In winter, Wusong Island.
In the early morning, thin mist drifts on the Songhua River. Willow trees on both banks are draped in silver, like jade trees, crystal clear. Sunlight penetrates the thin mist, shining on the rime, sparkling. Walking on the island, you feel like you’re in a fairy tale world.
This is one of China’s four natural wonders.
Jilin is a place that amazes you.
Province Profile#
- Location: Central Northeast China, by the Songhua River
- Best Travel Season: December-February (rime), July-August (Changbai Mountain)
- Highlights: Changbai Heavenly Lake, rime wonder, Korean ethnic culture, film city
Must-Visit Attractions#
Changbai Mountain: Northeast’s First Sacred Mountain#
Changbai Mountain is Northeast China’s highest peak, “Roof of Northeast,” the birthplace of the Manchu people.
Heavenly Lake is Changbai Mountain’s soul, China’s largest volcanic crater lake, 2,189 meters above sea level. The lake water is azure blue, reflecting the surrounding 16 peaks. Standing on the viewing platform, overlooking Heavenly Lake, marveling at nature’s wonder.
Changbai Waterfall flows from Heavenly Lake, with a 68-meter drop—magnificent in momentum. Underground Forest is a wonder formed after volcanic eruption, with primeval forest hidden in the crater. Green Deep Pool is Changbai Mountain’s most beautiful small waterfall, with emerald pool water and cascading waterfall—picturesque.
Best Experience: Come to Changbai Mountain in summer, see Heavenly Lake, see waterfalls, see flower seas. Come to Changbai Mountain in winter, ski, soak in hot springs, see snow scenery.
Wusong Island: Jade Trees and Silver Flowers#
Wusong Island is China’s best place to view rime, one of “China’s Four Natural Wonders.”
Every December to the following February, water vapor from the Songhua River condenses in the cold air, forming rime. Willow trees on both banks are draped in silver, like jade trees, crystal clear.
Best Experience: Come to Wusong Island in the early morning, see rime at sunrise. When the sun rises, rime sparkles in the sunlight—breathtakingly beautiful.
Yanbian: Korean Ethnic Culture#
Yanbian is China’s largest Korean ethnic settlement, with rich Korean ethnic culture.
Yanji is Yanbian’s capital, a paradise of Korean ethnic cuisine. Cold noodles, stone pot bibimbap, roast meat, rice cakes… everything makes you drool. Chinese Korean Ethnic Culture Park allows you to experience Korean ethnic culture, wear hanbok, perform farmer’s dance.
Fangchuan is where China, North Korea, and Russia meet, “One glance at three countries.” Standing on Longhu Pavilion, you can see North Korea across the Tumen River and Russia in the distance.
Best Experience: Eat authentic Korean ethnic cuisine in Yanji, wear hanbok for photos.
Changchun: Film City#
Changchun is the cradle of New China’s film industry, “Film City.”
Changying Century City is China’s first world-class film theme park, where you can experience various film special effects. Changchun Film Studio is New China’s first film studio, where you can understand Chinese film history.
Puppet Emperor’s Palace Museum is Pu Yi’s “imperial palace,” understanding the history of the puppet Manchukuo. Jingyuetan is Changchun’s back garden, with forests, lakes, and ski slopes—a great place for leisure.
Special Experiences#
Chagan Lake Winter Fishing#
Chagan Lake Winter Fishing is the last fishing and hunting culture in northern China, “Fish Leaping from Ice Lake.”
Every winter, fishermen chisel holes, set nets, and pull nets on the ice—one net can catch hundreds of thousands of jin of fish. The scene is spectacular, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Goguryeo Sites#
Ji’an Goguryeo Sites are a World Cultural Heritage, ruins of the Goguryeo Kingdom.
General’s Tomb is a Goguryeo king’s mausoleum, “Oriental Pyramid.” Haotai King Stele records Goguryeo’s history—precious material for studying Goguryeo.
Jilin Cuisine#
Jilin cuisine is mainly Northeast dishes and Korean ethnic cuisine. Cold Noodles are a Korean ethnic specialty, with chewy noodles and sweet-sour soup—most refreshing in summer. Stone Pot Bibimbap is a Korean ethnic classic, with rice and various vegetables and chili sauce—spicy and delicious. Guobaorou and Little Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms are Northeast classics, large portions and affordable.
Jilin Ginseng, Antler, and Mink Fur are the “Three Treasures of Northeast”—good souvenirs.
Travel Tips#
- Transportation: Changchun is Jilin’s transportation hub, with airport and high-speed rail. Yanji and Changbai Mountain both have airports.
- Accommodation: At Changbai Mountain, stay in Erdaobaihe Town; on Wusong Island, stay in farmhouses on the island; in Yanji, stay in the city.
- Note: Changbai Mountain is at high altitude—keep warm. Wake up early to see rime—best time is early morning. Northeast is cold in winter—keep warm.
Jilin’s beauty is hidden in those natural wonders.
The Heavenly Lake fairyland of Changbai Mountain, the jade trees and silver flowers of Wusong Island, the Korean ethnic culture of Yanbian… each place is nature’s gift.
Come to Jilin and feel the magnificence of the Northeast.
Tomorrow, we head to Heilongjiang to see the winter fairy tale of Ice and Snow World and the dreamlike scenery of Snow Town.