Chengcha River

Chengcha River

The Chengcha River, also called the Heavenly River, originates from an opening between Longmen Peak and Tianhuo Peak on the northern side of Heaven Lake—known as the Valve—which serves as the lake’s outlet. Water overflows from the Valve, flows past Niulang Ferry, and forms a valley that runs roughly from north to south, stretching 1,250 meters in length. This “white ribbon” connects Heaven Lake and the Changbai Waterfall, and it is known as the Chengcha River, currently the shortest river in the world.

Volume 3 of the “Records of Natural History” states: “The Heavenly River connects to the sea. In recent times, there were people living on sea islets who rode a raft and set off.” The famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin wrote in his poem “Sea Traveler”: “The sea traveler rides a raft into the purple mist, where the weaving maiden stops her work to hear him,” and Du Fu also penned the well-known line in “Presented to Magistrate Xiao the Twentieth”: “Drafting edicts, I lead the way; riding the raft, I stir the vital pass.” These poetic lines suggest that the gap burst open by the Dragon King’s third son, the canoe spotted by the hunter, and the tilted log seen by Magistrate Liu Jianfeng—all point to the origin of the name “Chengcha River.”

The Chengcha River is only 1,250 meters long, making it the shortest river in the world. It originates from Heaven Lake, towers above the Changbai Waterfall, and surges ceaselessly atop a mountain peak over 2,000 meters high—a truly spectacular sight in the world. A large landmark stone tablet has been erected along its banks. Many visitors enjoy placing stones from Changbai Mountain on the tablet as a memento of their trip.

The Chengcha River resembles an inclined celestial ladder, nestled between Longmen Peak and Tianhuo Peak. People say this river leads to the heavens, hence it is also called the Tongtian River. It is the outlet of Heaven Lake and the source of the Erdaobai River and the Songhua River.

The Chengcha River meanders along cliffs at an altitude of over 2,190 meters. From the Buxiannshi exit, it passes through Niulang Ferry and the “High Swallow Kisses the Waterfall,” and after flowing 1,250 meters, it suddenly plunges in a waterfall from the cliff edge, creating the 68-meter-high Changbai Waterfall with its rainbow mist and vibrant colors. The waterfall resembles a galaxy hanging upside down, a breathtaking sight; it also looks like a white silk ribbon descending from the sky, with two jade-dragon-like water columns crashing into the valley, sending up waves several meters high. It’s as if clouds are collapsing and thunder is roaring, like ten thousand horses galloping forward—truly the premier scenic wonder of Changbai Mountain.

The Chengcha River also has an unusual origin story. Legend has it that in ancient times, five dragons lived in the Dragon Palace of Heaven Lake—they were the five princes of the Dragon King. Each dragon shone with gleaming scales and had the power to control wind and rain. One spring, when flowers were in full bloom, the five brothers secretly leapt out of the lake. Oh—the moment they saw the picturesque scenery, they couldn’t resist and flew on clouds to Baiyun Peak. As they flew overhead, they left behind five deep gullies. Though the spring scenery was beautiful, they couldn’t stay for long. The eldest led his four brothers back to the Dragon Palace. Only the third prince, infatuated with the human world, refused to return. So he secretly broke away from his brothers midway and dashed off alone. With a loud boom, two peaks split open, a flash of light shot northwestward, and a deep canyon was carved out. Lake water followed the flow, shimmering brightly—this is the Chengcha River we see today. According to records, a hunter from Xiaobai Mountain named Xu once saw a solitary canoe lying across the riverbank on the eastern shore. In the 34th year of the Guangxu reign (1908), when An’ tu County Magistrate Liu Jianfeng surveyed the entire region of An’tu in search of the source of the Songhua River, he also saw a slanted log on the river—but it didn’t resemble a boat. Trees didn’t grow here, and few people ever came. Where did this log come from? The two witnesses, awestruck, found it even more mysterious.

The Chengcha River is truly a rare and remarkable river. The “Records of the Changbai Mountain Jianggang” states: “Water spills from Heaven Lake and flows out between Tianhuo and Longmen Peaks. Waves gush forth, resembling a white silk ribbon. It does not freeze in the bitter cold. Five li downstream, flying springs hang from the cliff, forming a waterfall whose roar can be heard ten li away. It is indeed the true source of the Songhua River.”

Changbai Mountain

Wangtian'e Scenic Area

Heaven Lake of Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain International Natural Ski Park

Changbai Hot Spring Group

Changbai Stone Forest Scenic Area

Baiyun Peak

Changbai Mountain Plateau Ice and Snow Sports Training Base

Tiger’s Back

Secluded Valley Forest

Changbai Mountain Waterfall

Changbai Mountain Northeast Tiger Forest Park

Niulang Ferry

Changbai Mountain Cold Spring

Changbai Mountain Grand Canyon

Little Heaven Lake of Changbai Mountain

Changbai Mountain Volcano Group

Forest Sea at the Bottom of Changbai Mountain Valley