Yanji City

Yanji City is located in the eastern part of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, and serves as the capital of the prefecture. It lies at the northern foot of the Changbai Mountains, in the Yanji Basin of the Tumen River basin. Covering an area of 1,748 square kilometers, it has a permanent population of about 660,000 (2023), with approximately 58% being ethnic Koreans, making it the city with the most concentrated Korean culture in China. Yanji's history dates back to the Balhae Kingdom period; it was established as a county in the late Qing Dynasty and became the capital of Yanbian Prefecture in 1952. As the only capital of a Korean autonomous prefecture in China, Yanji blends Han and Korean cultures, known for its unique bilingual signage, Korean folk customs, and cuisine. It serves as a window city for Northeast Asian regional cooperation and a top destination for experiencing Korean culture, often called the 'Window of Chinese Korean Culture.'

I. Core Attractions 1. Yanbian University (Yanji Campus): Located at 977 Gongyuan Road, featuring Korean-style architecture and campus scenery. Free admission, recommended visit time 1-2 hours. 2. Yanji Korean Folk Custom Park: At the intersection of Yannan Road and Yanxi Road, ticket 30 yuan, open 8:00-17:00. Experience traditional Korean houses, costumes, and folk performances. 3. Mao'er Mountain National Forest Park: About 5 km from city center, free hiking. Overlook Yanji from the summit; best visited in spring and autumn. 4. Yanji City Museum: At the intersection of Changbai Road and Yanhe Road, free admission (Tue-Sun 9:00-16:30). Exhibits Korean historical artifacts and folk items. 5. Tumen River Border: Drive about 40 minutes from Yanji to Tumen Port to see China-North Korea border scenery. Bring ID card.

II. Special Cuisine 1. Cold Noodles: Recommended at Service Building Cold Noodles (Xinxing Street, Yanji), served with kimchi and iced broth, about 30 yuan per person. 2. Stone Pot Bibimbap: At Jeonju Bibimbap (Yanhe Road, Yanji), authentic Korean flavor, about 40 yuan per person. 3. Barbecue: At Fengmao Skewer City (Gongyuan Road, Yanji), Korean-style skewers with beer, about 60 yuan per person. 4. Kimchi: Local markets like Yanji West Market (Zhanqian Street, Yanji) sell handmade kimchi.

III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transport: Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport is about 10 km from city center, with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, etc. Yanji West Station (high-speed rail) connects to Changchun (2 hours), Shenyang (4 hours), etc. 2. City Transport: Bus fare 1 yuan, covering major attractions; taxi starting fare 5 yuan, ride-hailing apps recommended.

IV. Practical Tips 1. Best season: May to October, avoid severe winter cold. 2. Respect Korean customs, e.g., avoid loud noise during meals. 3. Some attractions require advance booking (e.g., folk park performances).