Ladder River

Ladder River

The Ladder River originates from the western side of Tiyun Peak and flows westward into the Jin River, serving as a secondary tributary of the First Songhua River. With a riverbed only about 2 meters wide and depths of several dozen meters, the river features 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, step-like riverbed. The river section is covered by vegetation and rocks, so one can only hear the sound of flowing water but not see the water itself, 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.

To the west of Heaven Lake on Changbai Mountain lies a major fault zone over ten kilometers long that starts at Tiyun Peak and extends downward, cutting across the mountain path. This fault zone is the Ladder River. Because the river channel is steep and forms cascading drops like a ladder, it is called the Ladder River, also known as the Great Ladder River, Underground River, Sky Seam, or Game River. There is also a 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 it. It is covered with vines, wild grass, rotten wood, and dead branches, making it hard to spot. The Ladder River’s cliffs rise straight up, with the deepest points reaching thirty meters and an average depth of over ten meters. Looking down from above, it feels cold, eerie, and frightening. The river flows rapidly, with the sound echoing off the rocks and thunderous roars audible two or three li away.

It is over a meter wide, and at its narrowest point, one can step across it in a single stride. The top is covered with mountain vines, wild grass, decaying wood, and dead branches, making it well-concealed and not easily noticeable. Ladder River is flanked by sheer cliffs, with the deepest part reaching up to thirty meters and an average depth of more than ten meters. Looking down from above, the view is chilling and awe-inspiring, sending shivers down one’s spine. The river flows swiftly, its roaring sound echoing off the rocks—its thunderous roar can be heard clearly two or three miles 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 scraped out by the claws of a green dragon and a white dragon battling in Heaven Lake; some legends say it was where celestial maidens came to

meet and bathe; there are also those who speculate that Cao Xueqin stayed here when he visited Changbai Mountain while writing *Dream of the Red Chamber*.

The Ladder River is steep and dangerous, and animals often fall into it. In summer, Changbai Mountain is cool and refreshing with no mosquitoes, so herds of animals come up the mountain from lower elevations to escape the heat. But for some reason, they often panic near the Ladder River, stampeding forward in a frenzy. Once they reach the river, they can’t stop in time and plunge down with splashes. Sometimes a dozen or more fall in at once. Most of those that fall die from the impact, and even those that survive can’t

make it out alive, because the upper part of the Ladder River is surrounded by cliffs, while the downstream is blocked by rocky outcrops. The river flows through hidden crevices, leaving them to starve to death inside. There are many fascinating tales about the Ladder River.