Tumen City

Tumen City is located in the eastern part of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, in the lower reaches of the Tumen River, facing Onsong County, North Hamgyong Province, North Korea across the river. It is an important border port city in Jilin Province. The city covers an area of about 1,142 square kilometers, with a registered population of about 120,000 (2023), of which over 60% are Korean Chinese, making it one of the most intact areas for preserving Korean Chinese culture. Named after the Tumen River, it was historically a key node on the Northeast Asian Silk Road. It opened for trade in 1909, and the Tumen Port was officially established in 1933, becoming an important channel for China-North Korea trade. With unique border customs and rich Korean Chinese folk culture, it is known as 'the First City on the Tumen River.' Attractions like Tumen River Square, Riguang Mountain Forest Park, and the Century-Old Village showcase a perfect blend of nature and culture, while Tumen Port, a national first-class port, has witnessed over 60 years of friendly exchanges between China and North Korea.

## I. Core Attractions

**1. Tumen Port** Tumen Port is a national first-class port located in the southeastern part of the city, only 2 km from the city center. Visitors can climb the observation deck of the national gate (ticket 30 yuan) to overlook the Tumen River and the North Korean cities of Namyang and Wangjae-san Revolutionary Site in Onsong County. Nearby is the China-North Korea Friendship Bridge, built in 1941, an important passage connecting the two countries. Visit duration: about 1 hour. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00.

**2. Riguang Mountain Forest Park** Located 7 km southwest of the city center, Riguang Mountain is about 400 meters above sea level and serves as the city's green lung. The mountain is densely forested, with attractions such as Huayan Temple (a Korean-style temple), Lion and Tiger Rock, and River Viewing Platform. From the top, you can see the winding Tumen River and the distant mountains of North Korea. Free admission. The hiking trail is about 2 km, suitable for trekking. Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours.

**3. Tumen River Square** Located by the river in the city center, the square covers 30,000 square meters and is a center for leisure and festivals. In the center stands a giant Korean long drum sculpture, which is brightly lit at night. Every August, the 'Tumen River Cultural Tourism Festival' is held here, featuring Korean farmers' dance, wrestling, and swing performances. Free admission, open all day.

**4. Century-Old Village** Located in Bailong Village, Yueqing Town, 15 km from the city center, this is a protected area of traditional Korean Chinese dwellings. It preserves thatched and wooden houses from the early 20th century. Visitors can experience making rice cakes and kimchi, and watch Korean wedding performances. Ticket: 40 yuan. Homestays in the village cost about 100 yuan per night.

**5. Mopan Mountain Scenic Area** Located in Liangshui Town, 30 km from the city center, it is famous for its strange rocks and autumn red leaves. Natural attractions include 'Fairy Cave' and 'One Line Sky.' At the foot of the mountain is a Korean Chinese folk village. Ticket: 30 yuan. It is recommended to charter a car or drive.

## II. Food Recommendations

- **Stone Pot Bibimbap**: The most authentic is at 'Arirang Restaurant' near Tumen River Square (25 yuan), with crispy rice crust at the bottom. - **Kimchi**: Freshly made kimchi (15 yuan/jin) is available at the kimchi experience workshop in Century-Old Village. - **Cold Noodles**: At 'Yanji Cold Noodle House' (Guangming Street), cold noodles (20 yuan) are sweet and sour, best paired with sweet and sour pork. - **Rice Wine**: Traditional Korean rice wine (5 yuan/cup) is widely available at night market stalls, slightly sweet and fizzy.

## III. Transportation Guide

**External Transportation**: - High-speed rail: Tumen North Station (3 km from city center) has bullet trains to Yanji (15 minutes, 11 yuan) and Changchun (2.5 hours, 120 yuan). - Bus: Tumen Bus Station (Guangming Street) has buses to Yanji (every 20 minutes, 10 yuan) and Hunchun (every hour, 25 yuan). - Air: Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport (50 km from Tumen) has flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, etc. Accessible by high-speed rail or taxi (about 150 yuan).

**Internal Transportation**: - Bus: 9 bus routes in the city. Main attractions can be reached by Bus 1 (to Port) and Bus 3 (to Riguang Mountain). Fare: 1 yuan. - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan. Fares between attractions within the city generally do not exceed 15 yuan. - Chartered car: For suburban attractions like Century-Old Village and Mopan Mountain, chartering costs about 200-300 yuan per day.

## IV. Accommodation Recommendations

In the city center, 'Tumen Building' (near the port, standard room 280 yuan/night) or 'Century-Old Village Homestay' (experience traditional heated floor, 100 yuan/night including breakfast).