Wangqing County

Wangqing County, under the jurisdiction of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province, is located in eastern Jilin, at the eastern foot of the Changbai Mountains and the lower reaches of the Tumen River. It borders Hunchun City to the east, Dunhua City to the west, Tumen City and Longjing City to the south, and Dongning City and Ning'an City in Heilongjiang Province to the north. Covering an area of 9,016 square kilometers, it has a population of about 210,000 (2023), with approximately 27% being Korean Chinese, making it a typical Korean Chinese聚居区. Wangqing has a long history, dating back to the Balhae Kingdom of the Tang Dynasty when it was an important prefecture, with ancient city ruins remaining. In modern times, it was a key area for the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, rich in red culture. Known as a "landscape garden city and ecological livable county," Wangqing boasts abundant forest resources and a cool climate, producing black fungus, ginseng, matsutake mushrooms, and other forest products, earning it the title "Hometown of Chinese Black Fungus." The unique Korean Chinese folk culture, rich red historical sites, and magnificent natural scenery together form the tourism appeal of Wangqing County.

I. Core Attractions

1. Manxingxing National Forest Park Located about 30 km southwest of Wangqing county seat, covering about 17,000 hectares, known for "distinct seasons and diverse scenery." Spring flowers bloom, summer forests are lush, autumn leaves are fiery, and winter snowscapes are charming. The park features Manxingxing Lake for boat rides and multiple hiking trails. Ticket: Peak season (May-Oct) 60 yuan/person, off-season 40 yuan/person. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00. Suggested visit time: half to full day.

2. Wangqing Anti-Japanese United Army Site Cluster Wangqing was an important base for the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, with existing sites including the East Manchuria Anti-Japanese Base, Xiaowangqing Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Base (in Dongguang Town), and Dahuanggou Anti-Japanese Base. Xiaowangqing site preserves secret camps, trenches, and sentry posts, with a memorial hall (free, Tue-Sun 9:00-16:00). Combine with local red tourism routes; charter car or self-drive recommended.

3. Balhae Kingdom Ancient City Ruins (Luozigou Ancient City) Located about 2 km west of Luozigou Town, this Tang Dynasty Balhae Kingdom city has rammed earth walls about 1.5 km in perimeter, now a provincial cultural relic protection unit. Nearby are Balhae tomb clusters and an exhibition of unearthed artifacts (free). Suitable for history enthusiasts; self-drive recommended.

4. Wangqing Korean Chinese Folk Village (e.g., Baicaogou Town Folk Village) Baicaogou Town is a Korean Chinese聚居地, preserving traditional Korean Chinese houses, song and dance performances, and specialty cuisine. Visitors can experience making tteok (rice cakes) and kimchi, and enjoy nongak (farmers' music) performances. No entrance fee; some experience items cost 20-50 yuan. Open all day.

II. Local Cuisine & Recommendations

1. Wangqing Black Fungus: Wangqing is one of China's largest black fungus production bases, known for thick, crisp texture. Recommended purchase: Wangqing Fungus Market (county center, on-site tasting available). 2. Korean Chinese Cold Noodles: Buckwheat noodles with chilled beef broth, kimchi, and egg. Recommended restaurant: "Yanbian Cold Noodle House" (intersection of Wangqing Street and Jiefang Road). 3. Tteok (Rice Cake): Traditional Korean Chinese glutinous rice cake, dipped in bean flour or honey, soft and chewy. Available at folk villages or county snack streets. 4. Matsutake Mushroom Stewed Chicken: Wangqing is rich in matsutake, stewed with local chicken, delicious soup. Recommended restaurant: "Mountain Delicacies Hall" (Binhe Road, Wangqing County).

III. Transportation Guide

1. External Transportation: - Train: Wangqing Station (west of county seat) has passenger trains to Yanji (about 1.5 hrs), Tumen (about 1 hr), etc. Yanji West Station (high-speed rail) is about 80 km away; take bus or taxi (about 1.5 hrs). - Road: Yanji-Wangqing expressway is open; self-drive about 1 hr. Wangqing Bus Station (intersection of Wangqing Street and Jiefang Road) has buses to Yanji, Hunchun, Dunhua, etc., multiple daily.

2. Internal Transportation: - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan in county seat; charter to nearby attractions (e.g., round trip to Manxingxing Forest Park about 150 yuan). - Bus: Multiple routes within county seat to major towns. Some tourist lines (e.g., to Manxingxing) operate only in peak season. - Best option: Self-drive or rent a car for scattered attractions.