Changbai

Changbai, also known as Baekdu Mountain in Korean, is a volcanic mountain range on the border between China and North Korea. The range is centered on the summit area near Jilin Province in China and extends toward the Korean peninsula. Its highest peak rises to about 2,744 meters above sea level, making it one of the tallest mountains in Northeast Asia. The mountains form part of the larger Changbai Mountains system.

Geography and geology: The central feature is a large caldera that contains a crater lake known as Tianchi or Heaven Lake, located at the summit. The massif is of volcanic origin, with a record of substantial explosive activity in the Holocene. The most famous eruption is traditionally placed around 969 CE, an event often referred to as the Millennium Eruption, which helped shape the current caldera landscape.

Ecology and protected areas: The Changbai Mountain area preserves a boreal forest ecosystem, with species such as Korean pine and other conifers, mixed with broadleaf trees at lower elevations. The region supports diverse flora and fauna typical of temperate and boreal transitional zones. The Chinese portion is designated as the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, established to protect its biodiversity and landscape, while the area is also recognized for its cross-border ecological significance and tourism potential.

Name and cultural significance: The name 长白山 translates as “Long White Mountain,” reflecting its snow-covered summit, while Baekdu Mountain is the Korean name meaning “White Head Mountain.” The site holds cultural and historical importance in both Chinese and Korean contexts and remains a notable symbol of the region’s natural heritage and cross-border landscapes.