6. Jilin - Changbai Mountain and Heavenly Lake

Located in north-east China, Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano – and Tianchi its crater lake. While you may need some luck to see Mount Fuji, spotting Tianchi Lake requires even more fortune. Due to the high-altitude climate, the lake is only visible for about 40 days a year. Yet, many still make the pilgrimage outside of this window, which is a testament to its allure.

Peak season: avoid the rainy season (June and July) and visit between August and September for a better chance of seeing the lake. May is also a good time to see the frozen lake before it thaws.

How to get there: fly to Beijing with us and catch a domestic flight to Changbaishan Airport. At the airport, you can take a direct shuttle bus to Beauty Pine Park in Chibei District – they run three times a day and bring you to the entrance of the scenic area.