One of 18 world geoparks in China certified by UNESCO, Jingbo Lake is a haven for scientists as well as travelers with an eye for natural wonders.

Located in the southeast of Heilongjiang Province, the high-mountain lake was formed about 10,000 years ago when ancient volcanoes erupted, spouting lava that dammed the Mudanjiang River. Extending 45 kilometers in a narrow S-shape, the lake covers an area of 90 square kilometers. It is 62 meters at its deepest and only one meter at the shallowest point.

Born out of forceful geological movement, the lake was named "Jingbo," or "Mirror Lake," for its serene beauty during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Local folk compare the lake to the major tourist attraction in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and call it "West Lake in North China."

In fact, Jingbo Lake is more natural and its waters purer. Apart from a cluster of hotels near the Jingbo Villas on the northeast bank, little trace of modern civilization can be seen around the lake embraced by undulating mountains covered in dense forests. Islets dotting the lake add variety to its serene beauty.

The best time to tour the lake is between June and September, when much of the rest of China is baking in the heat. The average summer temperatures at Jingbo are a cool 17 degrees Celsius, amidst clear water and fresh forest air.

From Jingbo Villas, it's an hour's bus ride to the "underground forests," in the deeply wooded mountains about 50 kilometers northwest of the lake.

Hidden in a group of six volcanoes standing 750 to 1,000 meters above sea level, the underground forests grow exuberantly in 10 craters with diameters from 50 to 550 meters and depths from 40 to 145 meters. Climbing up the southeastern slope of the Zhangguangcai ridge, travelers will see the craters extending in a narrow 40-kilometer strip, as if the earth suddenly opened big mouths to reveal the mysteries of nature. Stepping down the stone stairs into the depth of the forests in the third and largest crater, visitors come upon rare red pine and ginseng, and surprise rabbits and squirrels in the woods.

At the end of the steps, visitors come upon a scene similar to Guilin's limestone caves. But rather than limestone, the cave at the bottom of the crater is a tunnel of volcanic rock. The cave is so cool that even in summer, thin ice can be found in its depth.

Over a hill north of Jingbo Villas, North Americans will discover a familiar sight: Diaoshuilou Waterfall, or "Water-hanging Building Waterfall," is a striking miniature of Niagara Falls. In fact, in summer, two waterfalls, about 42 meters in width, plunge 25 meters into the Mudanjiang River, whose roar can be heard kilometers away. In winter, the waterfalls are reduced to a thin white cloth hanging down the ridges, explaining the name "Diaoshuilou."

To further explore the lake's beauty requires a cruise costing 80 yuan per person. Highlights of the trip are Pearl Corks, two small islets within 10 meters of each other; Taoist Hill, in the shape of a human silhouette floating on the lake; Dagu Hill (Big Lone Hill), an islet popping out of the lake like a buffalo showing its back; and Xiaogu Hill (Small Lone Hill), in the shape of a hedgehog peeping out from the water.

Winter visitors can enjoy skating and ice fishing. History buffs can travel to a nearby historical site, capital of the ancient Bohai Kingdom, under the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The ancient city copied the layout and building style of Xi'an, the grand Tang capital.

Getting there:

Only a few major cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing have direct flights to Mudanjiang City, from where travelers can take a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Jingbo Villas. Otherwise, the trip involves flying to Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province, then riding four hours by bus or train to Mudanjiang, some 110 kilometers from the Jingbo Lake.

Jingbo Villas offers simple to deluxe rooms, charging from 150 yuan (US$18.70) to 400 yuan.

Local specialties:

Fresh fish -- there are more than 40 varieties netted from the lake -- is a must. Local produce includes grapes and Chinese dates, as well as pine nuts and mushrooms sold in many parts of China and the world. Honey products, roe deer horns, and marten fur scarves produced on local farms hidden in the nearby forests are precious gifts.

Editor: Donald