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I've been guiding hikes in Jingyuetan for years — and I still see tourists make the same mistake: heading straight to the main trail from the south gate. Big mistake. Here's what I actually do, and what you should do too.
This lake-and-forest park in the southeast of Changchun is massive — 100 square kilometers of pine, oak, and birch forests surrounding a crystal-clear reservoir. Most visitors only scratch the surface. But with the right routes, you can escape the crowds and find quiet trails that feel like wilderness.
Why Jingyuetan? – The Real Scoop
Jingyuetan (literally "Crescent Moon Pond") is often called the "Pearl of Changchun." It's a designated national forest park and a protected water source. The air is noticeably cleaner than downtown — you'll smell pine needles instead of exhaust.
But here's the catch: on weekends, the main promenade by the lake gets packed with families and selfie sticks. The magic is in the secondary trails that climb into the hills. That's where you'll find silence, bird songs, and the occasional deer.
And no, you don't need to be an athlete. Trails range from easy lakeside walks to moderate climbs. I've taken 70-year-olds and 5-year-olds on the easier ones.
Top 5 Jingyuetan Hiking Trails – My Personal Ranking
I've walked every marked trail (and a few unmarked ones) multiple times. Here are the five I recommend, from easiest to hardest. I've included the distance, average time, difficulty, and start point.
| Trail Name | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Start Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Boardwalk | 3 km | 45 min | Easy (paved) | South Gate | Sunset views, wheelchair accessible |
| Pine Forest Loop | 5 km | 1.5 hrs | Easy to moderate | East Gate parking lot | Dappled light, few people |
| Hilltop Panorama Trail | 7 km | 2–2.5 hrs | Moderate (some steep sections) | Northwest entrance near the golf course | 360° view over the entire park |
| Deep Forest Circuit | 10 km | 3–4 hrs | Moderate to challenging | West Gate (hidden entrance) | Wilderness feel, birdwatching |
| Summit Challenge (unofficial) | 12 km | 4–5 hrs | Hard (unmarked, need map) | Behind the reservoir dam | Adventure seekers, no crowds |
Lakeside Boardwalk – The Easy Win
This is the only fully paved trail. It hugs the western shore of the lake. Great for a casual stroll or if you have mobility issues. But avoid it between 11am and 3pm on weekends — it's a parade of excited families. Go at sunrise or just before closing (7pm in summer).
Pine Forest Loop – My Go-To for Solitude
Start at the East Gate parking lot. There's a small dirt path next to the bike rental shed — most people miss it. This trail winds through mature pine forest. The ground is soft with needles, so it's gentle on knees. I always stop at the bench near kilometer 3 — perfect spot for a snack with no one around.
Hilltop Panorama Trail – Worth Every Sweat Drop
The trailhead is near the golf course at the northwest corner. It climbs steadily for about 1.5 km. The reward is a wooden viewing platform that overlooks the entire reservoir and downtown Changchun in the distance. Tip: go in the late afternoon. The golden light hitting the water is stunning.
Deep Forest Circuit – Get Lost (Safely)
This is my favorite for a real hike. The West Gate is tiny — no ticket counter, just a turnstile. You'll need to show your park admission (buy it online). The trail is well-marked with colored ribbons, but cell service is spotty. Take a photo of the trail map at the entrance. Carry at least 1 liter of water per person.
Summit Challenge – Only for the Brave
This isn't an official route. It's a faint path locals use to reach the highest point of the park. I only take clients who are experienced hikers. You'll need to download a GPS map beforehand (Maps.me works). The top is rocky and windy — but you'll have the entire park to yourself.
How to Get to Jingyuetan National Forest Park
By metro: Take Changchun Metro Line 3 to Jingyuetan Station (净月潭站). Exit from Gate A. Walk straight for 200 meters — you'll see the South Gate entrance tower. Total metro ride from Changchun Railway Station is about 40 minutes.
By taxi: From downtown, a DiDi (Chinese Uber) costs around 30–40 RMB. Show the driver: 净月潭公园南门. They'll drop you at the main entrance.
By bus: Bus 102, 120, 160, and 335 all stop at Jingyuetan. The bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the South Gate. But buses can be crowded — I'd skip this unless you're on a tight budget.
Pro tip: Most visitors enter through the South Gate. If you come by taxi, ask the driver to take you to the East Gate or West Gate instead. You'll skip the queue and start your hike directly.
Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard admission (adult) | 30 RMB (about $4 USD) |
| Student (with valid ID) | 15 RMB |
| Children under 1.2m | Free |
| Senior (60–69) | 15 RMB (must show passport) |
| Senior 70+ | Free |
| Opening hours (summer) | 7:00 – 19:30 (last entry 18:30) |
| Opening hours (winter) | 7:30 – 17:00 (last entry 16:00) |
Where to buy tickets: You can buy at the gate (cash or WeChat Pay). But to avoid the queue, use the official WeChat mini-program "净月潭" (it's in Chinese only, but you can ask your hotel to help). International credit cards are NOT accepted at the gate. Bring cash or have Alipay/WeChat set up.
Note: The park occasionally closes for special events (like the January ice sculpture festival). Check their official website or ask your hotel before heading out.
Best Time to Hike & Avoid Crowds
Season: Late spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are perfect. Summers can be hot and humid (35°C) with afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is cold (−15°C) but the trails are open — just wear microspikes for icy sections.
Time of day: I always tell my groups: arrive by 7:30 AM. The park opens at 7, and the first hour is gloriously quiet. If you can't make it early, aim for 3 PM onward — the light is softer and day-trippers start leaving.
Weekdays are obviously better. If you only have weekends, stick to the Pine Forest Loop or Deep Forest Circuit — they're far less crowded than the Lakeside Boardwalk.
Insider Tips: What Most Guides Won't Tell You
- The restroom problem: Flush toilets only exist at the South Gate entrance and near the reservoir dam. The few pit toilets on the trails are... unpleasant. Use the facilities before you enter.
- Water refill: There's only one shop inside — at the reservoir dam. Prices are double (10 RMB for a small bottle). Bring your own water. I carry 1.5 liters on a half-day hike.
- Bike rental trap: You can rent bicycles at the South Gate (single: 20 RMB/hour, tandem: 40 RMB). But the bikes are heavy and the paved trail is only 5 km. For hiking, skip the bike.
- International credit cards: As mentioned, nearly everything needs cash or mobile payment. There is an ATM at the South Gate but it often runs out of cash. Get cash at a bank downtown before you come.
- Language barrier: Park signs have English, but ticket sellers and staff usually speak only Chinese. Have your hotel write down a few phrases like "I want to hike the Deep Forest Circuit" in Chinese.
- The hidden shortcut: To reach the Hilltop Panorama Trail without walking the long way, start at the northwest entrance near the golf course. Most taxi drivers don't know this gate — show them photos of the entrance on your phone.
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