Changbaishan Wanda

Changbaishan Wanda, also known as Changbaishan International Ski Center, opened on 30 November 2012 and remains one of China's largest ski resorts. It stands near Songjianghe on the western slope of the Changbaishan volcanic massif, on the border with North Korea.

Skiing is spread between 835 and 1,205 m across two peaks - the Main and North peaks. There are 43 pistes in total: 20 beginner, 14 intermediate and 9 advanced, with a combined length of about 33 km. The pistes are named after ranks in the Chinese military hierarchy - "General", "Marshal" and "Lord" - while the steepest lines on the northern ridge are called "Black Dragon" and "White Dragon".

Good to know

Changbaishan lies on the 42nd parallel and receives snow from the Sea of Japan. In winter, soft, dry snow falls here regularly, which is why the area is considered one of Asia's best powder zones.

A whole village of international hotel chains has been built at the foot of the mountain, along with a water park and a thermal complex fed by volcanic springs. The resort includes Club Med Changbaishan.

The nearest high-speed railway station is Changbaishan (Songjianghe), about 20 minutes by car from the resort.

Longest run

The longest descent here is "General" (将军), about 3 km from the Main Peak to the lower station.

Most challenging runs

The most difficult run is "Black Dragon" (黑龙), 1.4 km long with a vertical drop of 340 m.

Snowparks

MOMO Park, with jumps and features, operates in the middle section of the slope, with a halfpipe nearby. According to the resort trail map.

Features

Some pistes are marked as off-piste forest zones - a rarity at Chinese resorts.

Night skiing

Floodlit pistes are available for evening skiing. Evening skiing is charged separately from the day pass.