Meihekou

Introducing Meihekou

Meihekou is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Jilin Province, China, and is administered by Tonghua City. Formerly known as Hailong County, it has a long history.

A dozen kilometers southeast of Meihekou City, there is a group of paleontological fossils that are over 100 million years old; in the upper reaches of the Huifa River, in an area where mountains and rivers are connected, a large number of stone shed tombs were discovered 20 years ago, which are verified to be relics from the Warring States Period.

On the vast plains of Meihekou, lotus ponds of all sizes are scattered everywhere, among which the Lotus Pond in Lianhe is particularly noteworthy and fascinating.

Climate and best time to travel

The northern temperate continental monsoon climate is best for travel in winter and summer.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Jiguanshan National Forest Park

Jiguanshan Forest Park has a colorful geographical landscape, a beautiful hydrological landscape, a rich and diverse biological landscape, a long and unique cultural landscape, and a rich and gorgeous astronomical landscape, which meets the scenic resource standards of a first-class forest park.

Jiguanshan Forest Park has unique and novel geographical landscape, long history of cultural landscape, superior geographical location, obvious location advantages, convenient external transportation, and is the only forest park in Meihekou City. It is one of the most distinctive forest parks in Tonghua City and even Jilin Province.

Ticket price: 60/person

Opening hours: Summer Monday-Sunday 7:30-17:00, Winter Monday-Sunday 9:00-16:30.

Tel: 0435-4863333 , 0435-4872999

Jurchen cliff carvings

It is one of the few remaining Jurchen steles in my country. It has a history of 800 years and is evidence of the Liao-Jin War.

Mopan Lake Scenic Area

Mopan Lake, a man-made lake built in 1958, is nestled in the mountains over 50 kilometers southwest of Meihekou City, Jilin Province. Shaped like a flattened gourd, it's over 15 kilometers long, 5-6 kilometers wide at its widest point, and about 40 meters deep at its deepest point.

Surrounded by mountains, the reservoir boasts picturesque scenery, verdant pines and cypresses, chirping birds, fragrant flowers, leaping fish, croaking deer, and whistling cranes, making it a natural tourist destination. The reservoir's landscape is renowned for its beauty, and this beauty, coupled with beautiful legends, creates a picturesque scene of a water town.

Admission: Free

Opening hours: All day

Recommended play time: 1-3 hours

---

Most Popular FAQs for Meihekou

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Meihekou, located in the Tonghua region of Jilin, has historical significance as a center for agriculture and trade in northeastern China. The city is known for its production of ginseng, and it has grown over the years as a key part of the region’s economy. Meihekou’s development has been shaped by its agricultural industry and natural resources.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Meihekou is located in the Tonghua area of Jilin province. It is accessible by bus or taxi from nearby cities, such as Tonghua and Changchun. There are also trains that connect Meihekou to other parts of Jilin, and visitors can take a local taxi from the train station to the city center.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The city is open to visitors year-round. However, the best times to visit are in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is most vibrant. These seasons also offer the best conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Most attractions in Meihekou, such as natural parks and local farms, are free to visit. For specific tours or activities, such as visiting ginseng farms or guided hikes, ticket prices may vary. Tickets can be purchased directly at the sites or through local tour operators.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For most attractions, booking tickets in advance is not necessary. However, during peak tourist seasons (especially holidays), it may be wise to book a day or two ahead, especially for guided tours or popular outdoor activities.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Meihekou and its surrounding areas, including hiking, visiting local farms, and taking in the scenery, it would typically take 1-2 days. For a more relaxed visit, 1 day is usually sufficient.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the local farms, where visitors can learn about the region’s agriculture, and the natural parks surrounding the city. Meihekou’s nearby mountains and rivers offer beautiful views, perfect for photography and outdoor activities.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Meihekou, with some tours offered in Mandarin and limited English-speaking guides. These tours are most commonly found at specific attractions like ginseng farms and nature reserves.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Some of the best photography spots in Meihekou are along the rivers and in the surrounding mountains. The natural parks around the city provide breathtaking panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your visit by exploring the city center and then head to nearby natural parks for hiking. Afterward, visit local farms to experience Meihekou’s agricultural life. End the day by visiting viewpoints along the rivers or in the mountains for a peaceful sunset.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no specific night visits or light shows in Meihekou. The city is best visited during the day, with natural scenery and outdoor activities taking center stage.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Meihekou is not typically very crowded. To avoid even the occasional tourists, visit during weekdays, especially outside of major holidays like Chinese New Year and National Day when local tourism peaks.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities in Meihekou include public toilets, food vendors, and water stations. In the city center, there are rest areas and small shops offering local products, though larger shopping malls or restaurants may be located in Tonghua, a nearby city.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The attractions in Meihekou are generally accessible for most visitors, with paved paths in certain areas for easier navigation. However, some of the natural parks and mountain trails may require more physical exertion, which could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used. Credit card acceptance is less common in smaller establishments, so it's advisable to use mobile payments or carry cash for most transactions.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few small restaurants and cafes within Meihekou offering local dishes such as dumplings and noodle soups. For more dining options, you can head to nearby Tonghua, where there are larger restaurants serving both local and Chinese cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in most restaurants in Meihekou, particularly at the smaller family-owned eateries. Vegan and halal food options may be more limited but are available at larger restaurants in Tonghua.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are a few budget hotels and guesthouses within Meihekou. For more upscale options, visitors can travel to Tonghua, which has a wider range of accommodations, including mid-range and luxury hotels.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Changbai Mountain range, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails, and the famous Tumen River, which marks the border between China and North Korea. These attractions are easily accessible from Meihekou and can be visited in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in Meihekou sell local handicrafts, agricultural products such as ginseng, and textiles. Local foods like apples and honey are popular souvenirs to take home.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Meihekou, you can continue your trip by taking a bus, taxi, or train to Tonghua or other cities in Jilin Province. For further travel to other parts of China, trains and buses to Changchun and other major cities are available.