The legend of the Loch Ness monster in Scotland is one of the most famous lake monster legends in the world. The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep, a new movie about the monster, is screening in Beijing. Although there is no definite conclusion about the legendary lake monster, it still attracts curiosity.
Many other places around the world have tales of lake monsters. The frequent monster sightings in the media have made these lakes hot tourist sites.
Tianchi Lake, Jilin Province
Tianchi Lake on Changbai Mountain, Jilin Province, is the deepest lake in China. It was formed by a volcano break in 1702 and is located on the top of Baitou Peak, the highest peak of Changbai Mountain.
The lake is 2,155 meters above sea level and covers 9 square kilometers. Its average depth is 204 meters.
Tianchi Lake is the national boundary lake of China and North Korea. The lake is surrounded with 16 mountain peaks. Sunny days are rare in Tianchi. It is bounded by huge rocks with no nearby grasses or trees.
The lake is a chilly 7 ? Its low temperatures limit its fauna to a handful of cold water fish. Many people suspect its limited capacity for life makes food supplies too sparse to support a lake monster. Since the first monster sightings in the 1980s, many visitors have claimed to have seen the giant. Researchers have yet to form a solid conclusion.
The mountain itself is also well-known for its varieties of valuable plants and animals.
With 2,343 kinds of plants, Changbai Mountai is known as a “natural museum.” The altitude of the mountain creates temperature striations from temperate to frigid. Old species dating back to 200AD can be found here. There are also species of plants native to North Korea and Japan.
The mountain is home to 1,179 kinds of animals and 200 kinds of vertebrates.
Getting there: Erdaobaohe Town in Antu County, Jilin Province, is the nearest point of departure for visitors bound for Changbai Mountain. In Changchun, capital city of Jilin Province, there are direct buses and trains to Erdaobaihe Town. Trains are available from Beijing to Yanji city or Antu County, which has buses to Erdaobaihe.
Bus information: 0433-5712 564
Cost: North gate of Changbai Mountain, 100 yuan; Tianchi Lake, 25 yuan