Changbaishan Autumn Hike, 8 days

This autumn journey takes you to discover Changbaishan – a pristine, volcanic landscape that is one of the most biologically diverse and best-preserved ecosystems in the northern hemisphere. Designed with beginners in mind, this adventure begins in Changchun, then sweeps you by high-speed rail to Erdaobaihe Town, where Korean culture flavours the local cuisine and daily life. From gentle stream treks through volcanic canyons to scenic rafting surrounded by layered forests, every activity is crafted without overwhelming physical demands.

As the journey unfolds, witness the legendary Tianchi crater lake from both the North and South Slopes, stroll along the Yalu River with North Korea just across the water, and wander through alpine meadows and valleys.

Duration: 8 days

DEBUT Departure Date: 19 – 26 September 2027

Itinerary

Highlights

~ Waddle through shallow, volcanic-ash-darkened waters, pass by the No.1 Spring at the foot of Changbai Mountain.

~ Explore Changbai Mountain North and South/West Scenic Area.

~ Embark on a 5-kilometre trek through the primeval forest, surrounded with maple forests.

~ Enjoy Changbai No.1 rafting experience along a gentle and calm stream, surrounded by layered forests.

~ Take a leisurely walk along the Yalu River in Changbai County, with views of North Korea on the opposite side.

~ Trek uphill through peaceful alpine meadows with panoramic views of the winding Yalu River and the North Korean landscape, where cattle and sheep graze leisurely.

~ Pass through dense forests and maple-filled valleys, and enjoy high-ground views of the rolling Changbai Mountain Range stretching to the horizon.

Day 1 Arrive Changchun

Meet and Greet upon arrival. Embark on an orientation tour around the city of Changchun. Thereafter, check-in in the evening.

Meal: Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Changchun

Day 2 Changchun – Volcano Canyon Stream – Erdao Baihe

Visit the bustling morning market in Changchun before transferring to the train station for the high-speed rail to Erdao Baihe Town (二道白河镇) – a town with a strong Korean presence and influence.

Put on the rubber boots take a walking stick and start the volcano canyon stream (火山峡谷溯溪) hike. Enter the canyon along the wooden boardwalk. The stream is shallow with gentle current. The water appears black due to volcanic ash. The trek is easy yet full of fun waddling along. Pass by the No.1 Spring at the foot of Changbai Mountain and taste pure, sweet spring water. Indulge in featured Korean barbecue dinner this evening.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* hot spring accommodation, Erdao Baihe Town

Hiking Distance: approx. 4 KM Hiking Hours: est. 3 hours

Day 3 Changbaishan

Take a 30-minute drive to the north scenic area of Changbai Mountain (长白山北景区). Enter the park and transfer to the shuttle bus for the first stop – Tianchi (天池) – the crater lake. Then visit the Changbai Waterfall (长白瀑布), Green-Yellow Pool (绿渊潭), Small Crater Lake (小天池), and the Underground Forest (地下森林).

This afternoon, visit the home of the “Old Foreman” to immerse in the local ginseng-picking experience. Learn about the ginseng-picking tradition and participate in experience beginning with worshipping the mountain god then digging for ginseng.

After returning to Erdao Baihe Town, the evening is free at leisure for self-exploration.

While there is no prescribed distance to cover, the scenic area is expansive so expect substantial walking on-site.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch

Stay: 4* hot spring accommodation, Erdao Baihe Town

NOTE: the main peak of Changbai Mountain is occasionally closed due to weather conditions. The visibility of Tianchi Lake largely depends on weather and luck. However, it will not affect the visit to other scenic spots.

Day 4 Erdaobaihe – Forest Hiking – Leisure Rafting – Donggang

An hour’s drive takes us to Changbai Mountain Primeval Forest (长白山原始森林). Embark on 5-KM Hongshifeng Crossing (红石峰穿越线) hiking route. Continuous maple forests spread all over the mountain.

Then, experience the No.1 Rafting of Changbai Mountain (长白山第一漂休闲漂流). Paddle along the stream surrounded by forests. The stream is gentle and calm for a relaxing experience.

Rest and relax as we transfer to Donggang Town, Baishan City. The journey is around 3.5 hours. Tonight’s dinner – the classic northeastern Iron Pot Stew (东北特色地道美食 – 铁锅炖).

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 3* accommodation, Donggang

Hiking Distance: approx. 5 KM Hiking Hours: est. 4-5 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 300 M

Day 5 Donggang – Changbaishan South Scenic Area – Yalu River (China-DPRK Border) – Changbai County

Transfer to Changbai Mountain South Scenic Area. The travel journey is around 2.5 hours.

See Tianchi at the South Slope on the China-DPRK border (中朝边境) with a panoramic view, followed by Yuehua Twin Waterfalls (岳桦双瀑).

Continue to Changbai County (1.5-hour transfer away). An hour of leisure stroll along the Yalu Riverbank (鸭绿江边) to see the scenery of North Korea on the opposite side.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Yongshun

Hiking Distance: approx. 7 KM Hiking Hours: est. 6 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 200 M

STRONG NOTE: If the South Scenic Area is closed, the itinerary will be changed to the West Scenic Area: hike the 1,442 steps of Yuzhu Peak (玉柱峰) for Tianchi viewing, then visit Jinjiang Grand Canyon (锦江大峡谷). Similarly, ticket reservations to South Scenic Area are subject to a daily quota of 1,500 admission and require manual booking, so success is not guaranteed. If tickets are unavailable, Travel Wander will automatically switch to the West Scenic Area of Changbaishan. Please consider if you accept this condition before booking.

Day 6 Changbai County – Alpine Meadow Summit Hike – Linjiang/Baishan City

A short transfer (around 30 minutes) to the starting point of today’s hike. Hike uphill along steep trails with panoramic views of the winding Yalu River and the scenery of North Korea on the opposite bank. The alpine meadow features gorgeous and peaceful rolling slopes, where cattle and sheep wander leisurely. The highest elevation we will achieved is 1,093 metres.

After hiking, transfer (around 4 hours) to Linjiang or Baishan for check-in. Along the riverside, there may be a chance to catch a sight of North Korean timber rafting (irregular operation, sighting is not guaranteed).

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: inn accommodation, Linjiang/Baishan

Hiking Distance: approx. 5 KM Hiking Hours: est. 2-4 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 370 M

Day 7 Linjiang/Baishan – Stream Valley Hiking – Changchun

Transfer (around 40 minutes) to the hiking starting point for the stream valley trek. Pass through Maple Valley and alpine meadows. The dense forests may be covered in autumn scenery with views. Standing on high ground, see rolling mountains connected with the Changbai Mountain Range. The highest elevation we will achieved is 1,246 metres.

After the hike, head to a local farmhouse for lunch, then return to Changchun. The driving time is around 4 hours.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Changchun

Hiking Distance: approx. 5 KM Hiking Hours: est. 3-4 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +/- 281 M

Day 8 Depart Changchun

Simply rest and relax until it’s time for the transfer to the airport or check out (1100 hours) and the tour concludes.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 7 nights in 3-4* accommodation;

~ 7 breakfasts, 6 (packed) lunches and 6 dinners;

~ non-alcoholic beverages during listed lunches and dinners;

~ 1 x return airport group transfers based on designated timing;

~ necessary transportation as required;

~ necessary scenic area admission fee, entrance ticket as required;

~ one way highspeed rail from Changchun to Baihe in First Class seating;

~ provision of drinking water;

~ Travel Wander 2027-themed dri-fit T-Shirt;

~ service of an Mandarin-Speaking Hiking Guide;

~ service of a bilingual (English/Mandarin) Travel Wander Trip facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Changchun, China;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ meals not mentioned within the itinerary;

~ tipping for the Hiking Guide and Driver;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure on personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Recommended Flights to Book (after trip confirmation)

by Air China

18 Sep 2027 Singapore (SIN) – x/Beijing (PEK) CA0970 2325 – 0600+1

19 Sep 2027 x/Beijing (PEK) – Changchun (CGQ) CA1627 0955 – 1200

26 Sep 2027 Changchun (CGQ) – x/Beijing (PEK) CA1610 1000 – 1155

26 Sep 2027 x/Beijing (PEK) – Singapore (SIN) CA0969 1545 – 2155

(schedule may subject to change)

Price

Twin/Double Occupancy: SGD 2,268 per person

Single Occupancy: SGD 2,488 per person

< WBWG Rate Applicable >

Early Bird Savings!

Until 31 January 2027, save SGD 100 per person

Until 31 March 2027, save SGD 50 per person

Important Notes

~ A deposit, SGD 300 is required at the time of booking. Deposit paid is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless trip is withdrawn or cancelled by Travel Wander.

~ Travel Wander may cancel or withdraw the trip by providing notice at least 60 days before the trip start date. If you choose to withdraw from the trip before the withdrawal notice is issued, your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Changchun, China when you have been informed to do so.

~ This trip requires minimum 8 hikers to depart and the maximum group size is 16 hikers.

~ Should you require a visa to enter China, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ For hikers who are travelling alone and have opted for twin-share occupancy, Travel Wander will do our utmost to pair you with another hiker of the same gender to share the room. If this is not possible, hikers are required to top up the difference for a single room. Should you choose not to go on this trip, the deposit paid will not be refunded.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it may not be suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.

~ If the hiker presents difficulty in completing the day’s hike, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker and team in mind. At suitable terminating location, the hiker can fast track to the next accommodation by booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking
Country	China
Hiking Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner, Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	09 – September, 10 – October

Changbaishan Autumn Hike, 8 days