During the Qing dynasty it was called Áodōng (敖东) in Chinese and Odoli in Manchu.

[citation needed] Dunhua is situated amongst the Changbai Mountains, its administrative area spanning 42°42′−44°30′ N latitude and 127°28′−129°13′ E longitude, reaching a maximal north–south extent of 200 km (124 mi) and east–west width of 142 km (88 mi).

Spring and autumn constitute very short transitions with some, but usually not heavy, rainfall.

The monthly 24-hour average temperature ranges from −16.2 °C (2.8 °F) in January to 20.2 °C (68.4 °F) in July, while the annual mean is 3.8 °C (38.8 °F) and a total precipitation of 633.7 mm (24.9 in), more than 60% of which falls from June through August.

The mountain is one of the AAAAA Tourist Attractions of China, and contains tombs from the Balhae kingdom, a large monastery and a 48 meter tall statue of the Buddha.