Jinlin Tonghua

1.Wunu Peak National Forest Park

Wunu Peak National Forest Park‌,a realm where rugged cliffs dance with mist,emerald rivers carve secrets into the earth,and folklore whispers through every pine needle.Named after the legendary ‌Five Maidens‌ who once guarded these mountains,this Jilin Province gem blends awe-inspiring landscapes with myths of heroism and love.

Our journey kicks off at the ‌Path of the Maidens‌,a winding trail flanked by towering Korean pines and murmuring streams.Breathe in the crisp,pine-scented air and listen for the distant call of cuckoos-a soundtrack to your ascent.Grab a wooden hiking staff (carved by local artisans) and follow the ‌Stone Serpent Staircase‌,a natural rock formation said to be the petrified body of a mythical dragon.Legend claims the Five Maidens tamed it to protect the valley-feel its ancient energy beneath your feet!

First marvel:The Five Maidens Peaks‌!These five granite giants,draped in emerald forests,soar like celestial sentinels.Each peak has a tale:Peak of Courage‌,‌Peak of Wisdom‌,‌Peak of Love‌,‌Peak of Harmony‌,and ‌Peak of Eternity‌.Hike to the ‌Summit of Courage‌ for a jaw-dropping vista-rolling ridges,mist-kissed valleys,and the glittering ‌Yalu River‌ snaking toward North Korea.On foggy mornings,the peaks float like islands in a silver sea-pure magic!

Next,lose yourself in the ‌Valley of Whispers‌,a lush gorge where waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools.Stand beneath ‌Jade Ribbon Falls‌,its cool spray kissing your face,or brave the ‌Sky Mirror Bridge‌,a glass walkway suspended over a 200-meter chasm.Adrenaline junkies can rappel down ‌Eagle's Beak Cliff‌,while serenity seekers meditate at ‌Lotus Moon Lake‌,where water lilies bloom in summer and ice sculptures glisten in winter.

History buffs,don't miss the ‌Anti-Japanese Coalition Trail‌!This hidden path winds past caves and bunkers used by resistance fighters in the 1930s.Touch bullet-scarred rocks,peer into ‌Martyrs'Cave‌,and pay respects at the ‌Monument of the Unyielding‌,etched with poems carved by guerrillas.Local guides share spine-tingling stories of bravery-how the Maidens'spirits guided soldiers through blizzards!

For a cultural touch,visit the ‌Shaman's Grove‌,a sacred cluster of 1,000-year-old trees adorned with colorful prayer ribbons.Join a ‌Manchu folk ritual‌ (offered seasonally),where drummers and dancers invoke blessings from mountain deities.Kids adore the ‌Forest Elf Hunt‌-spotting carvings of mythical creatures hidden among the roots!

Refuel at the ‌Mountain Feast Pavilion‌!Devour ‌Wild Ginseng Chicken Soup‌,simmered over pinewood fires,or ‌Sticky Rice Dumplings‌ wrapped in oak leaves-a recipe from Manchu ancestors.Sip ‌Pine Nut Milk‌,creamy and fragrant,or toast with ‌Snowberry Wine‌,a tart local brew.Save room for ‌Golden Leaf Pastries‌-crispy layers filled with sweet red bean paste!

Visit ‌autumn‌ for a fiery spectacle of maple and birch forests,‌spring‌ for cherry blossoms and wild orchids,‌summer‌ for emerald canopies and cool streams,or ‌winter‌ for snowshoeing under diamond-dusted trees.Time your trip for the ‌Maidens'Festival‌ (July),featuring folk music,archery contests,and night hikes lit by lanterns shaped like ancient totems.

Before departing,explore the ‌Forest Treasures Market‌ for handmade souvenirs:carved cedar boxes‌,‌ginseng honey‌,or ‌embroidered Manchu talismans‌.Snag a "Maidens'Blessing" charm-a tiny silver peak on a leather cord-to carry the mountains'spirit home.

2.Goguryeo Relics Cultural Tourist Area

Goguryeo Relics Cultural Tourist Area,the wind still hums with tales of warrior kings and forgotten rituals.Feel that chill?It's not just the mountain air-these ruins pulse with a history so alive,you might spot shadows of armored sentries in the corner of your eye.

Brace your legs-we're climbing to ‌Wunu Mountain City‌,a fortress carved into cliffs like an eagle's nest.These moss-slicked steps were once trodden by Goguryeo soldiers scanning the horizon for Tang Dynasty invaders.Touch the jagged basalt walls;their uneven edges tell of laborers who chiseled this citadel without iron tools,only grit and fire.At the summit,the view steals your breath:terraced battlements snake down the slopes,while the Hun River glints like a discarded sword far below.Legend claims King Jangsu held midnight councils here,his advisors'torches flickering like earthbound stars.

Now,descend into the valley of ‌Goguryeo Royal Tombs‌,where grass-covered mounds hide vaults of kings.Enter the ‌General's Tomb‌-its stone corridors echo with whispers of burial rites.Squint at the ceiling murals:faded ochre dragons chase phoenixes across cracked plaster,a cosmic dance frozen in time.Local elders swear that on moonless nights,the tomb's hexagonal chamber resonates with ghostly chants.Skeptical?Then rub your palm over the tomb's "spirit path" stones-their grooves,worn smooth by centuries of offerings,might just make believers of us all.

Hungry for drama?Let's march to the ‌Huanren City Ruins‌.Once a Goguryeo capital,its broken ramparts now cradle wild peach blossoms.Stand where the East Gate once stood:to your left,a 1,500-year-old stone well still brims with icy springwater (yes,you can sip it-tastes like victory and defeat).To your right,a shattered watchtower's foundation reveals charred beams-a silent scream from the day Tang armies burned this city to ash.Close your eyes.Can you hear the clang of blacksmiths?Smell roasted millet from long-vanished kitchens?History here isn't studied-it's felt,like a heartbeat underfoot.

But Goguryeo's genius shines brightest at the ‌Stele of King Gwanggaeto‌.This 6-meter-tall monolith isn't just rock-it's a thunderous autobiography.Trace your fingers over its 1,800 Chinese characters,each chiseled to proclaim the king's conquests:"I rode forth,and the seas parted!" Marvel at the tiger carving near the base-a symbol of Goguryeo's ferocity,its eyes still glaring at anyone who dares doubt its message.Fun fact:Farmers once mistook this stele for a "rain stone," rubbing it during droughts.Who's to say their rituals didn't awaken the king's spirit?

As dusk paints the sky mulberry-red,join me at the ‌Goguryeo Folk Village‌.Watch artisans mold black pottery using techniques unchanged since the 3rd century,or try pounding mochi in a stone mortar like Goguryeo festival-goers did.Sniff the air-that's makgeolli rice wine brewing in clay jars,its tangy scent mingling with pine smoke.Don't miss the archery range;grip a bamboo bow modeled after ancient designs,and for a fleeting moment,you're not a tourist but a Goguryeo hunter,drawing breath before the arrow flies.

Before we part,a word to the wise:taste the legacy‌.Grab a bowl of dogani tang (beef bone soup) at a hillside stall-it's said to mirror Goguryeo warriors'post-battle feasts.Or bite into a pine nut pancake,its recipe whispered down from royal chefs.Every flavor here is a cipher,a key to understanding a kingdom that refused to fade.

3.Wanfeng Tonghua Ski Resort‌

Wanfeng Tonghua Ski Resort,‌where powder meets passion,and every slope tells a story!Nestled in the heart of Jilin's "ice belt," this winter wonderland isn't just a ski destination-it's a frost-kissed playground where Olympic dreams and family fun collide.

First,feast your eyes on the ‌Champion's Ridge‌-a jaw-dropping panorama of 33 trails cascading down pine-clad mountains.Beginners,fear not!The ‌Bunny Hill‌ here is gentler than a snowflake's landing,with patient instructors teaching turns as smooth as silk.But adrenaline junkies,brace yourselves:the ‌Black Dragon Run‌ drops 900 meters of heart-pumping steeps,its moguls sharp enough to make even Olympians sweat.Between runs,hop on the high-speed gondola-its glass cabins offer views so crisp,you'll swear you're floating above a Qing Dynasty ink painting.

Now,let's talk snow.Wanfeng's secret weapon?"Diamond Dust"-a legendary dry powder that's fluffier than phoenix down,thanks to Siberian winds colliding with the Changbai Mountains.Local pros whisper that gliding here feels like surfing clouds.And when the sun dips,watch the slopes sparkle under LED lights-night skiing here isn't just sport,it's a disco on blades!

Cold toes?Warm up at ‌Fireside Village‌,a alpine-style hub where log cabins puff woodsmoke into the frosty air.Dip into the ‌Heavenly Spring Spa‌-its outdoor hot pools steam beneath starry skies,while snowflakes melt on your shoulders.Craving a bite?Sizzle your taste buds with guo bao rou (caramelized pork) at the slopeside grill,or sip Tonghua's famed ice wine by a crackling hearth-its honeyed chill is liquid courage for tomorrow's adventures.

Families,this one's for you!The ‌Snow Fairy Kingdom‌ dazzles kids with ice castles,husky sled rides,and a tubing lane that spirals like a frozen tornado.Don't miss the ‌Ice Sculpture Garden‌,where artisans carve mythical beasts from ice blocks so clear,you'll see rainbows trapped inside.Psst-keep an eye out for the resort's mascot,Xuebao (Snow Leopard),who high-fives little shredders at the magic carpet lift!

History buffs,lean in:Tonghua was China's first ski training base in the 1950s.At the ‌Ski Museum‌,trace how bamboo-and-horsehair skis evolved into today's carbon fiber rockets.Then,test your balance on a vintage wooden slope-a humbling reminder of how far we've soared!

As dusk paints the peaks lavender,join the ‌Torlit Descent‌-a parade of skiers weaving down the mountain with flaming torches,their trails blazing like dragons in the dark.Cap the night with a huoguo feast at the summit lodge,where spicy broth melts away the cold,and laughter echoes off frosty windows.

4.‌Longwanqun National Forest Park

‌Longwanqun National Forest Park,‌a realm where volcanoes sleep beneath emerald cathedrals,and every trail whispers secrets of fire and rebirth!Nestled in Tonghua's wild embrace,this UNESCO-listed wonder isn't just a park-it's a living theater where nature stages its grandest spectacles.

First,meet the ‌Seven Dragon Lakes‌-a string of volcanic craters shimmering like sapphires tossed by gods.The star?‌Dragon King Lake‌,its waters so blue they'd shame the sky.Lean closer:those bubbles rising from the depths aren't just geothermal whispers-locals swear it's the breath of the dragon king himself,napping since his last eruption 16,000 years ago!Dip a toe;the lake's chilly embrace will jolt you awake,while pine-scented breezes hum forgotten mantras.Psst-bring a coin!Toss one into the ‌Wishing Caldera‌,where wishes are said to sink straight to the dragon's ear.

Now,let's crunch through frost-kissed leaves into the ‌Primordial Forest‌.These trees are elders-400-year-old Korean pines tower like green giants,their trunks tattooed with lichen.Listen:woodpeckers drum,red squirrels gossip,and somewhere,a hidden waterfall churns out its liquid symphony.Keep your eyes peeled for "Fairy Rings"-mushroom circles where folklore says forest spirits dance by moonlight.Feeling bold?Taste a wild berry (the ruby-red shanzha are safe,I promise!) and let its tartness remind you:this wilderness isn't tamed,just politely shared.

Adrenaline seekers,follow me to ‌Sky Ladder Gorge‌!We'll cross swaying rope bridges strung between cliffs,while the ‌Yinma River‌ roars below like an angry jade serpent.Touch the canyon walls-their jagged basalt columns,forged in volcanic fury,now stand as nature's own organ pipes.At the gorge's heart,‌Heavenly Mirror Falls‌ plunges 68 meters,its mist painting rainbows even in November.Brave the viewing platform,and you'll feel the waterfall's roar vibrate in your bones-a primal reminder of Earth's raw power.

But Longwanqun's magic shifts with the seasons.Visit in autumn,and the mountains blaze with maples so fiery,they'd outshine a phoenix.Winter?Snow transforms the park into a Narnian dream-ski through silent forests,then thaw in the ‌Dragon's Bath Hot Springs‌,where mineral-rich waters steam beneath open skies.Spring brings carpets of wild azaleas,while summer invites kayaking on glassy lakes,your paddle slicing through reflections of clouds.

Hungry?Join me at the ‌Forest Kitchen‌!Forage for songrong mushrooms with a local guide,then grill them over crackling birchwood.Sip pine-needle tea sweetened with wild honey,or try the park's quirky specialty-eggs boiled in hot springs,their yolks custard-soft.As you feast,listen to elders spin tales of the ‌Volcano Goddess‌,who supposedly still strolls the ridges,her hair streaming comet-red leaves.

As dusk falls,the park dons its mystic cloak.Join the ‌Nightwatch Walk‌-flashlights off!-to witness constellations undimmed by city glare.If you're lucky,the northern lights might flicker green over the lakes,a celestial waltz even the dragon king can't resist.

5.Sanjiaolongwan Scenic Area‌

Sanjiaolongwan Scenic Area,‌a volcanic masterpiece where emerald waters cradle ancient legends,and every breeze carries echoes of dragons!Tucked into Tonghua's wild highlands,this crater-born wonder isn't just a lake-it's a portal to a world where myth and nature collide.

First,behold the ‌Dragon's Eye Lake‌-a near-perfect circle of jade-green water,framed by cliffs cloaked in pine and birch.Formed by a volcanic eruption 100,000 years ago,this crater lake is so clear,you'll see trout darting like silver arrows 20 meters down.But don't just stare-rent a bamboo raft and paddle to the center!Locals swear the water here holds mystical warmth,rumored to be the lingering breath of the ‌Three-Headed Dragon‌ said to slumber beneath.Dip your hand in...feel that tingle?Maybe it's the dragon's heartbeat,or just the thrill of floating atop a sleeping volcano!

Now,lace up for the ‌Lava Spine Trail‌.This rocky path winds through a Jurassic-like forest where twisted rhododendrons claw at basalt columns.Watch your step-the ground is littered with volcanic bombs,stone globes hurled skyward during eruptions and frozen mid-air.Halfway up,pause at ‌Thunder Gate Cave‌,a hollowed lava tube where whispers amplify into eerie roars.Shout your name-the echo might return with an extra syllable,a playful trick of the dragon's curse (or just acoustics!).At the peak,gasp at the panoramic "Dragon's Backbone"-a jagged ridge of obsidian cliffs that glitters like scales under sunlight.

Hungry for magic?Trek to ‌Hidden Moon Waterfall‌,a silken ribbon of water plunging 50 meters into a misty pool.Legend says the waterfall's spray hides a moon goddess who bathes at dawn-rise early,and you might spot her reflection in the dewdrops.Brave souls can wade behind the cascade;the rock wall there is etched with ‌ancient petroglyphs‌ of dragons and stars,their meanings lost but their mystique intact.Pro tip:Pack a lunch!Picnic on the ‌Jade Moss Meadow‌,where spongy volcanic soil cushions your steps and wild blueberries sweeten the air.

But Sanjiaolongwan isn't just summer's gem.Visit in autumn,and the hills explode into a riot of crimson maples and golden larch-a dragon's hoard of color.Winter?The lake freezes into a glassy mirror,perfect for ice fishing (locals drill holes and share tales of the ‌Ice Dragon‌ who "swims" beneath).Come spring,the slopes burst with azaleas so vivid,they'd make a phoenix jealous!

Feeling peckish?Join me at ‌Granny Liu's Lakeside Hut‌ for a taste of volcanic cuisine.Sizzle up stewed lake fish in a stone pot,its broth simmered with wild ginger found only here.Or try the dragon egg potatoes-purple tubers grown in mineral-rich soil,roasted in campfire embers.Wash it down with ‌mountain hawthorn wine‌,a tart elixir said to grant the vigor of those mythical three-headed beasts!

As twilight paints the sky lavender,join the ‌Dragon Lantern Walk‌.Follow flickering paper lanterns along the shore,their light dancing on the water like fireflies.Guides will spin tales of the dragon brothers who once battled here,their fury carving the land-until they collapsed,exhausted,forming the lake's three connected bays (hence "Sanjiaolongwan"-Three Dragons'Bay).

6.Jiguan Mountain National Forest Park

Jiguan Mountain National Forest Park‌,where jagged peaks pierce the heavens like a rooster's crimson crown,and every gust of wind carries tales of ancient warriors and phantom pheasants!Nestled in Tonghua's rugged frontier,this park isn't just a hike-it's a vertical adventure where cliffs dare you to climb and forests hum with forgotten legends.

First,meet the "Rooster's Crown"-a razor-edged ridge of scarlet granite that blazes at sunrise,its silhouette mirroring a mythical rooster mid-crow.Scale the ‌Heavenly Staircase‌,1,800 stone steps carved into the cliffside,and pause at ‌Eagle's Perch Platform‌ to gawk at valleys carpeted in Siberian pines.Legend claims this ridge was forged when a celestial rooster shed its fiery feathers to drive away darkness-touch the rock at noon,and you might still feel their warmth!

Next,dive into the Valley of Whispers‌,a mossy gorge where sunlight filters through maple leaves like liquid gold.Follow the ‌Phantom Stream‌,a crystalline creek that vanishes and reappears,its waters said to be the tears of a heartbroken mountain nymph.Keep an eye out for rare ‌Siberian tigers‌-their paw prints sometimes dot muddy banks-and the park's mascot,the ‌golden pheasant‌,whose iridescent plumage flashes like a living ember in the undergrowth.

Thrill-seekers,gear up for the Sky Walk!This dizzying plank path clings to the mountain's western face,offering vertigo-inducing views of the ‌Dragon's Gully‌ below.Cross the ‌Cloud Bridge‌,a swaying suspension bridge strung between two spires,and you'll reach the ‌Stone Sentinel‌-a 30-meter rock pillar shaped like a warrior guarding the peaks.Local climbers whisper that touching its base grants courage;scaling it (with a guide!) earns bragging rights for life.

History buffs,uncover the Warrior's Cache!Hidden in a cave near the summit,14th-century ‌Jurchen tribe carvings‌ depict battles and beastly deities.Rub charcoal on the walls to reveal scenes of hunters chasing stags-or is that a dragon?Nearby,the ‌Silent Drum Rock‌ stands:strike it with a pebble,and it booms like distant thunder,a trick of its hollow volcanic core.

Seasons paint Jiguanshan in wild contrasts.Summer cloaks the slopes in a jungle-like tangle of ferns and wild grapes.Autumn?The maples erupt into flames,their reflections staining the ‌Jade Mirror Lake‌ scarlet.Winter transforms the park into a snow fortress-strap on snowshoes to track hares under frosted pines.Come spring,the ‌Blossom Corridor‌ erupts with pink magnolias,their petals swirling like confetti in the wind.

Refuel at Uncle Zhang's Summit Shack‌,a rustic hut serving wild boar dumplings stuffed with foraged herbs,and ‌roasted chestnuts‌ cooked over volcanic stones.Sip ‌ginseng-infused baijiu‌ to ward off the chill,or try the "Rooster's Elixir"-a herbal brew locals swear sharpens your senses (and maybe your luck!).

As twilight falls‌,join the ‌Torchlight Descent‌.Guided by flickering flames,wind down the mountain while storytellers recount tales of ‌General Li‌,a Ming Dynasty hero who allegedly hid his treasure here.Watch the cliffs-some say his ghost still patrols,armored and glowing faintly blue.

7.Diaoshuihu Waterfall‌

Diaoshuihu Waterfall‌,a liquid symphony where nature's teapot pours eternal magic into Tonghua's emerald heartland!Hidden deep within a primeval forest,this cascading wonder doesn't just fall-it dances,weaving mist,myth,and melody into a spectacle that'll steal your breath.

First,meet the "Hanging Teapot"-the waterfall's namesake!Watch as crystal waters plunge 48 meters into a moss-cushioned pool,their flow split mid-air by a jagged cliff into two silken streams.One crashes with a thunderous roar;the other trickles like a shy melody.Legend claims this split was carved by a celestial maiden who dropped her jade teapot here,its spout forever pouring blessings.Lean over the ‌Moon Viewing Platform‌ at dawn,and you might catch rainbows spiraling through the mist-locals call them "the tea's aroma" rising to the heavens.

Grab your boots-it's time for the Whispering Gorge Trail!This mossy path winds through a Jurassic-like forest of ancient pines and gnarled vines.Halfway,you'll hear it:the waterfall's roar softens into a gentle murmur as you reach the ‌Hidden Teahouse Cave‌.Duck inside this natural grotto,where sunlight filters through ferns,and the air hums with negative ions.Touch the walls-they're warm!Geothermal veins here heat the stone,creating a secret sauna Mother Nature herself designed.

Adventure calls at the Cauldron Pools!Below the main falls,a chain of turquoise plunge pools sparkles like scattered sapphires.The bold can dip their feet into the ‌Dragon's Brew Pool‌-its icy waters are said to cure ailments,thanks to mineral-rich volcanic bedrock.Watch your step:smooth,bowl-shaped "kettles" carved into the riverbed by centuries of swirling pebbles give the site its name (Diaoshuihu means "hanging water kettles").Tip:Sit quietly by the ‌Jade Thread Spring‌,a side cascade as delicate as embroidery,and you might spot sika deer sipping at dusk.

Hungry for folklore?Local elders will tell you of the ‌Weaver Girl‌,a fairy who once bathed here.Her tears,shed over a forbidden mortal love,supposedly birthed the waterfall's eternal flow.Hunt for her "loom" nearby-a peculiar rock formation strung with wild ivy that "clicks" in the wind,mimicking weaving sounds.Leave a ribbon tied there,and rumor says your deepest wish will weave into reality!

Seasons dress Diaoshuihu in drama.Summer cloaks the gorge in a lush emerald canopy,while autumn sets the maples ablaze,their reflections staining the pools crimson.Winter?The waterfall freezes into a glittering ice sculpture,its columns glowing blue under moonlight-a hotspot for ice climbers tackling its frozen curtains.Come spring,wild azaleas bloom along the cliffs,their pink petals swirling like confetti in the mist.

Refuel at Granny Lin's Forest Stall‌,a cozy nook serving steaming bowls of yehuo noodles-hand-pulled dough simmered in wild mushroom broth,topped with foraged herbs.Sip pine-needle tea sweetened with hawthorn jam,or try the "Fairy's Elixir," a sparkling herbal drink brewed from waterfall mist and ginseng.Trust me-it's like drinking liquid vitality!

As twilight falls‌,join the ‌Lantern-lit Sound Bath‌.Guides lead silent walks to the base of the falls,where you'll lie on heated stone slabs,eyes closed,as the water's rhythm syncs with your heartbeat.It's not meditation-it's revelation,with fireflies dotting the dark like floating lanterns.

8.Yalu River National Gate

Yalu River National Gate‌,where two nations ripple side by side,history flows like a river,and patriotism rises taller than the watchtowers!Perched on Tonghua's edge,this iconic borderland isn't just a line on a map-it's a living theatre of culture,conflict,and camaraderie.

First,meet the "Dragon's Spine"-the mighty ‌Yalu River‌,its turquoise waters slicing through cliffs like a celestial blade.Gaze across to North Korea's misty hills,where oxcarts crawl like ants and smoke curls from distant villages.Now,behold the ‌Sino-Korean Border Gate‌,a colossal archway of white stone crowned with red stars.Snap a pic under its shadow-this isn't just a checkpoint;it's a symbol of resilience,rebuilt three times since the 1950s,weathering wars and winds alike.

History buffs,charge to the Broken Bridge!Half-submerged in the river,its rusted iron skeleton stands as a haunting relic of the Korean War.Walk its splintered planks-once a vital railway link-and peer into bomb craters still visible on the North Korean shore.Guides whisper tales of midnight espionage here;some swear they've heard phantom trains clattering at dawn.Don't miss the ‌War Memorial Wall‌,etched with soldiers'letters that'll grip your heart tighter than a general's orders.

Thrill-seekers,hop aboard the Patrol Boat Cruise!Zip along the river's edge,close enough to wave at North Korean fishermen casting nets (but don't wave too enthusiastically-rules are strict here!).Watch for ‌Samilpo‌,a village frozen in time,its pastel-painted houses clinging to cliffs like barnacles.Captain Xiao might point out the "Lonely Sentinel"-a lone North Korean guard post where a soldier often stands statue-still,binoculars glinting in the sun.

Culture cravers,explore the Border Market!Bustling with vendors,it's a sensory riot of Dandong strawberries,Yanbian kimchi,and hand-carved ‌Yalu fishbone art‌-intricate scenes of cranes and pagodas crafted from river fish spines.Haggle for a "Friendship Badge"(a vintage Mao-N.K.leader pin) or sip ‌border-blend tea‌,a mix of Chinese oolong and North Korean wild herbs.Just remember:Crossing the line here is forbidden...but your curiosity can roam free!

Climb the ‌Eagle's Watch Tower‌ for a bird's-eye drama!From its glass-floored platform,the Yalu unfurls like a jade ribbon,weaving between China's neon-lit promenades and Korea's shadowed slopes.Sunset is prime time-watch the river blush crimson as patriotic anthems echo from loudspeakers below.Fun fact:This spot inspired the film The Crossing-scan the reeds,and you might "spot" cinematic ghosts of wartime refugees!

Seasons paint the border anew.Summer brings firework festivals over the river,their sparks mirroring starlight.Autumn cloaks the banks in golden ginkgo,while winter transforms the Yalu into a frosty runway for ice skaters.Come spring,cherry blossoms explode along the Chinese shore-a pink tsunami that stops abruptly at the border,as if nature itself respects the divide.

Feast at Auntie Wang's Riverside Grill‌,where skewers of Yalu salmon sizzle over birchwood flames.Try the "Brothers'Dumplings"-stuffed with pork and N.K.-style pickled radish-or sip ‌paozi wine‌,a sorghum brew aged in bamboo barrels.For dessert?‌Patriotic ice cream‌,dyed red and stamped with tiny border gates-it's sweet,symbolic,and melts fast...just like peace,locals joke.

As dusk falls‌,join the ‌Flag-Lowering Ceremony‌.Soldiers march with razor precision,their boots pounding in unison as Chinese and North Korean flags descend.The crowd falls silent-no phones,no chatter-just the river's murmur and the weight of history.It's not a show;it's a meditation on what divides and unites us.

9.Yunxia Cave Geological Wonder

Yunxia Cave Geological Wonder,‌a subterranean realm where stone breathes,light dances,and ancient Earth whispers secrets older than dynasties!Nestled in Tonghua's rugged embrace,this labyrinth of limestone isn't just a cave-it's a cathedral of nature's artistry,painted in mineral hues and draped in myths.

First,marvel at the "Veil of a Thousand Clouds"-the cave's grand entrance,where mist swirls like phantom silk around a colossal archway.As sunlight filters through,the limestone walls blush rose-gold,earning Yunxia ("Cloud Glow") its poetic name.Step inside,and the temperature drops-a crisp 16°C year-round,perfect for escaping summer's blaze or winter's bite.

Geology geeks,ignite!This 270-million-year-old karst maze boasts ‌Sky Pillar Hall‌,a chamber where stalactites and stalagmites lock in eternal embrace,forming columns as thick as ancient oaks.Gaze up at the ‌Jade Canopy‌,a ceiling glittering with calcite crystals that mimic frozen starlight.Then,tiptoe across the ‌Moon Bridge‌,a natural limestone arc spanning an underground river so clear,it mirrors the cave's wonders like liquid glass.

Don't miss the "Rainbow Abyss"!Hidden in the cave's deepest recess,this chamber comes alive under UV lights,revealing fluorescent streaks of iron oxide and azurite that blaze neon blue,crimson,and emerald.Guides swear these bands map prehistoric seismic tantrums-touch the "‌Dragon's Pulse‌" wall,and feel vibrations from millennia-old tectonic clashes!

Legends linger in every drip.Local lore tells of the ‌Cave Weaver‌,a Taoist hermit who meditated here for 49 years,his qi energy crystallizing into the ‌Immortal's Beard‌-a cluster of wispy,white stalactites.Deeper in,the ‌Lovers'Echo Chamber‌ awaits:whisper a wish against its heart-shaped stone,and your voice ricochets seven times-a nod to the tragic romance of a Ming-era couple who fled here to defy feudal traditions.

Thrill-seekers,tackle the "Bone Chiller" crawl!This narrow,50-meter tunnel snakes past ‌Skeleton Rock‌,a formation eerily resembling a fossilized giant.Emerging into the ‌Crystal Ballroom‌,you'll find floors polished by ancient waters into a mirrored dancefloor-stomp,and the acoustics mimic a ghostly guzheng ensemble.

Seasons transform the cave's mood.Summer brings bioluminescent fungi glowing faintly in damp corners.Autumn rains swell the underground river,its roar echoing like war drums.Winter coats the entrance in icicle fangs,while spring's thaw awakens ‌Weeping Stone‌,a formation that "cries" mineral-rich droplets said to heal skin ailments.

Refuel at Mama Luo's Cave Café‌,a cozy nook serving ‌Stone Pot Congee‌-rice simmered with cave spring water and wild herbs-and ‌Crystal Buns‌ stuffed with sweet lotus paste,their translucent skins mimicking cave quartz.Sip ‌Moss Tea‌,brewed from lichen found only here,its earthy flavor tinged with mystery.

As your tour ends‌,join the ‌Lantern Farewell Ritual‌.Floating a tiny paper lantern down the underground stream,you'll watch its light bob into darkness-a symbolic release of worries into Earth's keeping.Locals say if your lantern flame stays lit past the ‌Gate of Eternity‌ (a 90-degree bend),your ancestors will bless your journey home.

10.Zhibei Village‌

Zhibei Village‌,a living scroll of Manchurian heritage,where time loops like a winding river,and every cobblestone whispers secrets of dynasties past!Tucked in Tonghua's embrace,this ancient hamlet isn't just a village;it's a portal to a world of ice-cut palaces,shamanic rhythms,and rice paper dreams.

First,behold the "Gate of Frost and Fire"-a towering archway of volcanic stone and ice-glazed timber,its carvings depicting mythical beasts from Manchu folklore.Pass through,and you'll enter a labyrinth of ‌Qing Dynasty courtyard homes‌,their upturned eaves dusted with snow in winter or draped in wisteria come spring.Pause at the ‌Moonwell‌,a centuries-old spring where villagers still gather at dawn to draw water believed to bless marriages.

History hunters,chase the "Ghost Lantern Lane"!By day,this alley brims with artisans crafting ‌fish-skin lanterns‌-a local tradition where pike skins are stretched translucent over bamboo frames.But as dusk falls,hundreds of these lanterns flicker to life,casting eerie shadows said to guide spirits of the Changbai Mountain gods.Listen closely:The clatter of looms from ‌Weaver's Hollow‌ mingles with the night breeze-a craft kept alive by elderly masters weaving ‌dogwood bark cloth‌,tougher than leather and softer than silk.

Foodies,feast at Granny Li's Ice Cellar Kitchen!Buried deep in permafrost,this subterranean eatery serves ‌Glacial Hot Pot‌-broth simmered with wild mushrooms that grew under volcanic ash,paired with paper-thin slices of frozen venison.Don't miss the ‌Frost-Nipped Buns‌,their dough fermented in icy cellars for a tangy punch,or sip ‌Snow Chrysanthemum Wine‌,a floral brew that locals claim lets you dream in black-and-white,like old films.

Adventure-seekers,brave the "Dragon's Spine Sled Run"!Carved into a mountainside,this 800-meter ice track zigzags past frozen waterfalls and pine forests.Clutch your wooden sled (no modern materials allowed!) and hurtle downward-locals say if you shout a wish mid-descent,the mountain spirits might just answer.For a gentler thrill,join the ‌Ice Calligraphy Contest‌ on Zhibei's frozen lake,where villagers paint poems with beetroot dye,their words melting into abstract art by noon.

Legends come alive at the Shaman's Grove.Hidden among ancient birches,this sacred circle of totems honors ‌Lady Hūlun‌,a warrior shamaness said to have summoned blizzards to repel invaders.Every full moon,villagers gather here for the ‌Drum Sky Ritual‌-a hypnotic dance where goat-hide drums sync with constellations.Join in;even tourists can bang a rhythm (but avoid the 13th drum-it's reserved for ancestral spirits!).

Seasons rewrite Zhibei's magic.Summer unveils the ‌Rice Terraces of Mist‌,where emerald paddies cascade like jade stairways to the clouds.Autumn ignites the ‌Maple Script Trail‌,a path lined with trees whose leaves bear vein patterns eerily resembling Manchu script.Winter?The village transforms into a ‌Crystal Kingdom‌,with ice hotels sculpted around thermal springs-bathe in 40°C waters while your hair freezes into icicle braids!

Before you leave,craft your "Soul Mirror" at the ‌Copper Forge Studio‌.Hammer a palm-sized bronze disc,then engrave it with a wish under the guidance of Master Wu,a sixth-generation metalsmith.Locals bury these mirrors in the ‌Wishing Mound‌ to "anchor their dreams to the earth"-or hang them at home to catch Zhibei's lingering magic.

11.Yuhuang Mountain

‌Yuhuang Mountain‌,where myth and mist dance among ancient pines!Imagine a place where every stone hums with legends of the Jade Emperor,where the air tastes like pine needles and poetry.

Feel the crunch of fallen maple leaves underfoot as we start our climb.These mossy stone steps have borne emperors,monks,and rebels since the Ming Dynasty-yes,even the Kangxi Emperor once paused here to gaze at the valley below.Watch your step;the roots of thousand-year-old pines snake across the path like nature's own calligraphy.Catch that scent?It's wild azaleas blooming in spring or frost-kissed persimmons in autumn,depending on when fate brings you here.Look up-sunlight filters through the canopy,dappling the trail in gold.Spot the red-crowned cranes?They're said to carry messages between this mountain and the heavens.

Halfway up,we'll stumble upon ‌Moon Lake‌,a mirror polished by mountain spirits.Lean over its glassy surface at dawn,and you'll see the reflection of Yuhuang Pavilion floating among clouds,as if the sky itself dipped a toe here.Dip your hand in-locals swear the water from these icy springs can wash away regrets.But wait until sunset,when the lake turns molten copper,and you'll understand why poets called it "the tear of the Jade Emperor."

Now,catch your breath-here comes the ‌Yuhuang Pavilion‌,perched like a dragon's crown atop the summit.Built in 1713,this Taoist treasure glows with vermilion pillars and eaves carved with celestial beasts.Step inside,and incense curls around statues of deities,their gilded faces serene under drifting smoke.Touch the bronze bell-ring it once,and its echo ripples across the valleys,a sound Qing Dynasty pilgrims believed could summon rain.Step onto the terrace,and...breathe.Tonghua sprawls below like a quilt of rooftops,while distant peaks fade into hazy blue.This view?It's why emperors claimed mountains were the spine of the earth.

But Yuhuang hides secrets too.Behind the pavilion,a narrow trail leads to the ‌Whispering Wall‌-press your ear to the cold stone,and folklore says you'll hear the mountain's oldest stories:whispers of Taoist alchemists brewing immortality elixirs,or the ghostly clang of swords from ancient battles.Skeptical?Then follow me to the ‌Lovers'Pine‌,two trees twisted into a single trunk over centuries.Leave a red ribbon here,and legend promises your love will outlast the mountain itself.

As dusk falls,the magic deepens.Watch the pavilion's silhouette melt into indigo shadows while fireflies ignite like floating stars.If you're lucky,a mist will rise from the valley,wrapping the mountain in a silken shroud-that's when locals say the Jade Emperor strolls his domain.

Before we descend,a word to the wise:taste the mountain‌.Sip Tonghua's ice wine at the summit stall-its sweetness stolen from frozen grapes.Or nibble yezi bing,crispy pancakes stuffed with wild herbs foraged from these slopes.Every flavor here is a love letter from Yuhuang.

12.Baiji Peak National Forest Park‌

Baiji Peak National Forest Park,where mountains roar with dragon energy,ancient pines hum with wisdom,and the air tastes like liquid jade!Nestled in Tonghua's wild heart,this untamed sanctuary isn't just a park-it's a ‌portal to primal China‌,where legends cling to cliffs and every trail leads to revelation.

First,bow to the "White Rooster King"-the park's crown jewel,a jagged granite peak named for its snow-dusted summit that glows like a celestial bird at dawn.Local lore claims it's the fossilized guardian of a Tang Dynasty princess who fled here to escape a forced marriage.Climb the ‌Heavenly Ladder Stairs‌ (1,488 stone steps!) to its pinnacle,where a ‌Dragon Vein Rock‌ pulses with geomantic energy.Touch it,and shamans say you'll absorb the mountain's courage-just don't look down until you reach the ‌Cloud Altar‌,a cliffside platform where mist swirls into phantom dragons at sunrise!

Nature nerds,geek out!This 20,000-hectare wonderland is a living encyclopedia of ‌rare species‌.Spot elusive ‌Siberian tigers‌ via camera traps (safely,promise!),or marvel at "Immortal Pines"-twisted,1,000-year-old trees that survived lightning strikes and dynastic collapses.The ‌Jade Thread Waterfall‌ steals the show:a 60-meter cascade that freezes mid-air in winter,forming a crystal staircase daring ice climbers to conquer.

Forge deeper into the "Valley of Whispers"-a moss-carpeted gorge where echoes bounce seven times.Here,the ‌Monk's Meditation Cave‌ hides,its walls etched with fading Sanskrit from a wandering Buddhist sage.Nearby,the ‌Twin Spirit Lakes‌ mirror the sky so perfectly,locals warn:"Step too close,and you'll fall into heaven's upside-down kingdom!"

Adrenaline junkies,tackle the "Rope of Souls"!This swaying suspension bridge spans a 200-meter chasm,offering views of the ‌Wolf's Maw Canyon‌ below.Dare to cross?Legend says those who stumble are "kissed by the mountain's mischief," while steady steppers earn a wish granted by the ‌Stone General‌-a cliffside rock formation resembling an armored warrior.

Seasons here are sorcery.Summer carpets the park in wild peonies and azaleas,while autumn sets the maples ablaze in crimson and gold.Winter?The forest becomes a ‌Silent Symphony‌-frozen waterfalls,snow-laden firs,and steaming hot springs hidden in ice caves.Spring awakens the ‌Peach Blossom Ravine‌,where petals rain like pink snow,and herbalists scramble to harvest wild ginseng.

Refuel at Uncle Zhang's Summit Shack‌,a rustic hut dishing ‌Wild Mushroom Stone Pot Soup‌-foraged boletes simmered with glacial meltwater-and ‌Pine Needle Pancakes‌,crispy and fragrant with resin.Wash it down with ‌Frostberry Wine‌,a tart brew locals claim "melts your worries faster than spring thaw."

Photography fiends,capture the "Ghost Lights"!At dusk,bioluminescent fungi glow faintly blue along the ‌Stardust Trail‌,while fireflies stage raves in the fern groves.For the ultimate shot,hike to ‌Moon-Cradled Ridge‌ at midnight-the stars here blaze so bright,they cast shadows.

Before descending,join the "Bell of Harmony" ritual.Ring the ancient bronze bell at ‌Tianquan Temple‌,its toll echoing across valleys.Monks say each chime carries a prayer to the mountain gods...or maybe it's just your soul sighing,awestruck.

13.Huinan Jiangxin Island‌

Huinan Jiangxin Island‌,a floating Eden where water whispers poetry,willows braid sunlight,and time flows as lazily as the Yalu River itself!Anchored in Tonghua's serene embrace,this emerald isle isn't just a dot on the map-it's a sanctuary for souls seeking harmony between earth and water.

First,surrender to the "Dragon's Ribbon Bridge"-a sinuous wooden walkway that snakes across the river to the island,its curves mimicking the flow of ancient calligraphy.As you cross,spot ‌Cormorant Fishermen‌ perched on nearby rocks,their feathered companions diving like black arrows to catch silver flashes of trout.Legend says this bridge was inspired by a lovelorn Qing Dynasty poet who vowed to "stitch the river with his verses."

Nature lovers,feast your eyes!Jiangxin Island is a ‌biosphere ballet‌.Spring carpets the banks in wild peonies and azure forget-me-nots,while summer sees ‌Lotus Armies‌-vast fields of blooms that open at dawn with a synchronized pop!Autumn?The island blushes crimson as maple leaves mirror the river's surface,creating an illusion of floating fire.Winter transforms it into a ‌Silent Ink Painting‌,with frosted reeds and ice-locked fishing boats resembling brushstrokes on rice paper.

Paddle into the "Mist Maze"!Rent a bamboo raft and glide through narrow waterways flanked by 10-meter-tall reeds.At sunrise,fog cloaks the channels,and all you'll hear is the dip of your pole and the occasional splash of a ‌Golden Scale Carp‌-locals believe these fish carry messages from water deities.Find the hidden ‌Moonbow Falls‌,a tiny cascade that sprays prismatic arcs when sunlight hits just right.

History buffs,seek the "Whispering Dock"!This crumbling stone pier,overgrown with moss,was once a bustling hub for ginseng traders.Press your ear to the ‌Merchant's Stone‌,a weathered slab etched with Qing Dynasty cargo tallies,and old-timers swear you'll hear ghostly haggling in Manchu dialect.Nearby,the ‌Tea Hermit's Hut‌ stands preserved-a 19th-century retreat where a reclusive scholar brewed medicinal teas from riverbank herbs.

Thrill-seekers,conquer the "Eel's Back"!This narrow ridge of polished river stones slices through the island's heart.Walk its slippery spine at low tide,balancing like a heron,and you'll reach the ‌Echoing Grotto‌,a hollow cliff where your shouts return layered with phantom birdcalls.Dare to swim?The ‌Crystal Shallows‌ offer icy dips,their waters so pure you can spot ‌Jade Snails‌ gliding over rainbow pebbles.

Foodies,follow your nose to Granny Feng's Skiff Kitchen!Moored under a weeping willow,her floating stall serves ‌Drunkard's Shrimp‌-fresh catches marinated in sorghum wine and chili-and ‌River Nest Dumplings‌,their dough woven from aquatic fern flour.Sip ‌Reed Root Tea‌,a smoky brew that locals claim "washes away city dust," and save room for ‌Honeyed Lotus Seeds‌,sticky-sweet and served in folded lily pads.

At dusk,join the "Lantern Drift Ritual"!Write a wish on rice paper,place it in a lotus-shaped lantern,and set it adrift.Hundreds flicker like fireflies on the current,their glow guided by the ‌Star Net‌-a cliffside rock formation pocked with natural hollows that fill with starlight after dark.Fishermen say lanterns that swirl three times near the ‌Dragon's Whisker Rocks‌ have their wishes fast-tracked by river spirits.

Before you leave,climb the ‌Heron Watchtower‌!This bamboo-scaffold tower offers 360-degree views of the island's quilt of wetlands and the distant Changbai Mountains.Binoculars let you spy on ‌Mandarin Ducks‌-symbols of marital bliss-or the elusive ‌Azure Kingfisher‌,its feathers bluer than a midsummer sky.

14.Xianren Cave (Immortal's Grotto)‌

Xianren Cave (Immortal's Grotto),‌a subterranean wonderland where stalactites drip with myths,shadows dance with ancient secrets,and the very air hums with the energy of celestial beings!Nestled in Meihekou,Tonghua's hidden gem,this labyrinth of limestone isn't just a cave...it's a ‌gateway to another realm‌,carved over millennia by water,time,and a dash of divine mischief.

First,bow to the "Dragon's Maw Entrance"-a jagged archway shrouded in mist,where the cave's breath (a cool 16°C year-round!) whispers tales of Taoist immortals who once meditated here.Local lore claims the cave's veins pulse with qi from the ‌Jade Emperor's lost elixir‌,spilled during a heavenly feud.Grab your flashlight-the real magic begins in the dark!

Marvel at the "Hall of a Thousand Buddhas"!This cathedral-like chamber dazzles with stalagmites resembling robed monks frozen mid-prayer.Spotlight the ‌Pearl Pillar‌,a 10-meter-tall fusion of stalactite and stalagmite that glows faintly under UV light-geologists gush,shamans bless.Nearby,the ‌Silk Thread Waterfall‌ cascades down a mossy wall,its droplets tinkling like wind chimes.Touch the ‌Wish Stone‌,a smooth boulder polished by centuries of hands;locals swear it amplifies whispered desires to the cave spirits.

Adventure deeper into the "Phantom Gallery"!Navigate narrow tunnels where bioluminescent fungi paint eerie blue trails.Here,the ‌Mirror Pool‌ lies-a glassy underground lake reflecting formations so perfectly,it's said to be a portal to a parallel world.Rent a kayak (yes,inside the cave!) and paddle gently;the ripples might reveal ghostly carvings of Qing-era poets on the walls.

History buffs,decode the "Star Script"!Near the cave's heart,a limestone slab bears cryptic symbols scratched by Ming Dynasty hermits.Scholars argue whether it's an astrological map or a recipe for immortality-either way,the ‌Echo Chamber‌ nearby turns your voice into a chorus of whispers.Shout a question,and the cave might just answer...in riddles.

Thrill-seekers,conquer the "Serpent's Belly"!Crawl through a 50-meter crevice (helmets provided!) where the walls glisten with calcite "scales." Emerge into the ‌Firefly Grotto‌,a dome lit seasonally by thousands of mating glow-worms.Time your visit right,and you'll witness a living galaxy underfoot.

Above ground,the magic continues.Follow the ‌Path of Petals‌,a trail lined with wild plum blossoms that perfume the air each spring.Visit the ‌Alchemist's Garden‌,where rare herbs like ginseng and snow lotus thrive-traditional healers still harvest them under the full moon.Don't miss the ‌Teahouse of Echoes‌,a cliffside pavilion serving ‌Stone Milk Tea‌ brewed from mineral-rich cave water and sweetened with pine honey.

At dusk,join the "Lantern Farewell" ritual!Light a lotus-shaped lantern and release it into the ‌Underground River of Souls‌,a tributary that carries your flickering wish through the cave's darkest depths.Guides claim lanterns that vanish around the ‌Twisted Helix Stalactite‌ have been "approved by the immortals."

Before you leave,taste the "Cave's Breath"!At the ‌Mountain's Pantry‌ eatery,try ‌Stone-Steamed Buns‌ (filled with wild mushrooms that grow only in the grotto's humidity) and sip ‌Frost Wine‌,aged in caves to absorb their mystic coolness.For dessert,‌Crystal Candy‌-rock sugar infused with chrysanthemum-crunches like edible gemstones.

15.‌Yang Jingyu Martyrs'Mausoleum

‌Yang Jingyu Martyrs'Mausoleum,‌a sacred symphony of valor,sacrifice,and unyielding spirit that rises like a granite hymn in Tonghua's embrace.This isn't just a memorial;it's a ‌living dialogue with history‌,where the echoes of China's revolutionary fire still blaze in every stone and statue.

First,bow beneath the Gate of Eternal Vigilance.This 12-meter-tall granite arch,carved with reliefs of pine and plum blossoms (symbols of resilience),marks your entry into hallowed ground.Feel the weight of silence here-the air itself seems to hum with the whispers of a thousand untold stories.Note the ‌24 steps‌ leading upward:each represents an hour of the day,reminding us that the fight for freedom never sleeps.

Step onto the Path of Heroes‌,flanked by 14 towering bronze statues depicting Yang Jingyu's comrades-in-arms.Each figure's face,weathered by time and tears,gazes toward the northeast-the direction of their final,desperate battles against Japanese invaders.Touch the ‌Shield of Oaths‌,a marble wall engraved with handwritten pledges from modern visitors.Some vows are smudged by rain...or perhaps by emotion.

The heart of the mausoleum:Yang Jingyu's statue.Carved from white jade,the General stands 6.8 meters tall,his coat tattered by wind,eyes blazing with defiance.Beneath his boots,a mosaic map of Manchuria shimmers with fragments of bullet casings melted into the design.Local lore claims rubbing the ‌Flame of Resistance‌ etched at the base (now polished gold from countless hands) will channel his courage.

Descend into the Underground Hall of Echoes.Here,a 360-degree mural depicts the ‌Battle of Mengjiang‌,where Yang and his Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army held firm despite starvation and frostbite.The centerpiece?A glass case holding Yang's last belongings:a rusted pistol,a tattered map,and a handful of tree bark-his final "meal" before martyrdom.The walls play a looped recording of his legendary last words:"I'd rather die than surrender!"

History comes alive in the Memorial Museum.Interactive dioramas recreate guerrilla tactics used in the snowy forests,while holograms project letters Yang wrote to his family-ink blotted where tears once fell.Don't miss the ‌Tree of Oaths‌,an AI-powered installation where visitors'spoken vows transform into digital leaves that "grow" on a virtual oak.

Join the Dawn Watch ritual.Each morning at 5:20 AM (the time of Yang's final stand),veterans and students gather at the ‌Eternal Flame Plaza‌ to relight the memorial fire using a lantern said to hold embers from Yan'an.As the sun rises,a choir sings The Ballad of the Northeast Wilderness,its melody carried by the wind to distant mountains.

Pause at the Whispering Wall of Names.This 100-meter-long black granite slab lists 3,872 martyrs from Yang's army.Run your fingers over the grooves;some names are faint,others freshly gilded.Locals leave wild chrysanthemums (Yang's favorite flower) and notes rolled into bullet-shaped scrolls.

Reflect in the Garden of Ten Thousand Pines.These ancient trees,planted by survivors in the 1950s,form a living timeline.Each pine bears a red ribbon tied by visitors-some frayed with age,others vibrant new silk.Find the ‌General's Bench‌,a stone seat where Yang allegedly planned his last battle.Sit quietly,and you might hear the distant cry of a red-crowned crane-symbol of longevity and rebirth.

Before leaving,taste resilience at the Martyrs'Kitchen.This humble café serves ‌Wilderness Stew‌ (millet,dried mushrooms,and pine nuts) based on soldiers'rations,and ‌Iron Will Tea‌,a bitter brew of dandelion roots and hawthorn.For dessert,‌Snowflake Candy‌-unrefined rock sugar shaped like winter's first flakes-melts slowly,just as hope endured even in darkness.