Hidden Valley Forest

　　Hidden Valley Forest, also known as the Underground Forest, is located on the banks of the Erdao Baihe River, about 5 kilometers east of the Changbai Mountain alpine ice rink, and north of the Dongtian Waterfall. The entrance to the forest is at kilometer 18–19 along the park’s access road. Follow the lightly maintained trail through the primeval forest, venturing deep into the dense woods. Step over thick moss, climb over fallen trees blocking your path, and pass through the Sword Gate to finally behold the valley-bottom forest in its entirety.

　　Due to orogenic movements or volcanic activity, large areas of the earth’s surface collapsed, forming immense valleys that caused entire forests to sink to the valley floor. The mere glimpse of nature’s handiwork here is awe-inspiring. The valley walls rise 50–60 meters high, and the valley floor stretches 2,500 to 3,000 meters in length. If you have the courage to descend to the valley bottom, you’ll experience the raw power of nature even more intensely. Torrents roar through the depths, fallen trees lie scattered among jagged rocks, and the occasional cry of strange birds echoes through the air… This is a scene straight out of the heart of an ancient forest.

　　The Underground Forest, also called the Valley Bottom Forest, is the lowest-altitude scenic area in Changbai Mountain, situated within a forested rift valley. It formed when parasitic volcanoes associated with the main eruption of the Changbai Mountain volcano were later dissected by faults and shaped by surface erosion and collapses, creating this unique forest landscape. Towering ancient trees fill the valley, arranged in three distinct layers amid a jumble of massive rocks. Standing deep within the valley feels like swimming in a sea of green. Visitors can fully take in the views of the primeval forest and immerse themselves in the pristine, refreshing atmosphere of nature—a truly uplifting and tranquil experience.