Not for those with high blood pressure — plummet 1,500 meters from Changbai Mountain in just 3 minutes

▲ The Changbai Mountain Zhengxi Slide features a tubular rail design, offering far greater safety than conventional tracks.

Reported and photographed by Chen Ruizhong / Changchun

Located in China’s northeastern region, Changbai Mountain spans the eastern parts of Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang provinces as well as the border area with North Korea’s Ryanggang Province. It is the highest peak in the northeast and also regarded as a sacred mountain in the myths of various northern ethnic groups.

In winter, Changbai Mountain offers skiing opportunities, while in summer, visitors can enjoy lush forests and the unique natural spectacle known as “Pine and Birch in Love.” One of the newest thrilling activities on the mountain is riding a downhill track vehicle to experience an adrenaline-pumping rush.

▲ Simply press the handles on both sides of the vehicle to instantly enjoy the thrill of acceleration.

InThe “Zhengxi Slide,” which opened in the summer of 2014, was designed and manufactured by a German company. It features a tubular rail track design, stretching 1,450 meters in length with an elevation drop of 150 meters. During the ride, speeds can reach up to 40 km/h, making it quite exhilarating..

The Zhengxi Slide vehicles are double-seaters, but even a single rider can operate them. The ride is controlled solely by handles on both sides of the vehicle — simply press down to accelerate and release to slow down. Thanks to the track-based design, there's no need to steer, making it very easy to handle.

▲ Riding together with a partner allows both to enjoy the thrill of zipping through the forest.

According to park management, the Zhengxi Slide uses a tubular track system, and staff strictly manage the distance between vehicles, making it much safer than regular track rides. Under normal driving conditions, the entire ride takes about three minutes, but for thrill-seekers craving higher speeds, it can be completed in just over two minutes.

Once you press the handles, the track vehicle gradually accelerates. After navigating a few gentle turns, it enters an exciting spiral section where, besides the rush of acceleration, you can also feel the inertia-induced “pressing” sensation on your body. At this point, if you look around, you’ll see the lush green forests of pine and birch trees set against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, adding to the heart-racing thrill of speeding through the mountains.

▲ A video of the Zhengxi Slide experience.

Perhaps not everyone can possess the expert driving skills of a race car driver to weave through forests, but on the Zhengxi Slide, you can easily fulfill your speed dreams while enjoying the cool mountain breeze and taking in the famous scenic beauty of Changbai Mountain. No wonder the Zhengxi Slide has become a popular new activity among young visitors to Changbai Mountain. After marveling at the breathtaking Tianchi Lake, why not challenge yourself with the thrilling Zhengxi Slide?