Helong City

Helong City is located in the southern part of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, at the eastern foot of Changbai Mountain and the upper reaches of the Tumen River, facing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea across the river with a border length of 177.5 kilometers. The city covers an area of 5,069 square kilometers, with a registered population of about 156,000 (2023), of which approximately 51% are ethnic Koreans, making it one of the county-level cities with the highest proportion of Korean population in China. Helong has a long history; during the Tang Dynasty, the Bohai Kingdom established a prefecture here, and it was a forbidden area during the Qing Dynasty, becoming a county during the Guangxu period. Its unique alpine, forest, wetland, and border resources make it an important node in the Changbai Mountain tourism circle, known as the 'First City of Changbai Mountain.' Helong is also famous as the 'Land of Song and Dance' and the 'Hometown of Azaleas' in China, with well-preserved Korean folk culture. The annual Azalea Cultural Tourism Festival attracts a large number of tourists.

I. Core Attractions 1. Xianfeng National Forest Park: Located about 30 km northwest of the city center, elevation 800-1500 m, area about 5,000 hectares. Known for primitive red pine forests, sea of clouds, and rime ice; snow-covered pine scenery can be viewed in winter. Ticket: 60 yuan/person, open 8:00-17:00. Best time to visit: June-September and December-February. 2. Tumen River Source National Forest Park: Located about 50 km southwest of the city center, it is the source of the Tumen River, featuring alpine wetlands, waterfalls, and volcanic landforms. The Tumen River First Waterfall has a drop of 20 meters. Ticket: 40 yuan/person; chartered car required, self-driving recommended. 3. Laolike Lake: Located within Xianfeng Park, an alpine lake at 1470 m elevation, with snow depth of 1-2 meters in winter, known as 'Snowy Wonderland.' Winter activities include snowmobiling and horse-drawn sleds, costing about 100-200 yuan/person. 4. Azalea Folk Village: Located in Xicheng Town, about 20 km from the city center, a traditional Korean village. The village preserves century-old houses; visitors can experience making rice cakes and kimchi. Free admission year-round; folk performances cost 50 yuan/person during festivals. 5. Qinglong Fishery Resort: Located in Toudao Town, 15 km from the city center, famous for cold-water fish farming and fishing. Offers accommodation and dining, per capita consumption about 150 yuan.

II. Border Scenery - Chongshan Town Border Observation Deck: About 80 km from the city center, overlooking Musan County, North Korea across the river. Free admission; border checkpoints along the way, ID card required. - Warship Flower Scenic Area: Located in Nanping Town, volcanic rock formations along the Tumen River resembling warships, suitable for photography.

III. Local Cuisine 1. Korean Cold Noodles: Recommended at 'Helong Cold Noodle Restaurant' (No. 27 Wenhua Road), served with kimchi and apple-pear shreds, 15 yuan/bowl. 2. Dog Meat Hotpot: Concentrated around Dong Market, per capita 50 yuan, e.g., 'Azalea Dog Meat Restaurant.' 3. Myeongtae Fish: Dried or spicy stewed, common in folk village farm stays, 30 yuan/portion. 4. Matsutake Mushrooms: Harvest season August-September, market price about 200 yuan/jin; picking experience available.

IV. Transportation Guide 1. External Transport: Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport is about 80 km from Helong, bus takes 1.5 hours (25 yuan); Yanjixi Station to Helong Station by high-speed rail (about 40 minutes, second class 28 yuan). 2. Internal Transport: Taxi starting fare 5 yuan; bus routes cover major towns. Chartering a car is recommended for scenic spots, daily cost 300-400 yuan.

V. Practical Information - Best Seasons: May-June for azaleas, September-October for autumn colors, December-February for snow scenery. - Accommodation: International Hotel (3-star, standard room 200 yuan), Xianfeng Villa (in scenic area, standard room 300 yuan). - Notes: Border area: no crossing; be cautious when photographing military facilities.