Changchun Jingyuetan (Clean Moon Lake) Forest Park

Jingyuetan National Forest Park (吉林净月潭国家森林公园) is located in the southeastern part of Changchun City (长春市), Jilin Province (吉林省), China. The park is named after its crescent-shaped reservoir formed by damming the Jingyuetan (净月潭) lake. The park spans an area of 8,300 hectares and is one of the country’s most significant national forest parks.

Jingyuetan is situated in the foothills of Changbai Mountain (长白山) and serves as a transition zone from the mountain to the western grasslands. The park enjoys a temperate, semi-humid monsoon climate with a forest coverage rate of 96%. The elevation of the park ranges from 220 meters to 406.5 meters, and it is home to more than 550 species of higher plants, 82 species of vertebrates, and 65 species of birds.

Establishment

In 1989, Jingyuetan National Forest Park (吉林净月潭国家森林公园) was officially recognized as a national forest park by the Ministry of Forestry of China.

Geography and Environment

Location

Jingyuetan National Forest Park is located 18 kilometers southeast of the city center of Changchun (长春市), near People’s Square (人民广场). The park stretches across the Changbai Mountain (长白山) foothills and serves as an important ecological corridor between the mountain ranges and the western grasslands.

Terrain and Landscape

The park sits on the Changbai Mountain (长白山) front terrace and spans three distinct plant zones: the Changbai Mountain (长白山) zone, the Inner Mongolia (内蒙古) zone, and the Hua Mountain (华山) zone. The terrain is varied, with Jingyuetan (净月潭) lake surrounded by low mountain hills. The park features 119 peaks, with nearly 120 peaks having an elevation greater than 200 meters. The northern part of the park has more dramatic topographical variations.

Climate

Jingyuetan National Forest Park enjoys a temperate semi-humid monsoon climate, resulting in distinct seasons and an enjoyable atmosphere throughout the year.

Summer: The highest temperature is around 28.3°C.

Winter: The average temperature drops to -10°C to -18°C.

Annual Precipitation: 654.3 mm.

Winter Snow Depth: About 30 cm.

Development and Recognition

National Scenic Area Approval

In 1988, Jingyuetan (净月潭) was approved by the State Council as a key national scenic area. The following year, it was officially designated a national forest park by the Ministry of Forestry.

In 2000, it was rated as a National AAAA Tourist Area and recognized as a national model scenic tourist zone.

In 2009, it was honored as a “National Civilized Scenic Tourist Area” and was listed as one of the “Eight Scenic Views of Jilin” (吉林八景).

In 2011, it was awarded a 5A National Tourist Scenic Area by the China National Tourism Administration (国家旅游局).

Cultural Events and Activities

Ice and Snow Festival

In December 2020, the 7th National Mass Ice and Snow Season (全国大众冰雪季) opened at Jingyuetan National Forest Park.
In January 2022, the 2022 China Changchun Jingyuetan Vasa International Ski Festival (2022中国长春净月潭瓦萨国际滑雪节) was held at the park.
On January 22, 2022, the First Changchun City Public Ice Fishing Competition (2022长春市首届全民冰钓大赛) was also hosted at the park, organized by the Changchun Sports Association (长春市体育总会).

Transportation

Public Transportation

Bus Lines:

• Take Bus Line 102 (人民广场 – 长影世纪城) and alight at the Jingyuetan Main Gate (净月正门).

• Take Bus Line 120 (汽车厂一站 – 长春财经学院) and alight at the Jingyuetan Main Gate.

• Take Bus Line 160 and alight at Jingyuetan (净月潭).

Rail Transit

Changchun Light Rail Line 3 (长春轻轨三号线): Take the light rail from Changchun Station (长春站) to Jingyuetan Park (净月公园) station.

Jingyuetan National Forest Park (吉林净月潭国家森林公园) offers visitors a harmonious blend of natural beauty, ecological preservation, and rich cultural experiences. Whether visiting in summer for outdoor activities or in winter for snow sports, it remains a year-round destination for tourists from around the world.