Vertical Natural Landscape Zones of Changbai Mountain

Vertical Natural Landscape Zones of Changbai Mountain

Vertical Natural Landscape Zones of Changbai Mountain

The beautiful and fertile Changbai Mountain is like a fairy draped in rosy clouds, leaving people with much to ponder and a touch of mystery. Stepping into the realm of Changbai Mountain, you’ll find snow-capped peaks at the summit while flowers bloom below in spring; sunny and mild weather at the foot contrasts with rain and snow on the mountaintop; barren land tops the heights while towering ancient trees flourish below; and while wildlife gathers in abundance at lower altitudes, birds rarely fly overhead at the summit. Yet, what is most breathtaking is the formation of four distinct vertical natural landscape zones — from temperate to frigid — across the high-altitude range from 700 to over 2100 meters, shaped by a combination of terrain, climate, soil, and vegetation. Visiting here truly offers a journey of awe at every step, making it hard to tear yourself away. As an ancient poem goes: “One mountain has four seasons, ten miles bring different skies.” Perhaps this is the true portrayal of Changbai Mountain.

In the gently undulating basaltic lava plateau zone below 1000 meters in elevation, the climate is mild and moist, with the ground covered by a thick layer of brown forest soil. A mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest landscape belt is formed by evergreen conifers such as Korean pine and deciduous broadleaf trees. Looking around, the entire forest belt is lush and verdant, with clearly defined layers: the upper story consists of trees reaching 20–30 meters in height, the middle layer includes sub-canopy trees about 10 meters tall, and beneath them grow shrubs and herbaceous plants. Vines either climb along tree branches or entwine among trunks and shrubs, making the most of their environment and coexisting peacefully in nature. Due to the favorable temperatures and abundant vegetation, this area provides an ideal habitat for wild animals such as the Siberian tiger, sika deer, sable, and black bear. It is also home to over 80% of the common bird species found in Changbai Mountain.

The basalt plateau located between 1000 and 1800 meters in elevation experiences harsh, snowy winters and cool, humid summers due to the altitude variation. The forest structure here is relatively simple, consisting of a light coniferous sub-zone with spruce, fir, and larch, and a dark coniferous sub-zone with Korean pine and dragon spruce, forming the coniferous forest landscape belt. The cold climate, frequent fog, and high humidity result in persistent rime ice throughout the year. The undergrowth and herbaceous plants are sparse, the ground is littered with fallen trees, and thick moss covers the area. Standing here, one may feel a heroic sense akin to “a brave warrior marching forth, never to return!”

Due to the tall trees, cold and damp climate, the animal species inhabiting this zone are all cold-resistant and moisture-tolerant, such as flying squirrels and brown bears, while birds are mainly represented by northern species like woodpeckers and goldcrests.

The tundra zone, situated between 1800 and 2100 meters in elevation, features a cold climate, frequent rainfall, high humidity, and strong winds. With very few plant species, it is dominated by low, stunted dwarf birch forests, forming the dwarf birch forest landscape belt. These dwarf birches generally do not exceed 10 meters in height, growing prostrate and sparsely across the ground. Dense shrubs thrive beneath the forest, and a variety of lichen vegetation grows on exposed rocks. The overall view is one of rugged desolation. During July and August when temperatures are relatively cool, animals such as deer, roe deer, and wild boar often migrate here to escape the heat.

Below the volcanic cone at elevations above 2100 meters, the climate is cold, windy, with thin soil layers and greater precipitation than evaporation. This area features a temperate alpine tundra climate. Due to the high altitude and harsh conditions, tall shrubs have disappeared, and the vegetation mainly consists of low-growing herbaceous plants and a wide variety of lichens, forming an expansive low-profile alpine tundra landscape belt. Most plants here grow in prostrate or cushion forms, with well-developed root systems. Few birds inhabit this zone, and only the alpine pika can be found among mammals. Standing here, one may truly feel the chill of the heights — perhaps the phrase “no birds fly among the thousand mountains, no human traces on ten thousand paths” best captures the essence of this place.