Baiyun Peak

Baiyun Peak

The highest peak of Changbai Mountain is Baiyun Peak, standing at an elevation of 2,691 meters on the western side of Heaven Lake. As the main peak of Changbai Mountain, it resembles a sword piercing the starry sky. From the summit of the towering six peaks, one can look down to see an oval-shaped lake nestled among the encircling peaks—calm, crystal-clear, and like a massive, solid sapphire. The colorful reflections of the peaks seem imprinted on the lake bottom; the white clouds in the sky drift slowly and gently across the water’s surface. This is the majestic Sixteen Peaks of Heaven Lake, resembling a fairyland on earth. Like a towering barrier, they separate the mortal world from the heavens.

Baiyun Peak is located on the western side of Heaven Lake, in the southeastern part of Fusong County, Baishan City. It neighbors Yuzhu Peak to the south and faces Zhiban Peak to the north. With an elevation of 2,691 meters, it is the highest peak in Northeast China. According to the *Annals of Antu County*: “Baiyun Peak is at the very summit of Mount Bai. From afar, the peak appears to pierce the sky, with white clouds touching it that never disperse all day. On clear days, when all other peaks are visible, this one alone remains shrouded in mist, presenting a majestic sight. The distance from Heaven Lake to the peak is ten Chinese miles; towering mountains hide the sky, and clouds lock the mountain’s summit—hence the name Baiyun Peak (White Cloud Peak).”

It is also recorded in *A Brief Account of the Mountains and Valleys of Changbai* that: “This is the highest peak of Changbai Mountain. Ascending from the east behind the ridge, this peak can be seen from as far as two hundred li away, often veiled in white clouds.” *Scenic Highlights of Changbai Mountain Through the Ages* describes how, from a distance, Baiyun Peak remains hidden all day in swirling clouds, as if lost in thought or meditation, silent [page], reluctant to show itself. Only on rare days of clear blue skies and light winds, when all the other peaks are fully revealed in their splendor, does Baiyun Peak still choose to veil its face with drifting clouds.

A poem from *Poetic Odes on Mount Baishan* reads: “Having looked my fill and turned to leave, I glance back—Mount Baishan remains enshrouded in white clouds.” On July 26, 1984, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress visited Changbai Mountain and inscribed the three characters “Baiyun Peak” in bold strokes.

Changbai Mountain

Wangtian'e Scenic Area

Heaven Lake of Changbai Mountain

Chengcha River

Changbai Mountain International Natural Ski Park

Changbai Hot Spring Group

Changbai Stone Forest Scenic Area

Changbai Mountain Plateau Snow and Ice 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

Changbai Mountain Volcanic Group

Forest Sea at the Bottom of Changbai Mountain Valley