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Jilin City, the largest prefecture-level city in Jilin Province, is the only city in China to share the same name as its province. Thirty-five ethnic groups, including Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Hui, and Korean, reside within the city. Jilin is a beautiful city nestled between mountains and rivers, located 124 kilometers east of Changchun. Originally known as "Jilin Ula," the ancient Manchu settlement, Jilin means "city along the river" in Manchu.
Surrounded by mountains and the winding Songhua River, Jilin boasts a natural beauty characterized by "green mountains on four sides, water on three sides, and half of the city covered in mountains and river." Because Emperor Kangxi composed the poem "Song of the Songhua River Boat Release" during his eastern tour, which includes the line "ships and masts linked together, stationed at the river city," Jilin City is also known as the "River City." It is also known as the "Capital of Rime Flowers," a uniquely northern Chinese tourist destination, a National Historical and Cultural City, and a Chinese Calligraphy City. It has been recognized by Forbes as one of the best business cities in mainland China.
mid-temperate humid climate zone;
The main purpose of going to Jilin City is to see the rime. Jilin City has four distinct seasons: short and windy spring, hot and rainy summer, cool and sunny autumn, and long and cold winter. It is a tourist destination suitable for all seasons. The best time to view the rime every winter is from the end of December to the beginning of February.
Rime Island
Wusong Island, a small island formed by the impact of the Songhua River, is named for its abundant and beautiful rime, making it a popular spot for photographers. In the cold winter, mist rising from the unfrozen river cools and condenses on the trees, forming frost flowers. From a distance, it resembles the legendary jade trees and white flowers, a truly stunning sight. Zengtong Village on the island is the perfect place to admire the rime flowers. The trees here are uniquely shaped, and the weeping willows along the river, covered in frost, shimmer in the breeze.
Red Leaf Valley
Red Leaf Valley, a valley in Laoyeling, a remnant of Changbai Mountain, is picturesque year-round, boasting stunning mountains and lush forests. Spring offers verdant fields, summer boasts waterfalls, autumn boasts crimson leaves, and winter offers a blanket of snow. Stretching over 100 kilometers, the red and birch forests, each with its own unique charm, create a breathtaking spectacle. Every autumn, the mountains are blanketed in crimson leaves, resembling a setting sun, a truly spectacular sight. The vibrant colors of the leaves are interspersed with green and yellow leaves during their blooming season. Every year, until mid-October, the spectacular spectacle of crimson leaves blankets the sky for over 10 days.
Beishan Park
Jilin Beishan Park, a major tourist attraction in Jilin City's city center, is a renowned temple garden. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the park boasts the Jade Emperor Pavilion, Yaowang Temple, Kanli Palace, and Guandi Temple. A Wobo Bridge divides a lake into east and west parts. In summer, lotus flowers bloom, filling the air with fragrance in the breeze.
Jilin City, located in northeast China, has a rich history tied to the Manchu culture. Known for its natural beauty, the city is famous for its winter rime ice, a unique weather phenomenon that draws tourists worldwide. It's also a center for forestry and agriculture, with nearby Changbai Mountain holding cultural and ecological significance.
Jilin City is located in Jilin Province in northeastern China. It is easily accessible by train or bus from cities like Changchun or Harbin. The city does not have a metro system, but taxis and buses are readily available for local transportation.
The best time to visit Jilin is during the winter months (December to February) when the city is covered with rime ice, creating stunning natural scenery. However, spring and autumn are also great for outdoor activities and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Opening hours for most attractions are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Most attractions in Jilin, like the Jilin Provincial Museum and parks, charge an entrance fee of 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some attractions may offer online booking, especially during peak tourist seasons.
For popular attractions like Jilin Rime Island and Changbai Mountain, it's recommended to book tickets in advance during peak seasons, typically 1-2 weeks ahead. For less crowded attractions, booking on the day of your visit is often sufficient.
A trip to Jilin City can take 2-3 days, depending on the number of attractions you wish to visit. A day can be spent exploring the city and its main sites, while a second day can be dedicated to nearby natural attractions like Changbai Mountain.
Guided tours are available in popular tourist spots like Changbai Mountain and Jilin Rime Island. Most guides speak Chinese, though some tours may offer English-speaking guides, especially in larger hotels or tourist centers.
Night visits are generally not available for most outdoor attractions. However, some hotels and restaurants near Songhua River offer evening entertainment. The city center may have occasional light shows or cultural performances in the evenings.
Jilin City is less crowded compared to major Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Weekdays, especially in the off-season (autumn or spring), are the least crowded. Weekends and holidays (especially during winter) can see an increase in local visitors.
Most tourist sites, like Jilin Rime Island and Changbai Mountain, offer basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, water stations, and rest areas. There are also souvenir shops selling local crafts and snacks.
Jilin City’s main attractions are generally accessible to elderly visitors and children, though hiking at Changbai Mountain may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Some areas like Jilin Rime Island may have steep paths, but most urban areas are easy to navigate.
While cash is still accepted in many places, mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and preferred in most tourist spots, restaurants, and shops. Credit cards are also commonly accepted in larger establishments.
There are numerous restaurants in Jilin offering local Manchu cuisine, such as lamb skewers, dumplings, and rice dishes. Popular spots include local eateries along Central Street and riverside cafes with scenic views.
Vegetarian and halal options are available in some restaurants in Jilin City, especially those catering to tourists. Traditional Chinese dishes like dumplings and stir-fries often offer vegetarian choices.
Souvenir shops in Jilin sell local handicrafts, traditional Manchu textiles, and jewelry. Popular items include handmade wooden carvings, silk products, and local teas.
