Free travel to Changbai Mountain! I’ve realized the joy of not joining a tour group

Family! Just came back from a fun trip to Changbai Mountain, and free travel is simply exhilarating🌿 Not being tied to a tour group’s pace, I slowly soaked in the beauty of Changbai Mountain. Keep this pure enjoyment guide handy to unlock hidden experiences of Changbai Mountain~ 🗺️ Itinerary Planning (3-4 days immersive check-in) Day 1: West Slope Hiking Adventure 🌄 Morning: West Slope Tianchi + Jinjiang Grand Canyon To see Tianchi on the West Slope, you have to climb 1,442 steps, but don’t worry! When you reach the top and say “Wow,” it’s totally worth it✨ Tianchi looks like a huge blue crystal embedded among the peaks. If you’re lucky to catch a clear day without fog, the lake and mountain scenery will blow your mind~ On the way down, head straight to Jinjiang Grand Canyon, where volcanic lava rock formations lie in all directions. Walking in feels like entering an ancient alien world, every step begging to stop and snap photos📸 🌆 Afternoon: Rest in Songjianghe Town After exploring the West Slope, this place is super cozy! The town moves at a slow pace. Find a local eatery and have a bowl of piping hot fresh fish soup🍲 The fish is so tender your chopsticks can barely hold it. After finishing, you’ll feel warm all over and can chat with the owner about the magical stories of Changbai Mountain~ Day 2: North Slope Classic Hike 🌅 Morning: North Slope Scenic Area Grand Slam (Tianchi, Changbai Waterfall, Green Pool, Small Tianchi) The view of Tianchi from the North Slope is incredible! The wind at the summit is strong enough to wake you up, so remember to wear extra layers🧣 If you get to see Tianchi as blue and mirror-like as a gem, it’s like finding treasure! After Tianchi, rush to Changbai Waterfall. The roar of the waterfall is deafening, and the mist on your face is refreshingly cool💦 Then visit Green Pool, where the water is as green as a magically painted emerald palette. Small Tianchi is quiet and perfect for sitting by the shore and daydreaming, letting time slow down~ 🌃 Evening: Stroll and Eat in Erdaobaihe Town Head here straight from the North Slope! The whole street smells of Korean food that makes you stomp your feet. Bibimbap and Yanbian barbecue are a must, and a sip of rice wine will max out your happiness🥳 The town is convenient for eating and lodging, perfect for recharging after a long day~ Day 3: Nearby Secret Spots Shopping (If you have time, go for it) 🌫️ Early morning dash to the Demon Realm Scenic Area! Frost, streams, and dead trees intertwine like a magical world from a fantasy movie, especially in winter, it’s dreamlike beautiful❄️ Don’t miss Dew River National Forest Park either, where you can try hunting and wander in the forest oxygen bar. The wild vibe is full-on, making you feel like you’ve entered a secret base of little animals🦌 🏠 How to choose accommodation? Depends on your budget! - Want to splurge: Book a Changbai Mountain Hot Spring Hotel! Soak in hot springs while watching snowy mountains, then lie in bed counting stars at night—so romantic you’ll want to settle down✨ - Looking for cost-effectiveness: Homestays/inns in Erdaobaihe Town or Songjianghe Town are great! The owners are as warm as your neighbor’s uncle, and you can secretly learn local tips, avoiding pitfalls while having fun~ ⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance & Tips - Don’t! Join! A! Tour! Only free travel lets you stop wherever you want. Tour groups rush you and you’ll miss many stunning moments📷 - Take the park shuttle bus! The distances between spots are painfully long, so riding saves your legs and worries🚌 - Book tickets early in peak seasons (July-August, December-January)! Tianchi limits visitors, so make a reservation before you go to avoid being turned away🚫 - Bring extra clothes! Changbai Mountain’s weather is like a child’s face, with big temperature differences between summit and base. Adjust your layers anytime for comfort👔 The beauty of Changbai Mountain is hidden in the footsteps of free travel. Don’t be bound by tour groups; walk slowly and look slowly to catch the romance of these mountains and forests💙 Quickly save this guide and go embrace the blue of Tianchi, the roar of waterfalls, and the tranquility of the woods~