Mountain ecotourism reaches peak

The Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Zone in Jilin province promotes high-level protection and high-quality development, accelerating its progress toward becoming a world-class ecological tourism destination.

Leveraging its unique geographical advantages and abundant resources, the zone focuses on dual brands: a summer resort and an ice-and-snow destination. This approach drives the deep integration of cultural and tourism development, said Gao Fei, Party secretary of the Working Committee of the CPC Changbai Area Committee and director of the Jilin Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Management Committee.

In 2023, the region's gross domestic product achieved a year-on-year increase of 9.4 percent. The Changbai Mountain Scenic Area received over 2.7 million visitors, marking a 260.45 percent increase and setting a historical record.

In the first three quarters of this year, the region's GDP grew by 6.5 percent year-on-year, maintaining the top position in Jilin province for three consecutive quarters. Visitor numbers exceeded 3 million for the first time.

On March 27, Changbaishan Global Geopark was listed in the Global Geoparks Network by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. On Sept 26, Changbai Mountain was recognized as one of the First Group of World Famous Tourism Mountains by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance, further enhancing its international reputation and brand influence.

"In 2025, the Shenyang-Baishan High-speed Railway is set to open, positioning Changbai Mountain as the backyard and leisure destination for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region," said Gao.

"With the anticipated surge of tens of millions of visitors, we are more confident and determined in our efforts to develop the region into a world-class ecological tourism destination."