Tianwen Peak

Tianwen Peak

Tianwen Peak, commonly known as Eagle Beak Peak, is located northeast of Heaven Lake. It was renamed Tianwen Peak in 1958 after a meteorological station was built on the eastern side of the peak. It rises 476 meters above the lake surface and stands at an elevation of 2,670 meters, making it the third highest peak of Changbai Mountain.

Also known as Huagai Peak, Huangyan Peak, and Eagle Beak Peak, Tianwen Peak stands at 2,670 meters and is the third highest peak of Changbai Mountain, as well as the highest peak on the eastern side of Heaven Lake. Majestic and ruggedly striking, it is considered the essence of Changbai Mountain and offers the most spectacular view of the lake from the northern slope. On the eastern side of Huagai Peak lies “Wind-Sheltering Rock,” where Liu Jianfeng sought refuge from wind and rain during his exploration of Changbai Mountain and left the inscription “Fishing for Clouds at Heaven Lake.” The western side features “Heaven Lake Pillar” and “Battleship Rock.” At the base of the peak by the lake, there are also scenic spots such as the Jurchen Sacrificial Altar, Fishing Platform, Linluan, and Fengluan.

Beside Tianwen Peak is a slope where clouds and winds swirl—a fantastic spot that attracts many hikers. Here, visitors can admire the ethereal beauty of drifting clouds or capture the stunning view of the lake meeting the sky, leaving lasting impressions. Distinguished leaders such as – and – have also taken precious photos here.

Tianwen Peak has the most alternative names among the Sixteen Peaks of Changbai Mountain. According to *A Brief Record of Changbai Mountain and Its Ridges*, Huagai Peak “has a shape like an imperial canopy, and the way its clouds gather and disperse resembles one too. In spring and winter, colorful clouds often shroud its summit, and even during snowstorms, they do not disperse.” It earned the name “Huagai Peak” (Canopy Peak) because it resembles the canopy of an imperial carriage. It is also called “Huangyan Peak” (Yellow Rock Peak) due to the yellow pumice that forms its summit, and “Eagle Beak Peak” because its pointed tip faces Heaven Lake like an eagle’s beak. After the construction of the Changbai Mountain Heaven Lake Meteorological Station on its eastern side in 1958, it also became known as Tianwen Peak.

However, some now mistakenly believe that Huagai Peak and Tianwen Peak are two separate mountains. This misconception, spread through hearsay, is highly misleading. In reality, when Liu Jianfeng named the Sixteen Peaks, he only referred to “Huagai Peak” and made no mention of “Tianwen Peak.” Since Huagai Peak has two summits, some later began calling the one directly facing the meteorological station “Tianwen Peak” and the other “Huagai Peak.” This notion is entirely incorrect.

Tianwen Peak is a volcanic peak composed of pumice—grayish-white and light-yellow pumice stones create its rugged and dramatic appearance. On the side facing Heaven Lake, there is a sheer cliff that appears silvery white from afar, dotted with volcanic breccia and scoria that look like jade rings and pearls inlaid into the rock. Majestic and imposing, Tianwen Peak has long been the best vantage point for viewing Heaven Lake. However, climbing it is no easy feat, as the pumice is extremely slippery. Despite the danger, visitors remain eager to scale this extraordinary peak.