Ladder River

Ladder River

To the west of Heaven Lake on Changbai Mountain lies a massive fault zone over ten kilometers long that extends downward from Tiyun Peak, cutting across the mountain path — this fault zone is the Ladder River. The Ladder River originates from the western side of Tiyun Peak and flows westward into the Jin River, making it a secondary tributary of the First Songhua River. The riverbed is only about two meters wide and dozens of meters deep, with steep cliffs on both sides, rapid currents, and crystal-clear, sweet-tasting water. It is called the Ladder River because its source features a steep, stair-like riverbed. Covered by vegetation and rocks, the river is hidden from sight, and only the sound of flowing water can be heard, which is why people also call it the Underground River. Due to the bone-chillingly cold water, it is also known as a natural refrigerator.

Because of the steep riverbed and the stepped drop in elevation resembling a ladder, it is called the Ladder River. It is also known as the Great Ladder River, Underground River, Sky Seam, and Game River. There is another smaller, similar river called the Small Ladder River. The Ladder River is very narrow, with the widest part being just over three meters and the narrowest spot being so small you can step across. For convenience, locals have built makeshift “bridges” over the river using logs, spanning just one or two meters — likely the shortest bridges in the world. These bridges are covered with vines, wild grass, rotten wood, and dead branches, making them hard to spot. The cliffs along the Ladder River are sheer, with depths reaching up to thirty meters and averaging more than ten meters. Looking down from above, it feels cold, eerie, and frightening. The rushing water roars against the rocks, and the thunderous sound can be heard from two or three li away.

How was the Ladder River formed? Some say it was carved out by heavenly soldiers who often trained and fought there; others claim it was scratched by the claws of the green and white dragons battling in Heaven Lake; some legends say it’s where celestial maidens came to bathe in secret; and there are also those who say Cao Xueqin stayed here while writing *Dream of the Red Chamber*.

The Ladder River is also called the “Game River,” as dead animals are often found in it. With fallen trees crisscrossing the river and thick vines concealing it, it’s very difficult to spot unless you look closely. As a result, wild animals living in Changbai Mountain — such as black bears, deer, roe deer, and rabbits — often fall into the river and die during migration.

In summer, Changbai Mountain is cool and refreshing, with no mosquitoes. Herds of animals come down from the lower mountains to escape the heat. But for some reason, they often panic near the Ladder River, suddenly sprinting forward in a frenzy, and when they reach the river, they can’t stop in time and plunge into it with splashes. Sometimes a dozen or more animals fall in at once. Most of those that fall die on impact, and even those that survive the fall cannot escape, as the upper part of the Ladder River is surrounded by cliffs, while the downstream is blocked by rocky outcrops. The water flows through hidden crevices, leaving them to starve to death inside. There are many fascinating tales about the Ladder River.

The most remarkable thing about the Ladder River is that any animal found in it never rots — it stays incredibly fresh. Located in a cold alpine region, the river only begins to thaw in late June, with icicles still hanging in the valley and mist lingering in the air. It starts freezing again in late September, so the thawing period lasts only about three months. The water temperature remains very low, with the highest reaching just three to four degrees Celsius. Locals use it as a “natural refrigerator,” hanging fish, meat, and fresh vegetables brought down from the valleys in the river to preserve them. They can be retrieved and eaten whenever needed, and the preservation effect is even better than that of an electric refrigerator.