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Today is probably the highlight of my trip. We drove to Changbaishan, literally translated as "forever white mountain". It is generally acknowledged as the most famous mountain in the NE. The mountain rises in the southeast of Jilin province, or the northern part of Jilin's Antu County, and gradually extends southwards towards the North Korean border. It is the origin of the Manchu people. 6 of its peaks are in China, 7 in North Korea, and 3 shared by the two countries. The highest peak is named Baiyuan peak "white clound peak", and rises 2691m above sea level. It got its name from the white volcanic ashes and its year-round snow cap. It is a dormant volcano. It has erupted 3 times, the last time in 1702.
I was somewhat concerned because it rained heavily all night. There is only a 23% chance of seeing the "Sky Pond". It got its name because it's at 2150m elevation and close to the sky. It is the largest volcanic crater lake in China and is the origin of 3 rivers - Songhuajiang, Tumenjiang and Yalujiang. Comrade Deng Xiaoping came 5 times but didn't see it because of heavy fog/mist/rain every time.
Access to the lake has improved quite a bit recently. A new road has been constructed and now to access the lake you can take a 4x4 up the rather steep mountain. Previously one had to hike 3 hours to get to see it. When we got to the top it was cloudy and there was still snow on the ground, but we got lucky and were able to see it. It's still pretty much frozen and won't thaw until later in the summer.
We then went to see the Changbai waterfall which drains from Sky Pond. At 68m, it's the highest volcanic crater waterfall in the world. It's truly magnificent, especially with the surrounding snow! Next up is the small Sky Pond, not as exciting. The final stop in the area is the Underground Forest. I was under the impression that the forest is below sea level. In reality after previous volcanic activities a part of the slope caved in and this is how the forest in this area got its name.
Because of proximity to North Korea, there is a large ethnic Korean population. In addition to gingseng, Korean likes dog meat because it supposedly removes
toxin from human body. In the summer they like to have dog hot pot in a room with closed doors/windows, drink 50 proof alcohol and sweat out the toxins. Does it work? I have no idea.
Here in the NE families are encouraged to have fewer children and plant more trees for the future generation. A model that can be adopted in many parts of the world.
I was doing some reading tonight and all of a sudden all the lights went off at around midnight. At first I thought the fuse blew so I had no choice but to go to bed. The next morning at 05:50hr the light came on again. It dawned on me that there was control on electricity. I suppose it's a sensible way to save electricity.
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Changbaishan
