Canyon Pumice Forest

　　The Canyon Pumice Forest, also known as Jinggang Mountain, is located 6 kilometers southeast of the Changbai Mountain entrance. It lies within a massive rift valley formed by volcanic eruptions and tectonic shifts, and serves as a key passageway to attractions such as Shuangmu Peak, the China–North Korea border marker, Yuan Pond, and Kim Il-sung’s Fishing Platform.

　　　The Canyon Pumice Forest originates from the western side of Tianyun Peak in Changbai Mountain. The convergence of the Big and Small Ladder Rivers forms the Ladder River. This river flows westward into the Jin River, which is a secondary tributary of the First Songhua River. The riverbed is only 2 meters wide but reaches depths of several to dozens of meters. With steep cliffs on both sides and rapid currents, the water is cool and sweet. The riverbed is composed of basalt, and its cross-section is trapezoidal—wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. Additionally, the source of the river features steep, step-like riverbanks, hence the name “Ladder River.”
　　The Ladder River disappears underground, and from the surface, only a winding crevice can be seen. In some sections, the river is covered by vegetation and rocks, so the sound of flowing water can be heard but the water itself remains unseen. For this reason, the Ladder River is also referred to as the “Underground River.”
　　Descending into the river valley and looking up, only a sliver of light can be seen, and the river water is bone-chillingly cold, earning it the nickname “natural refrigerator.” **Scenic Features** The scenery is renowned for its beauty, uniqueness, danger, and serenity. It combines peculiar peaks, waterfalls, strange rocks, underground rivers, springs, lush trees, exotic flowers, and rare plants, embodying the essence of pristine, ecological, and natural beauty that leaves visitors in awe. The valley is dotted with bizarre rocks and spectacular sights, featuring elegant valleys, graceful peaks, the Wordless Stele, Fahai’s Meditation Rock, and Tang Monk’s Scripture-Chanting Peak, all contributing to an ethereal atmosphere. The valley has springs, the springs have water, the pools are small yet elegant, the water is not deep but crystal clear, the streams are short yet murmuring. The mountains are made more majestic by the water, and the water more beautiful by the mountains. The grandeur of the mountains, the meandering grace of the streams, the lush grass, the vibrant flowers, the winding paths, and the twisting bridges all contribute to breathtaking natural scenery. **Name Origin** The name of the Canyon Pumice Forest in Changbai Mountain has evolved multiple times throughout different historical dynasties. Initially called “Jinggang Mountain,” it was later termed the “Volcanic Canyon” or “Canyon Sand Forest” due to its formation from volcanic eruptions. Since most of it consists of pumice stones, it came to be known as the Canyon Pumice Forest—a fitting and pleasant name still used today.

　　Reference Ticket Price: 55 RMB per person