Situated near the border of North Korea in northeastern China, Jilin Province, Yanji is the capital of the Korean Autonomous Prefecture. It is dominated by ethnic Koreans and is slowly opening up to tourism.
Little English is spoken in this part of China and it is one of the least Chinese places in the country. North Koreans came here in the mid-1800s when a succession of terrible famines struck the north. As a result, Korean is the main tongue, although Mandarin is also widely understood. Those into noodles will particularly enjoy Yanji cold noodles, with their unique Korean-Chinese taste.
There are several parks in Yanji and the region, including the Yanji People’s Park and Youth Lake Park. Farther afield are the Ancient Tombs at Longtou Mountain, an important Balhae archaeological site. The beautiful Changbaishan National Nature Reserve is five hours’ drive from Yanji.
Many visitors come to Yanji to check out Korean culture and you can also travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with a private tour.
Getting There & Away
Yanjij is remote and best got to by flying to Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport. Flight time from Beijing is 2 hours, 30 minutes, or a bit longer from Shanghai. Trains to Yanji Zhan Station from Beijing take 24 hours, or 10 hours from Changchun, the Jilin capital.
Things to Do
Yanji Attractions
- Yanji public parks
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There are several city parks to choose from when you get bored with the samey scenery of yanji.
Side trips from Yanji
- Longtou Mountain tombs
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Feature the mausoleum of princess zhenxiao and are popular with history buffs.
- Changbaishan National Nature Reserve
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A stunning unesco-registered area to the south of yanji, which includes heaven lake (tianchi lake), waterfalls, and hot springs.
Events
- Yanji Fair
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This fun fair in yanji in late june celebrates the culture of northern china and is one of the largest of its kind in the country.