Vertical Natural Landscape Zones of Changbai Mountain

　　The beautiful and bountiful Changbai Mountain is like a fairy draped in rosy clouds, leaving people with much to ponder and a touch of mystery. Stepping into Changbai Mountain, you’ll find snow-capped peaks at the summit while flowers bloom in spring at the foot; sunny days and gentle breezes below contrast with rain and snow falling on the mountaintop; the summit is barren while the base is covered with towering trees; the foothills teem with wildlife while few birds fly above the mountaintop. Yet what’s most astonishing is the formation of four distinct vertical natural landscape zones—from temperate to frigid—spanning from an elevation of 700 meters up to over 2,100 meters, shaped by a combination of terrain, climate, soil, and vegetation. Visiting here is truly a breathtaking experience that will leave you lingering in awe. As an ancient poem goes: “One mountain hosts four seasons, ten miles bring different skies.” Perhaps this is the true portrayal of Changbai Mountain?

　　In the gently undulating lava plateau zone below 1,000 meters in elevation, the climate is mild and moist, with a thick layer of brown forest soil covering the ground. This area forms a mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest landscape, characterized by evergreen conifers such as Korean pine and deciduous broadleaf trees. Looking across, the forest is lush and vividly layered—the upper story features tall trees reaching 20–30 meters, the middle layer has sub-canopy trees around 10 meters high, and beneath them grow shrubs, herbaceous plants, as well as vines either clinging to branches or winding among trees and shrubs, coexisting harmoniously by making the most of their ecological niches. Thanks to the mild climate and abundant vegetation, this zone provides an ideal habitat for wildlife such as the Siberian tiger, sika deer, sable, and black bear. It is also home to the majority of Changbai Mountain’s bird species, accounting for over 80% of the total.

　　Located between 1,000 and 1,800 meters in elevation on the basalt plateau, due to changes in altitude, winters are harsh with heavy snow, while summers are cool, moist, and mild. The forest structure here is relatively simple, consisting of a light coniferous sub-zone with spruce, fir, and larch, and a dark coniferous sub-zone with Korean pine and dragon spruce, forming a coniferous forest landscape. Owing to the cold climate, frequent fog, and high humidity, rime ice persists year-round. The undergrowth and herbaceous plants are sparse, the ground is littered with fallen trees, and thick moss covers the area. Standing here, one may feel a heroic sense akin to “a brave warrior marching forth never to return!”

　　Due to the tall trees, cold and damp climate, the animal species inhabiting this zone are all cold-resistant and moisture-tolerant, such as flying squirrels and brown bears, while the bird population mainly consists of boreal species like woodpeckers and goldcrests.

　　The tundra zone, situated between 1,800 and 2,100 meters in elevation, features a harsh, cold climate with abundant rainfall, high humidity, and strong winds. There are very few plant species, mainly low, stunted dwarf pine forming the dwarf pine landscape belt. Dwarf pines usually do not exceed 10 meters in height, growing prostrate and sparsely across the land, with dense shrubs beneath and a variety of lichen vegetation on exposed rocks. The view is often desolate. During July and August, when temperatures are relatively cooler, animals such as red deer, roe deer, and wild boar often migrate here to escape the heat.

　　At the lower part of the volcanic cone above 2,100 meters in elevation, the climate is cold, windy, and dry with thin soil layers and greater precipitation than evaporation. It falls under the temperate alpine tundra climate. Due to the high altitude and extreme conditions, tall shrubs have disappeared. The vegetation mainly consists of low-growing herbaceous plants and a wide variety of lichens, forming an expansive low-profile alpine tundra landscape belt. Most plants here grow prostrate or cushion-like, with well-developed root systems. Very few birds inhabit the area, and mammals are limited to the alpine pika. Standing here gives a strong feeling of “it’s so cold up high,” and perhaps the phrase “Birds cease to fly over the lonely hills; no human trace upon the paths” best captures the spirit of this place...