While people in Shenzhen have the privilege of keeping warm and savoring outdoor activities on cold winter days, many still have the dream of going to northern China, where snow, ice and winter scenery are all around. What better way to enjoy the height of the skiing season than getting out on the slopes to have a bit of winter fun and excitement.

Located in Jilin Province and covering an area of 8,000 square kilometers, Changbaishan Mountain is widely regarded as the most beautiful mountain in Northeast China. Meaning "ever white" in Chinese, the mountain is white all year long, partly because of the pumice stones that cover its slopes. However, the whiteness is also caused by snow, which covers the peak of the mountain for almost half the year from November through to June.

Winter on Changbaishan Mountain features vast slopes of white snow. Dotted on the whiteness are dark green pine and cypress trees, which are hardy enough to withstand the freezing temperatures. Birch trees spread their branches to the sky. Thick ice covers the surfaces of rivers and lakes, adding more serenity to the landscape. Yet the mountain does not hibernate in such calmness, as ski lovers and visitors criss-cross its slopes during the winter months.

Changbaishan Ski Resort is an ideal place for skiing and ice-skating because of its well-constructed ski runs, comprehensive facilities and beautiful environment. Being 1,640 meters above sea level and occupying 120,000 square meters, the resort provides alpine ski slopes, cross-country ski routes, an alpine ice-skating rink and multiple comprehensive winter sports training facilities.

With runs varying from 2.5 to five kilometers, all the ski slopes meet the requirements of world-class ski resorts.

Skiing down the run and zigzagging through the deep forests, skiers can have a full view of the natural beauty: trees covered with snow line both sides of the run; the ground is all white with thick and soft snow; the air is extremely fresh and the sound of wind is heard in the ears. Skiers are put in a fairyland when they head on down to the destination below with an amazing speed while the real world goes past like a flash. A 40-meter-high ski jump is a breathtaking sight for both skiers and spectators alike.

Some other activities are also available for equal excitement, for example motor skiing, sleigh skiing, shooting and hunting. Ski courses are offered for beginners.

However, skiing is not the only thing to attract visitors. The mountain has many scenic spots to make it a hot destination for tourists.

Tianchi Lake is the most famous scenic spot on Changbaishan Mountain. Its name, meaning "heavenly lake", indicates its extraordinary beauty. A lake formed from volcano eruptions in ancient times, Tianchi Lake is 2,155 meters above sea level and covers 9.82 square kilometers. The average depth is 204 meters, but at its deepest point it plunges to a depth of 373 meters.

With its crystal clear water, Tianchi Lake is the color of green jade and surrounded by steep hills. Its placid surface reflects the trees, slopes and the sky and forms a scene of natural splendor. However, visitors are lucky to have an entire view of the lake, because it's usually obstructed by mist and clouds. In the winter, thick ice covers the lake. Several hot springs spurt from the bottom of the lake and form hot spring zones. Ice and misty hot springs coexist in the same season and create a magical scene.

North of Tianchi Lake is the famous Changbai Waterfall, which falls 68 meters. At the top of the cliff is a big boulder, which separates the water in two. Water rushes down like two white dragons and pours into a deep pool beneath, splashing and making a deafening sound. Mists arise near the waterfall and add magnificence to the scene. The waterfall is the origin of Songhua River, the biggest river in Northeast China.

Other famous scenic spots in Changbaishan Mountain include Changbai Lake, Chengcuo River and Julong Hot Spring.

Travel tips
To go to Changbaishan Mountain from Shenzhen, fly to Changchun, the capital city of Jilin Province. Then take the train to Antu City.

There are three flights to Changchun every day and the fare is 2,490 yuan (US$300) per person. The flight takes four and a half hours. The train to Antu takes eight hours.

The southern and western parts of the mountain are closed for visitors from late October to next May.

Be sure to set out from your hotel early in the morning, so that you have time to see everything. There is no accommodation on the mountain.

Bring food and water with you. Exploring the mountain can be exhausting, and there are few food outlets in the area.

The following itinerary is recommended: For the first day, walk to Tianchi Lake from near Changbai Waterfall; this takes three to four hours. For the rest of the day, relax in the hot springs. Spend the rest of your stay skiing or playing in the snow.

Wear warm coats, hats and scarves. Avoid exposing skin to the cold.

Wear warm shoes with good grip.

Take sunglasses with you to protect your eyes.

Editor: Catherine