Northeast China’s Changbai Mountain aims to ascend to premier status as a top-tier outdoor sports destination, leveraging its pristine natural environment and diverse recreational offerings.
Over the weekend, the Jilin Border Forest Marathon Series captivated thousands of participants who converged in Erdaobaihe Town at the mountain’s base. Zheng Wenqiang, director of Changbai Mountain Shijia Sports Tourism, highlighted the region’s appeal: “Changbai Mountain offers unparalleled outdoor sports resources in China, from running and hiking to biking, skiing, paragliding, and more.
Changbai Mountain, a vital ecological bastion in northeast Asia, serves as the source of major rivers and boasts a rich biodiversity with over 2,500 plant species and 1,500 animal species. Despite its lofty status as the “top of northeast China,” concerns about altitude sickness are minimal, according to outdoor enthusiast Zhang Yufan.
“Transitioning from temperate forests to tundra during a run feels almost magical,” Zhang remarked, underscoring the dramatic ecological shifts visible on the mountain.
In addition to its summer allure, Changbai Mountain’s winter season transforms it into a sought-after skiing destination, boasting a snow season lasting from October through April. It has nurtured numerous elite winter sports athletes, including Olympic champions Qi Guangpu and Su Yiming.
Geng Deyong, director of the Tourism, Culture, and Sports Bureau of the Changbai Mountain Protection Development Management Committee, noted the area’s burgeoning popularity amidst China’s outdoor sports boom. In 2023 alone, Changbai Mountain welcomed over 2.74 million tourists, marking a remarkable 260.5% increase from the previous year. The snow season of 2023-2024 saw a 164.3% rise in visitors compared to 2018-2019 figures.
To cater to the evolving preferences of outdoor enthusiasts, Changbai Mountain has introduced a variety of trendy activities such as ice climbing competitions, biking challenges, and motoring festivals. These initiatives, spearheaded by Changbai Mountain Shijia Sports Tourism in collaboration with local authorities, aim to enhance the region’s appeal through sports culture.
Furthermore, Changbai Mountain’s status was elevated in March when Changbaishan Geopark attained UNESCO Global Geopark recognition, adding to its existing accolades as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Looking ahead, plans are underway to expand greenways and further establish the mountain as a prime destination for cycling, hiking, snowmobiling, and other outdoor pursuits.
With these developments, Changbai Mountain is poised to solidify its position as a top-level outdoor sports haven, offering enthusiasts a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and ecological richness.