Changbai Mountains

The Changbai Mountains are a major mountain range located in East Asia. This range extends across the borders of China and North Korea. In China, the mountains cover the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning. In North Korea, they reach into the provinces of Ryanggang and Chagang. The name Changbai translates to "Perpetually-White Mountain Region."

Many people also refer to the range as the Šanggiyan Mountains in the Manchu language. In Korean, the mountains are known as the Great Paekdu.

Most of the peaks in this range are very high. The tallest summit is Paektu Mountain. At its summit, there is a large volcanic crater lake known as Heaven Lake. This lake sits at a high surface elevation. The mountains also serve as a vital water source for the region. They are the starting point for the Songhua, Tumen, and Yalu Rivers. These rivers flow away from the mountains to provide water to many areas.

History shows that people have documented these mountains for many centuries. The range was first recorded in the *Classic of Mountains and Seas* under the name Buxian Shan. Later, the *Book of the Later Han* called them Shanshan Daling. In the *New Book of Tang*, the name Taibai Shan was used. The current name, Changbai Shan, first appeared during the Liao dynasty between 916 and 1125. During the Jin dynasty, the mountains were viewed with great respect. The Jin people believed the mountains could carry their dynasty's spirit because they were so high.

The mountains hold deep spiritual meaning for the Qing dynasty of China. The imperial family believed the range was their traditional homeland. They believed their ancestor, Bukūri Yongšon, was born here. One legend tells of three heavenly maidens named Enggulen, Jenggulen, and Fekulen. They were bathing at a lake called Bulhūri Omo near the mountains. A magpie dropped a piece of red fruit near the maiden Fekulen. After eating the fruit, she became pregnant with the ancestor of the Aisin Gioro family. However, a different version from 1635 claims this event happened near the Amur River in Heilongjiang.

The climate of the Changbai Mountains is defined by long, cold winters. Precipitation levels change significantly depending on the season. In the winter, there is very little precipitation. However, levels increase during the summer and fall. The annual average precipitation can reach as high as 1,200 mm. This moisture supports a wide variety of plant life. The vegetation changes based on the elevation of the mountain slopes.

At the highest levels, above 2,000 meters, the landscape is dominated by tundra. This is a cold zone with very little plant growth. From 1,500 to 2,000 meters, mountain birch and larch trees are common. Between 1,000 and 1,500 meters, the landscape features spruce, fir, and pine trees. From 500 to 1,000 meters, a mixed forest grows with Amur linden, pine, maple, and elm. Below 500 meters, a temperate hardwood forest of poplar and birch is found. The forest on the Chinese side is ancient and remains almost unaltered by humans. In contrast, there has been extensive deforestation on the lower slopes of the North Korean side.

A diverse range of wildlife lives within these forests and peaks. The mountains are a known habitat for Siberian tigers, bears, wolves, and wild boars. You can also find Paekdusan roe deer in the forests that reach up to 1,500 meters. Many birds live here, including black grouse, owls, and woodpeckers. BirdLife International has named this an Important Bird Area. This is because the mountains support a population of scaly-sided mergansers. While some animals like the Ussuri dhole may have been lost from the area, the ecosystem remains complex. Today, the mountains also host the Yabuli Ski Resort for visitors.