Jingpo Lake (镜泊湖, Mirror Lake), located in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, is the world’s largest volcanic lava dam lake, formed over 5,000 years ago by five volcanic eruptions that blocked the ancient river course of the Mudan River. The lake sits at an elevation of 350 meters, stretches 45 kilometers in length, and covers an area of approximately 80 square kilometers. The Jingpo Lake scenic area encompasses a total planning area of 1,726 square kilometers, consisting of three main sections: the Jingpo Lake main area, Jingpo Canyon, and the underground forest within the volcanic crater.
Exploring the Jingpo Lake scenic area typically requires two days. If you arrive in the afternoon, you might start by visiting the underground forest. The following morning can be dedicated to the main scenic area, while the afternoon can be spent at Jingpo Canyon. For those interested in historical sites, you can also visit the ruins of the Bohai Kingdom’s Shangjing Longquan Palace in the northeastern part of the area. If you only have one day, it’s advisable to focus on the main scenic area, with direct transportation available from Mudanjiang Railway Station to the scenic entrance, although services are limited to the morning.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jingpo Lake
- Vlog about Jingpo Lake
- Other Attractions in Mudanjiang City
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 days |
| Ticket Price | 100 RMB (1st May – 31st October) 50 RMB (1st November – 30th April) |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0453-6270180 |
Location and Transportation
Jingpo Lake is located in Ning’an City, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, approximately 80 kilometers from Mudanjiang City. To reach Jingpo Lake, visitors can take a high-speed train to Mudanjiang, and then transfer to a car for a scenic drive to the central area of the scenic spot – Jingpo Mountain Villa.
Highlights of Jingpo Lake
Volcanic Geological Landscape
In the northwestern region of Jingpo Lake, within a radius of 40 kilometers, there are 12 volcanic craters of varying sizes, with diameters ranging from 70 to 550 meters and depths between 30 to 132 meters. This volcanic group has erupted continuously for over a million years, with the last eruption occurring about 4,800 years ago. The lava rivers and plateaus outside the Jingpo Lake volcanic cone are primarily composed of black basalt, featuring large lava tunnels that are rare in China. These tunnels exhibit unique internal structures, with the longest measuring up to 10,000 meters, making them the largest and most complete lava tunnels discovered in the country.
Even during the peak summer months, ice formations can still be seen inside the tunnels, which exude a chilling atmosphere. Some tunnels are shrouded in mist, creating a deep and mysterious ambiance, holding significant scientific research value yet to be systematically studied by experts. Additionally, various unique volcanic lava formations, such as lava bridges, can be found on the plateau. Due to the ancient and diverse nature of the volcanic eruptions, combined with Jingpo Lake’s favorable geographic conditions, these craters are now covered in dense primitive mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, also referred to as “underground forests.” The extraordinary landscapes and majestic scenery are rare within China.
Lake Area
Visitors can take a boat from the Jingpo Mountain Villa dock to explore the lake, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Onboard, you can admire various scenic spots, including Maogong Mountain, Dagu Mountain, Xiaogu Mountain, and Daoshi Mountain, as well as unique rock formations along the shore, such as Shiraishi Rock and Chengqiang Rock. It’s recommended to sit at the front of the boat for optimal views. Additionally, the main scenic area features attractions like the Red Luo Female Culture Park, Yaoshi Ancient Temple, and the Wonder Stone Monument Park. The nearby Jingpo Canyon and Diaoshuilou Waterfall are also located at the northern end of Jingpo Lake. Here, you can walk on volcanic rocks and appreciate the various “ice basin” formations, along with small waterfalls and cultural sites related to the Korean ethnic group. In summer, kayaking and rafting are popular activities. The scenic area is compact, making it easy to explore within 2 to 3 hours.
Diaoshuilou Waterfall
The Diaoshuilou Waterfall, located at the northern end of Baichang Lake, features a circular plunge pool formed by black basalt with a drop of 20 meters. During peak water flow periods, the waterfall cascades spectacularly from three sides, stretching over 100 meters with a flow rate of 4,000 cubic meters per second. In summer, especially after rainfall, the roar of the water is thunderous, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors can stand on the cliffs opposite the waterfall to enjoy diving performances by China’s cliff diving champion, Di Huanran.
The wind at Jingpo Lake cuts against your face like a knife. Even though it’s -25 degrees, it feels much colder than the -29 degrees at Changbai Mountain.