area. Step into a villager's home, sit cross-legged on a warm kang, savor local dishes, and listen to elders share the age-old philosophy of "living by the mountain and benefiting from the mountain."

So why wait? Come to Baishan. In any season.