Tianchi is a mustsee when visiting Changbai Mountain. The mountain reserve is rich in rare plant life. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Trying your luck

Only those lucky enough to go on a clear day will be able to see Tianchi in its entirety. There are many stories of tourists who have visited Changbai Mountain three times and have never enjoyed a clear view of the lake.

The best time to see Tianchi is in the fall where there is less rain. On a clear day, the sky above the mountain takes on the appearance of jade, the water of Tianchi is bright blue and flawless and hardly a ripple can be found at the surface of the calm lake.

For one-day permits, the west route is a good option. As travelers climb higher up the mountain, they'll notice that the plant vegetation changes, with fewer and fewer leaves the higher you go. If you visit in June, the blossoming season for Changbai Mountain, the entire mountain becomes a massive flower park.

On the west route, you will need to prepare for seemingly countless steps up the mountain. But for travelers who conquer these steps, they will have a brilliant view of Tizi River and Jinjiang Canyon. Do be careful of the mountain's boundary wall that prevents travelers from stepping into DPRK territory.