Welcome to the NAAA Program. We are pleased to have you join our community. Your presence contributes to a shared space of learning, reflection, and cross-cultural dialogue.
NAAA seeks to provide a thoughtful and supportive environment in which all participants can engage meaningfully with their surroundings and one another. We welcome your perspective and participation, and trust that you will approach this experience with care, curiosity, and respect.
This handbook provides a general framework for participation, outlining shared principles and practical considerations to help guide your time at NAAA.
General Guidelines
NAAA Residency is situated in Erdaobaihe Town (二道百河镇), within the Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Zone. While not in the core conservation area, participants must comply with all relevant ecological and civic regulations. This includes refraining from actions such as damaging vegetation, hunting wildlife, or misusing natural resources like water and electricity.
Participants are also expected to uphold basic code of conduct in all shared and private spaces: maintain personal and communal cleanliness, interact respectfully with others, and support a cooperative environment. Discrimination, harassment, or any behavior that undermines the dignity of others will not be tolerated.
Prohibited Conduct
Participants must refrain from any behavior that jeopardizes the safety, dignity, or well-being of others, or disrupts the integrity of the program. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to: verbal or physical abuse; intimidation or threats; discriminatory behavior based on personal identity or background; and sexual misconduct, including non-consensual contact or persistent unwelcome attention. Consent must be explicit, informed, and ongoing.
Additional violations include stalking, unauthorized photography or recording, sharing private communications without consent, and displaying sexual content in inappropriate contexts. The use or possession of illegal substances, gambling, and misrepresentation or misuse of NAAA’s name, identity, or materials are also not permitted. Any act that violates the laws of the People’s Republic of China, including the Border Law, may result in immediate removal from the program.
Health and Safety
While NAAA does not provide direct medical services, staff are available to assist participants in seeking help when needed. Participants are expected to take necessary precautions to ensure their own health and safety and are strongly advised to purchase valid medical and travel insurance before arrival.
NAAA follows all health protocols issued by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (NHC). For updates, visit the official NHC website. In an emergency, participants should seek medical help immediately and inform NAAA staff as soon as possible.
Contact details for emergencies and nearby medical services are listed below:
Emergency/Wellbeing
| Call | |
|---|---|
| Police Emergency | 110 |
| Fire Emergency | 119 |
| Medical Emergency | 120 |
Hospital
| Name and Address | Distance from NAAA Residency | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Changbai Mountain North Slope / Chibei Dist.: Changbai Mountain Protection Zone Centre Hospital (长白山保护开发区中心医院) Northeast 140 m of Songshan Rd & Changbaishan Ave, Antu County, Yanbian Prefecture, Jilin, China | 1.5 km | +86 (433)5750431 |
| Changbai Mountain West Slope / Chixi Dist.: Chixi People’s Hospital (池西区人民医院) Songshan St, Fusong County, Baishan, Jilin, China | 94 km | / |
| The People’s Hospital of Fusong (抚松县人民医院) 116 Jinjiang Rd, Fusong County, Baishan, Jilin, China | 96 km | +86 (433)6225466 |
Pharmacy
| Name | Hours | Distance from NAAA Residency | Tel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yongping Drugstore (永平药店, western and Chinese/herb medicine) | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 300 m | +86 13944313491 |
| Zhengshantang Drugstore (正善堂大药房, Chinese/herb medicine) | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 150 m | / |
| Tianyitang Pharmacy (天益堂大药房, western and Chinese/herb medicine) | 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM | 280 m | +86 15567654225 |
Fire Regulations and Smoking Policy
All residents are required to observe fire safety protocols at all times. Pathways, stairwells, and building entrances must remain clear of obstructions.
Open flames, heating equipment, and other fire hazards are strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved by NAAA. Charging electric-bike batteries indoors is not allowed under any circumstances.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas of the premises.
Security Regulations
In accordance with public security regulations, all communal areas are under continuous video surveillance. Footage may be reviewed by relevant government authorities when legally required. Such access is limited to official purposes and does not extend to personal or unauthorized use.
Participants are responsible for securing their rooms and safeguarding their belongings. While NAAA takes reasonable precautions, it is unable to guarantee against loss, theft, or damage of personal property.
If a participant’s negligence or non-compliance with safety protocols results in damage to property or facilities, they may be asked to assume responsibility. In such cases, compensation may be requested based on the extent of the loss.
General Participation Information
Travel and Getting Around
High-speed rail is the most convenient way to reach Erdaobaihe Town, with direct access from major cities. Regional airports are also available. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services from Changbaishan Railway Station or nearby airports such as Changbaishan Airport and Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport may be arranged by request and based on availability.
Travel by car and train is both convenient and common for visiting nearby cities, including Yanji (延吉), Longjing (龙井), Tumen (图们), Hunchun (珲春), Helong (和龙), Dunhua (敦化), Changchun (长春), Jilin (吉林), Harbin (哈尔滨), Shenyang (沈阳), Dandong (丹东), and more.
High-Speed Railway Station
| Drive Time to Residency | |
|---|---|
| Changbaishan Railway Station (长白山站) 1 Fenglin Rd, Antu County, Yanbian Prefecture, Jilin | 12min |
Airports
| Drive Time to Residency | |
|---|---|
| Changbaishan Airport (⻓⽩⼭机场, NBS) Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Zone Chixi Dist., Songjianghe Town, Fusong County, Baishan, Jilin | 1h 23min |
| Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport (延吉朝阳川国际机场, YNJ) 6666 Changbai West Rd, Yanji, Yanbian Prefecture, Jilin | 1h 46min |
Climate and Weather
Erdaobaihe features four distinct seasons, with a long winter from mid-October to mid-April. Spring is brief (late-April to May), summer is warm and humid (June to August), and autumn is short (September to early October).
In winter, temperatures range from -5 °C to -20 °C, with humidity between 55% and 70%. Daylight runs from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and UV levels are low (0–2). Summer temperatures may reach 27°C, with humidity around 80%, sunrise runs from 4:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and UV levels are high (6–8). Sun protection is recommended year-round, especially at high altitudes.
Language Environment
Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese, 普通话) is the primary language spoken in Erdaobaihe. In Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (延边朝鲜族自治州), Joseonjok Korean (朝鲜语) is also widely used, and many residents are bilingual.
Local Post Office
| China Post (Jingmin Road Post Branch Bureau, 中国邮政（警民路邮政支局）) Tel: 0433-5712369 Mon – Fri, 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM (850 m from NAAA Residency) |
Area Amenities
Local Specialty Restaurants (Korean Chinese Cuisine, Northeastern Chinese Cuisine)
| Name | Hours | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Xuan’s Beef Soup (玄氏牛肉汤馆（长白山店）) | 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM | +86 (433)5998777 |
| Baihe Beef Soup (白河牛肉汤馆) | 06:30 AM – 09:00 PM | +86 15662257117 |
| Han Mama’s House (韩妈屋汤泡饭) | 07:00 AM – 09:00 PM | +86 (433)5934444 |
| Shangouli Farm House Tianchai Iron Pot Stew (山沟里农家院添柴铁锅炖（白山街店）) | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | +86 15662257117 |
| Yuminzhai Muslim Hot Pot (域民斋清真火锅（二道白河店）) | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | +86 (433)5313123 |
| Muslim Benshanxian Mutton Soup Restaurant (清真犇羴鱻羊汤馆) | 10:30 AM – 08:30 PM | +86 (433)5716668 |
Hypermarkets/Supercenters
| Name | Hours | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Wanfuyuan Shopping Mall (Dongwo, 万福源购物商场（二道总店）) | 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM | +86 (433)5316688 |
| Yiwu Smallware Wholesale (义乌小商品批发城（中祥旅游大厦店）) | 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM | / |
Convenience Stores
| Name | Hours | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Meirilong (Changbai Wanxiang Commercial Pedestrian Street, features Korean Goods, 每日隆（长白万巷商业步行街店）) | 08:00 AM – 09:30 PM | +86 17684306678 |
| Meirilong (Erdao Dongwo, 每日隆便利店（东沃店）) | 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM | +86 (433)5418837 |
Open-Air Market Fairs (Grocery, Herbs, Street Food, Local Specialties, etc.)
| Name | Hours | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Erdaobaihezhen Xiao Market (二道白河镇小市场) Chibei Dist. Weimin Trade Market (池北区为民集贸市场) | Recommended Visiting Hours: Every Month on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th. 07:00 AM – 01:00 PM (Closes at 05:00 PM) | +86 13089346345 |
| Yunding Shiji (云顶市集) | 03:00 PM – 09:00 PM | +86 13894352811 |
Parks and Museums
| Name | Hours | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Meirensong Sky Bridge Park (美人松空中廊桥公园) | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | / |
| Changbaishan Meirensong International Sculpture Park (Yanbian Beauty Pine Park, 长白山美人松雕塑公园) | Open 24 hours | +86 (433)5822133 |
| Jianshuihe National Wetland Park (碱水河国家湿地公园) | Open 24 hours | / |
| Changbai Mountain Dongbeiya Botanical Garden (长白山东北亚植物园) | Open 24 hours | / |
| Changbaishan Natural Museum (长白山自然博物馆) | 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM | +86 (433)5710318 |
Hot Springs
| Name | Hours | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Crowne Plaza Resort Changbaishan Hot Spring (长白山温泉皇冠假日酒店) | 01:30 PM – 10:00 PM | +86 (433)6076888 |
| Changbai Mountain Lanjing Julong Hot Spring (长白山蓝景聚龙温泉度假村) | 01:30 PM – 10:00 PM | +86 (433)5052222 |
Bars/Hangouts
| Name | Hours | Tel |
|---|---|---|
| Yu Shan Gongchuang Space Coffee Wine House (屿山·共创空间·咖啡酒馆) | 05:00 PM – 01:00 AM | +86 15504334505 |
| Shan Shangshan Minyao Bar (山上山民谣酒馆) | 06:00 PM – 01:00 AM | +86 16643378666 |
International Participants
Visa
The Visa-free Entry into China policy allows nationals holding valid ordinary passports of 48 countries to be exempt from visa requirement if coming to China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange, or transit. Please refer to FAQs (posted on Nov 11, 2025) on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center’s website for more details.
Travel
The most convenient way for international participants to get to NAAA Residency is to travel by air to Changchun or Beijing and transfer to high-speed bullet train from Changchun or Beijing to Erdaobaihe Town.
Transfer train schedule, ticket booking, and travel guides are available via the 12306 China Railway website (EN). Below are commonly traveled railway station recommendations.
| Stop | City | Railway Station | Airport–Railway Station Transfer Time | Train Ride Duration Average | Daily Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer via CGQ Airport | Changchun | Longjia (龙嘉) | 15-20min walk | 2h 14min | 7 |
| Transfer via CGQ Airport | Changchun | Changchun (长春) | 40min drive | 2h 30min | 14 |
| Transfer via PEK Airport | Beijing | Beijing Chaoyang (北京朝阳) | 30min drive | 4h 33min or 5h 46min | 3 |
| Destination – NAAA Residency | Erdaobaihe Town | Changbaishan (长白山) | / | / | / |
Local Connectivity
Daily life in China depends heavily on smartphone connectivity. The following section provides guidance on mobile data, payment tools, and commonly used local apps to help you navigate your stay effectively.
Cellular and Data
| International Plans by Your Service Carrier | Inquiry your carrier for international plans. Some carriers (such as T-Mobile for US users) may offer free international plans at low data speed. May need VPN to access services by Google, Meta, and etc. |
| eSIM | For data only, no phone number for calls and texts. Recommended carriers are Nomad, CMLink, airalo, and SimOptions. No need for additional VPN. |
| Purchase SIM card at Major City (e.g. Beijing, Shanghai) Airport Arrivals or Online | Major carriers like China Mobile and China Unicom offers temporary short-term SIM card plans for a one-time payment. VPN is needed to access services by Google, Meta, and etc. |
Payment Methods
| Alipay | Supports registration using international phone number. Supports Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club International |
| WeChat (Weixin) Pay | Supports registration using international phone number. Supports Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club International |
| Apple Pay | Supported in a few places and Apps. |
Commonly Used Apps
| Maps | Apple Maps. Baidu Maps also can be used in English. |
| Local Lifestyle | Rednote, Dianping |
| Food/Grocery/Commodities/Pharmacy Delivery | Meituan (美团), Eleme (淘宝闪购/饿了么) |
| E-Commerce | Taobao |
| Shipping | SF Express |
| Ride Share/Hailing | T3出行 (T3 might be only available in the Chinese App Store. DiDi does not function the same way in Erdaobaihe. Making taxi reservations by phone call or through the hotel is reliable and recommended.) |
| Travel | Trip.com |