Huinan County Volcanic Crater Lake Exploration Tour

Huinan County, Tonghua, Jilin — the core area of the Longgang Mountain Range volcanic crater lake group, home to China's highest density of volcanic crater lakes and well-preserved Ming Dynasty ancient city ruins. A 2-day itinerary to experience geological wonders and border culture.

Crater Lakes

1234 m

Sifang Ding Elevation

600 years

Ancient City History

Scenic Area Rating

Dragon Bay Group National Forest Park in Huinan County

Triangle Dragon Bay of Dragon Bay Group

One of China's largest volcanic crater lake groups, the lake water presents a dreamy blue-green color due to mineral content, known as the "Maldives at the foot of Changbai Mountain"

Huinan County Two-Day Exploration Tour

Volcanic crater lake group + forest viewing + ancient city discovery, experience the dual charm of geology and humanity

                        
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                        
Main Destinations
Dragon Bay Group National Forest Park, Sifang Dingzi Viewing Platform, Huifa Ancient City Ruins Park

                        
Suitable For
Geology enthusiasts, photography buffs, culture travelers

                        
Budget per Person
¥800-¥1200

Crater Lake Exploration

Dragon Bay Group National Forest Park

Highlights

Full-day tour of the Dragon Bay Group core scenic area, stay at a lakeside lodge.

Attractions

Dragon Bay Group National Forest Park

National 4A-level scenic area, composed of 7 volcanic crater lakes. Triangle Dragon Bay has a pH value of 6.0, displaying a unique Tiffany blue color, with primitive forest preserved on the island in the middle of the lake.

Practical Info

Accommodation Recommendations

Dragon Bay Lakeside Chalet
Jinchuan Town Hotel
Forest Homestay

Food Recommendations

Volcanic Fish Feast
Frog Braised with Potatoes
Wild Mushroom Hotpot

Travel Tips

Prepare non-slip hiking shoes
Boat tickets purchased separately
Drone registration required in advance

Summit & Ancient City

Sifang Dingzi · Huifa City

Highlights

Morning: summit Sifang Dingzi; Afternoon: visit Huifa Ancient City.

Attractions

Sifang Dingzi Scenic Area

The highest viewing platform in the Longgang Mountain Range, offering panoramic views of the entire Dragon Bay Group. Cloud sea occurrence probability reaches 60%, featuring a suspended glass viewing platform.

Huifa Ancient City Ruins

Capital site of the Huifa Tribe during the Ming Dynasty, with well-preserved city wall outlines. Numerous Jurchen artifacts have been unearthed, designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 2019.

Practical Info

Transportation Guide

Tourist shuttle bus between scenic spots
Chartered car recommended
Free parking at the ancient city

Ticket Info

Dragon Bay Group: ¥120
Sifang Dingzi: ¥60
Huifa Ancient City: Free

Special Experiences

Volcanic rock specimen collection
Cloud sea photography
Jurchen culture performance

Must-Try Foods in Huinan County

Volcanic Fish Feast

Featuring rainbow trout and slender scale fish grown in the cold waters of Dragon Bay, prepared as sashimi, teppanyaki, fish head soup and other whole-fish banquet dishes.

Jurchen Flavored Meal

Recreating traditional Huifa Tribe cuisine, including "Golden Meat", "Sour Soup" and other Manchu ancestral dishes, paired with millet wine.

Forest Ginseng Chicken Soup

Using forest-grown ginseng and free-range chicken from the Longgang Mountain Range, slowly simmered for 8 hours over low heat, with nourishing benefits.

Huinan County Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit