Scenery of Longwan

Scenery of Longwan

Introduction: Huinan County is one of the gateways to Changbai Mountain. Since ancient times, this area has boasted beautiful landscapes and enchanting scenery. The second-largest volcanic group in China — the Longgang Volcanic Group — is located here. There are a total of six volcanic lakes within Huinan County. According to scientific research, they were formed around 200,000 years ago when groundwater rose and gathered after volcanic eruptions. Surrounded by green mountains, the lakes look like a giant dragon lying by the water’s edge, which is why these volcanic lakes are also called “Longwan” (Dragon Bay). The six volcanic lakes are neatly arranged along the western side of the Longgang Mountain Range in a northeast–southwest direction, spaced about 6 to 7 kilometers apart, like a string of six radiant pearls embedded among the undulating mountains. Among this string of pearls, the most picturesque is undoubtedly Triangle Dragon Bay. Triangle Dragon Bay is situated on Longgang Mountain at an altitude of 833 meters, covering a surface area of 0.5 square kilometers, with the deepest point reaching 104 meters. It gets its name from its triangular shape. Triangle Dragon Bay is characterized by its beautiful mountains, unique rocks, and stunning lake views. From a bird’s-eye view, the mountains resemble coiled dragons, the lake a mirror of jade, the maple leaves blazing red, and the springs flowing gently — all exuding the vibrant energy of nature. Compared to Triangle Dragon Bay, the highlight of Big Dragon Bay is its expansive waters and ever-changing scenery, offering a distinctive experience. It is the largest of the six Longwan lakes. Due to the collapse of part of the southern lakeshore caused by lava, the bay is winding, forming two inlets and smaller bays to the east and west. If Big Dragon Bay embodies a blend of openness and mystery, then East Dragon Bay offers tranquility and rugged beauty. This is an undeveloped virgin lake, quietly nestled among rolling mountains. Towering ancient trees, boundless wild grass, jagged rocks, and only the sounds of birds and streams create an atmosphere of primordial simplicity. Everything feels so untouched, so rustic, and so natural, giving off an immediate sense of peace and serenity. But as you approach, you’ll strongly sense its ruggedness and mysterious allure. East Dragon Bay is a highly explosive stratovolcano crater lake, covering an area of 0.4 square kilometers, with the deepest point reaching 122 meters, second only to Heaven Lake on Changbai Mountain. Eight kilometers westward lies the delicate and charming South Dragon Bay. South Dragon Bay is bottle-shaped, stretching from east to west, with a surface area of about 0.2 square kilometers. Set against the backdrop of green mountains, the shimmering lake is elegant, captivating, and utterly charming. Erlongwan (Second Dragon Bay) and Xiaolongwan (Little Dragon Bay) are located in a small basin. Xiaolongwan lies to the west, Erlongwan to the east, with a small river running between them. Viewed from nearby Golden Dragon Summit, the scene resembles a natural artistic bonsai. As both lakes are situated in high mountain valleys, the moist air lingers, and clouds and mist often drift above the peaks and slopes, creating a mystical, dreamlike atmosphere. A Thousand Beauties of Longwan, A Hundred Miles of Forests Deep. Longwan is not only a scenic paradise but also a treasure trove of natural resources. The area boasts rich vegetation and dense forests, home to over 500 species of plants. It abounds in precious medicinal plants such as ginseng, gastrodia elata, and codonopsis, and has large reserves of kiwi fruit and mountain grapes. There is also an abundance of mountain delicacies like bracken, hedgehog mushroom, elm yellow mushroom, and tender bamboo shoots. Fifty-six species of wild animals inhabit the region. Rabbits, foxes, and roe deer are frequently spotted in the woods, while capercaillie and pheasants nest among the trees. Toads and frogs can be seen throughout the streams and valleys, and there are thousands of artificially bred sika deer. The mineral water resources are not only abundant but also rich in various trace elements. Tests have shown that they meet national standards, and development is currently underway. There are also substantial reserves of volcanic slag and limestone, which have already been put into use. In 1992, the Longwan Tourist Area was approved as a National Forest Park. In recent years, the Huinan County Party Committee and County Government have increased investment in developing Longwan, constructing extensive facilities for communication, accommodation, and cultural attractions. The area is being developed into a new, multifunctional tourist destination integrated with Changbai Mountain, offering sightseeing, hunting, skiing, ice-skating, health retreats, and scientific research.

Jilin Tonghua City