Jilin Province, located in northeast China, is an intriguing region that offers a mix of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and geopolitical importance. Bordering both North Korea and Russia, it provides access to some of the most exciting and unique travel opportunities, including visits to the North Korean border and exploration of Manchukuo’s legacy.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or an adventurous traveler looking to venture into the lesser-explored corners of China, this Jilin Guide is your ultimate resource for navigating the province’s attractions and cross-border opportunities.
Geopolitical Significance and History of Jilin
Jilin’s position at the crossroads of China, North Korea, and Russia has made it a crucial region historically and geopolitically. From the establishment of Manchukuo by Japan in the early 20th century to its current status as a border province with North Korea and Russia, Jilin’s history is filled with political intrigue.
In the early 1900s, Jilin was integral to the Japanese-controlled Manchukuo, a puppet state created to serve Japan’s imperial interests in China. Changchun, Jilin’s capital, served as the capital of Manchukuo, and remains a key site for those interested in the region’s colonial past. The legacy of Japanese rule is still visible in the province, with architecture and infrastructure built during that period, including the Puppet Emperor’s Palace in Changchun, once the home of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China.
Today, Jilin continues to be a politically significant area due to its proximity to North Korea and Russia. The cities of Yanji, Tumen, and Linjiang serve as vital access points for travel into North Korea, and the Tumen River forms part of the boundary between China and North Korea, providing a unique vantage point for those interested in the region’s complex history.
How to Get to Jilin
By Air
The most convenient way to reach Jilin is by flying into Changchun Longjia International Airport, which connects the province to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. For international travelers, connecting flights from Beijing or Shanghai are typically the easiest option. If you are coming from North Korea, Yanji offers a direct entry point to China, making it a popular choice for those heading to the Rason Special Economic Zone in North Korea.
By Train
Jilin’s extensive rail network makes train travel another viable option. Changchun is well-connected by high-speed rail to other major Chinese cities like Beijing, Harbin, and Shenyang. If you are traveling to border towns like Yanji, Tumen, or Linjiang, you can take local trains that connect these cities to Changchun, the provincial capital.
By Bus
For those looking to explore Jilin’s border towns or travel to neighboring countries, buses are a popular and affordable option. Bus services run from Changchun to Yanji, Tumen, Linjiang, and other border cities. Buses also operate routes that connect Tumen and Yanji to the North Korean border and Russia.Changchun railway station
Top Cities in Jilin to Visit
Changchun
As the provincial capital, Changchun is the largest city in Jilin and is historically significant due to its role as the capital of Manchukuo. Today, it is a modern city with a mix of Soviet-era architecture and modern buildings. The Puppet Emperor’s Palace is one of the most important historical sites in Changchun. This palace, once the home of Pu Yi, offers visitors a chance to learn more about Manchukuo and Japan’s colonial ambitions. The Manchukuo State Building, a symbol of the region’s past, is another must-see.
Changchun is also home to several museums, including the Changchun Film Studio, which is one of the oldest film studios in China, and the Jilin Provincial Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
Yanji
Located near the North Korean border, Yanji is the administrative center of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and the largest city in the province with a significant Korean population. It’s an excellent base for exploring the region’s unique Korean-Chinese culture and is the primary gateway for those wishing to visit Rason, North Korea’s Special Economic Zone. Travelers can also access Hyeryong via Tumen, with YPT able to arrange tours to both – in normal times of course…
Yanji also offers visitors a chance to explore the blend of Chinese and Korean cultures, with numerous Korean-style restaurants and shops selling traditional Korean goods. The Yanbian Korean Museum is another great spot to learn about the region’s history and the Korean community in China.
Tumen
Tumen, located on the banks of the Tumen River, is a smaller city but is significant for its proximity to North Korea and Russia. The river forms the boundary between China, North Korea, and Russia, and Tumen offers a rare opportunity to peer into all three countries. While direct access to North Korea is limited, visitors can stand along the riverbank and witness the contrasting landscapes and borders of China, North Korea, and Russia. Tumen is also a key hub for cross-border trade and tourism.
The Tumen-Jilin-Russia Border Trade Zone is an important point for cross-border commerce and has a mix of modern buildings and traditional market stalls. Visitors can explore local markets, sample Korean-influenced Chinese cuisine, as well explore the strange borderlands.
Linjiang
Linjiang is a small city located near the Changbai Mountain and is an excellent starting point for exploring the natural beauty of Jilin. The Changbai Mountains are a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and trekkers, known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and the Heavenly Lake at the summit. Linjiang is also well-positioned for those wanting to visit the Tumen River or cross into Russia via the Russians’ Bridge near the border.
We personally love visiting here, if nothing else for the Vegas like lights, as well as the views of the DPRK.
Manchukuo Legacy
The legacy of Manchukuo is still present in Jilin, especially in cities like Changchun. During Japanese occupation, Changchun served as the capital of the puppet state of Manchukuo. Historical buildings and remnants from this period can be found throughout the city. The Puppet Emperor’s Palace in Changchun, once the residence of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, is a must-see for history buffs. The Manchukuo State Building is another example of the area’s Japanese colonial past, with its grand architecture and detailed exhibitions showcasing life during that era.
Jilin also has several museums dedicated to the Manchukuo era, providing visitors with a deep dive into the Japanese colonial period and its impacts on the region.
Japanese Colonial Influence
In addition to the legacy of Manchukuo, Japanese colonial rule left its mark on the region’s architecture and culture. Many buildings, infrastructure, and even railways were constructed during the colonial era. Jilin’s Changchun and Harbin were key areas for the Japanese, and the Japanese-built railway system still runs through parts of the province. Exploring these remnants gives visitors a unique insight into China’s Japanese-occupied past and the region’s colonial history.
Conclusion
Jilin Province offers a unique combination of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and cross-border exploration, making it a must-visit for those interested in the region’s fascinating history and geopolitical significance.
From the legacy of Manchukuo to the opportunity to visit North Korea and Russia, Jilin offers visitors a chance to explore China’s northern frontier and delve deep into a region that is often overlooked by tourists. Whether you’re exploring the bustling cities of Changchun and Yanji, or heading to the remote border towns of Tumen and Linjiang, Jilin promises an unforgettable adventure.
Click the links for our China, Rason and North Korea Tours.
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