Yanji Travel Guide

Explore Yanji with our comprehensive travel guide, including top things to do, places to stay, must-try cuisines, and travel tips.


Introduction to Yanji

Located in Yanbian, Jilin, in Northeast China, Yanji is a small city with a population of around 400,000 people. It is known for its scenic natural beauty with lush mountains, crystal clear lakes, and dense forests. Yanji is also known for its unique Korean-Chinese culture, which adds to the city’s charm.

In this comprehensive Yanji travel guide, we will list the top things to do, places to visit, best hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, and important travel tips to make your visit to Yanji unforgettable.

List of Places to Visit in Yanji

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Yanji Korean Folklore Museum- Experience the traditional Korean-Chinese culture of Yanji through exhibitions of traditional clothes, furniture, crafts, and other memorabilia.

  2. Yanji Chaoyangchuan Scenic Area- This park is home to many historical sites that reflect the city’s Korean-Chinese culture, including the Zhonghua Gate, Lizhi Mountain, and Ji’an City Walls.

Natural Attractions of Yanji: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Changbai Mountain- A 2-hour drive from Yanji, this majestic mountain is known for its picturesque scenery, including crystal clear lakes, enchanting waterfalls, and hot springs.

  2. Yanbian-Sanhua National Forest Park- This park is a nature lover’s paradise with its dense forests, mountain streams, and rich flora and fauna. The park is also popular for birdwatching, hiking, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yanji

  1. Jiaohe River Trail- This 13.7 km trail takes you along the Jiaohe River, offering stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains.

  2. Changbai Mountain Trail- This trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike. The route is 18 km long, and visitors can marvel at the stunning views of the mountain and its surroundings.

Best Things to Do in Yanji: Activities and Tours

  1. Yanji Night Market- This lively night market offers a wide range of local street food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

  2. Daoyin Tower Ski Resort- This skiing resort offers visitors a chance to enjoy the stunning snow-capped mountains of Yanji.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yanji

Day 1 Arrival, Check-in, and Leisure Time
Day 2 Visiting Changbai Mountain
Day 3 Exploring Yanbian-Sanhua National Forest Park
Day 4 Jiaohe River Trail Hike
Day 5 Yanji Korean Folklore Museum
Day 6 Yanji Chaoyangchuan Scenic Area Tour
Day 7 Yanji Night Market and Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Yanji

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Korean Fried Chicken- This Korean-Chinese fusion dish is a must-try when in Yanji. The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a variety of sauces to add to the taste.

  2. Boiled Pork Slices- This local dish is prepared by boiling sliced pork with cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables, served with fresh garlic and chili.

Local Beverages

  1. Korean Rice Wine- This traditional wine is brewed from rice and is a popular drink in Yanji, especially during festivals and celebrations.

  2. Coffee- Yanji has a thriving coffee culture, and you can find a variety of cafes serving freshly brewed coffee in the city.

Where to Stay in Yanji: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Yanbian Hotel- This hotel is centrally located and offers spacious rooms with modern amenities.

  2. Yitong Fengyuan Guesthouse- This guesthouse is popular for its traditional Korean style architecture and delicious Korean-Chinese fusion breakfast.

What to Buy in Yanji: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Yanji Ginseng- Yanji is known for its high-quality ginseng, which is harvested locally.

  2. Korean-Chinese Traditional Clothes- Yanji is a great place to buy traditional Korean-Chinese clothing, including hanbok and other memorabilia.

Local Culture and Customs of Yanji

Yanji has a unique cultural identity formed by its Korean and Chinese heritage. Some customs popular in Yanji are:

  • Bowing when greeting someone
  • Removing shoes before entering a person’s house
  • Enjoying a meal together as a way of bonding and showing respect

Best Time to Visit Yanji

The best time to visit Yanji is in the spring or autumn. The weather is mild and pleasant, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage or blooming cherry blossom trees during these seasons.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yanji

Do:

  • Show respect for the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local foods and drinks.
  • Bring warm clothing for the winter months.

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly or excessively in public spaces.
  • Wear shoes indoors.
  • Take photos without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yanji

Yanji is generally a safe city to visit. However, visitors should take precautions against theft and pickpocketing, especially in busy public spaces.

Health in Yanji

Visitors should take precautions against air pollution, especially during the winter months. They should also carry any necessary medication and consult a doctor before traveling.

Getting to Yanji: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Yanji

  1. Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport- This airport is located 15 km from the city center and is the primary airport serving Yanji.

  2. Changbaishan Airport- This airport is located 240 km from Yanji and is a popular alternative option for travelers.

Bus Stations Near Yanji

  1. Yanji Long-Distance Bus Station- This station is located in the city center and offers regular bus services to other cities in the region.

  2. Yanji North Bus Station- This station is located in the northern part of the city and offers services to nearby destinations.

Other Options

Travelers can also rent a car or hire a private car service to explore Yanji and its surroundings.

How to Get Around in Yanji

The easiest way to get around Yanji is by taxi or bus. Taxis are affordable and readily available in the city, while buses are a great option for those on a budget.

Where to Go Next from Yanji: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Changchun- This city is located 280 km from Yanji and is known for its historical sites and beautiful parks.

  2. Dandong- This coastal city is located 210 km from Yanji and is popular for its beaches, seafood, and beautiful views of North Korea.

Conclusion

Yanji is a hidden gem in Northeast China, known for its beautiful natural scenery, unique culture, and hospitality. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the city’s culture, food, and must-see attractions. Plan your trip to Yanji today and experience the best of Northeast Asia.