5 DAYS LESS TRODDEN CHANGBAI MOUNTAINS

Upon arrival, we transfer via Jinjiang Wooden House located just 2.5km south of Manjiang Town, before reaching your hotel to rest. Well-preserved for over 80 years, it is China’s last remaining Manchu wooden village. You can observe folk performances and Manchu costumes.

Avoiding the usual tourist crowd, let us whisk you to the less explored West Slope Scenic Area. Journey through the forested mountains into the bottom of Tianchi (Heaven Lake), where you will begin your 1,400-step ascent. The viewpoint is closer and less obstructed than the more touristy North Slope. Continue to Jinjiang Canyon with 45-minute plank walk to observe rock formations and calming sound of the flowing river. Between Jun-Aug, we replace Jinjiang Canyon with Alpine Garden for beautiful wooden hiking trail decorated by blooming alpine wildflowers.

A famous saying has it that there is Jiuzhaigou in the South and Shivdaogou to the North. Today, we explore the off-beat Wang Tian’e (Swan Lookout) Scenic Area in Shivdaogou, characterized by strange volcanic basalts, gurgling rivers and waterfalls. While it remains beautiful year-round, it is especially famous for its rioting autumn colours and frozen winter hinterland. We also visit Changbai–Hyesan International Bridge which connects China to North Korea over the Yalu River. If you are lucky, you might be able to spot North Koreans who live in Hyesan washing clothes or going by their folk customs by the river.

Enjoy unique water rafting experience (40m). During summer, the rafting experience is an excellent escape from the heat. During winter, if the temperature plummets below -20 degree Celsius in the early morning, both sides of the banks turn into a spectacle of rime trees. If you are visiting during winter, enjoy a farewell dinner of VIP Wilderness Kitchen snow feast in a dense forest next to a lake. Authentic ingredients are sourced directly from nature and booked in primitive Manchu Ula hot pot and grilled in traditional style.

After checking out, we will transfer to the airport for your onward journey or flight home. If departure time permits, you can add one of the following optional winter activities at extra cost:

• Snowmobile
• Ice fishing
• Horse sleigh