What does May mean? The answer could be the transition from winter to spring, with flowers blooming in the warmth, or melting ice and snow, and vibrant blossoms. But in Changbai Mountain, the breath of spring has yet to arrive, and the remnants of winter still linger. The mountains remain pure white, and snowflakes may still fall in the morning. This is the perfect time to visit Changbai Mountain and experience its "Winter in May."
Changbai Mountain remains snow-covered in May
Recently, a special group of guests traveled all the way from Hong Kong to the Wanda Changbai Mountain International Resort, just to chase the last vestiges of winter. They were the cast and crew of the movie *3D Iceman*, including Donnie Yen, Shu Qi, Wang Baoqiang, and Simon Yam. According to the script, Donnie Yen, Wang Baoqiang, and Simon Yam — who play brothers from 500 years ago — have numerous “snow mountain battle” scenes after traveling to the modern era. Meanwhile, the heroine Shu Qi’s encounters and reunions with Donnie Yen all take place in a pure white snowy world. For filming snowy scenes in May, it’s hard to find another place as uniquely "off-season" as Changbai Mountain.
Changbai Mountain’s natural environment is complex and diverse. As altitude increases, it forms three distinct vertical climate zones: mid-temperate, cold-temperate, and alpine frigid. Nature has blessed Changbai Mountain with an unusually long winter, and also shares the joy of winter with every visitor. This time, the celebrities got to fully experience the thrill of “seasonal confusion.” Donnie Yen donned thick winter clothing and even felt tempted to hit the resort’s ski slopes. Simon Yam ventured into a birch forest with his camera in hand, snapping photos with delight. Wang Baoqiang posted photos on social media while exclaiming, “Summer is almost here, but I’m still in winter!” It’s safe to say that Shu Qi, who hasn’t arrived yet, is also ready to relive the winter wonderland.
The celebrities relived winter at the resort
Of course, ice and snow aren’t the only themes in Changbai Mountain in May. In just a few more days, you’ll start to see colorful wildflowers blooming sporadically across the snow-draped peaks, notice the pale green hints emerging on the vast birch branches, hear the gentle flow of waterfalls half-revealed as ice melts away, and breathe in the soft scent of earth in the air. Most unforgettable are the wild vegetables quietly sprouting on the thick layer of fallen leaves in the valleys — such as Cirsium setosum, Corydalis ambigua, Athyrium multidentatum, and Pimpinella brachycarpa. Even when washed and eaten raw with sauce, they offer a uniquely delightful flavor.
Wildflowers on Changbai Mountain
Fresh and delicious wild vegetables of Changbai Mountain
With the May Day holiday approaching, Changbai Mountain’s “Winter Love Song” is still ongoing. More and more people are expected to come here to embrace the most heartfelt gift of Changbai Mountain’s winter. Will you be the lucky one?