Sunrise Peak

Sunrise Peak

Sunrise Peak is one of the sixteen main peaks of Changbai Mountain. As recorded in *A Brief Record of the Mountains and Rivers of Changbai*, “The peak rises to a single point. When you climb it and look out, the view is as vast as the sea and sky—you can watch the sunrise and sunset.” Hence, it is named Sunrise Peak. Located northwest of Heaven Lake, it connects to Solitary Falcon Peak to the west. On the summit of Three Wonders Peak there is a cave that leads directly to Heaven Lake; at the foot of the peak, there are many colorful stones, bright and glossy, so lovely that visitors often pick them up as souvenirs.

Sunrise Peak is located on the northwest side of Heaven Lake in Changbai Mountain. To the northeast lies Dragon Gate Peak, and to the southwest, Brocade Screen Peak. With an elevation of 2,510 meters, the mountain stretches from east to west. The peak rises to a single point, resembling something “abruptly propping up the dome of the sky,” like a naturally formed watchtower. Watching the sunrise and sunset here is akin to the “Sun-Watching Terrace” of Mount Heng or the “Morning Sun Platform” of Mount Hua. Legend has it that on the third day of the third lunar month, if the weather is clear, you can see the sun rise like a blazing fireball from the sea, leaping up and down three times amid surging waves, moving up and down vividly before your eyes, leaving watchers amazed and full of praise. The cliff face of Sunrise Peak facing Heaven Lake is a nearly 200-meter-high circular steep slope, which complements the shimmering surface of Heaven Lake, creating a particularly spectacular view. To climb to the summit, start from the northern end of the岳桦 (Dahurian birch) forest at the back of Dueling Platform, ascend along the hidden stream waterfall beside the ridge, and then climb up from behind Dragon Gate Peak.

Standing atop the mountain and looking into the distance, Heaven Lake shimmers with blue waves, while the surrounding peaks stand majestically and gracefully. Facing the myriad valleys and mountains, let out a yell, and the valley and mountains will echo back—the sound resonates for a long time. Behind Sunrise Peak, on the mountainside, there are three peaks similar in shape to Sunrise Peak, arranged in sequence from north to south, like four sisters setting out on a journey together, strolling hand in hand through the world. The summit of Sunrise Peak is rich in vegetation, with a wide variety of plants, resembling a lush carpet spread over the tundra, very soft underfoot, giving a floating sensation as you step on it. Who would believe that at this altitude of over 2,500 meters, there could be orange-like berries about a foot high, each bearing a single fruit like a celestial pill, and high-altitude insects flying amidst the strong winds, all displaying remarkable vitality.

The book also says: “The locals say that on the night of the third day of the third lunar month, if the weather is clear, the sun appears like a red ball rising from the white sea. As it rises, it moves up and down three times amid surging waves, vividly visible. It is especially moving for the observer, as if their emotions are carried out to sea.” This is a beautiful myth. First, on the third day of the third lunar month, Changbai Mountain is covered in ice and snow, and no one would dare to climb the mountain at midnight. Second, you cannot see the sea from the peak. But the myth is indeed beautiful. Starting from the north side of Solitary Drink Peak (formerly called Dueling Platform, because the rocks once resembled two people sitting opposite each other playing chess; later, one rock eroded, leaving only one person seemingly guarding the chessboard alone, much like a lonely drinker), climb up from the northern end of the岳桦 forest, follow the ridge, ascend along the side of the Hidden Stream Waterfall, pass behind Dragon Gate Peak, and reach the summit of Sunrise Peak. From the peak, you get a feeling of boundless sea and sky. If you have the chance to watch the sunrise or bid farewell to the sunset, you will feel boundless heroic passion. Sunrise Peak is connected to West Slope, where herds of red deer are often seen roaming.