Take my advice, I really don't recommend visiting Yanji, Jilin during the off-season in July-August because...

because it's too beautiful!!!
Yanji, this small border city between China and North Korea, blends rich Korean ethnic charm with mouthwatering cuisine, creating a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. This carefully planned two-day itinerary will take you deep into the unique allure of Yanji.

### Transportation & Accommodation Guide

Getting There
- **Arrival Options**: Direct flights to Yanji are limited and expensive. It's recommended to fly to Changchun first, then take a 2-hour high-speed train to Yanji West Station—comfortable and budget-friendly.
- **Local Transport**: Yanji's urban area is compact, with affordable taxi fares, making it convenient to travel between attractions and food districts.

Where to Stay
Staying near **Yanbian University** is a great choice, with plenty of cozy homestays available for around ¥100 per person. It's within walking distance to hotspots like the "Internet-Famous Wall" and West Market, offering easy access to food and sightseeing.

### Two-Day In-Depth Itinerary

**DAY 1: Immersive Korean Ethnic Experience**

**Morning**:
- **China Korean Folk Garden**: The best place to immerse yourself in Korean culture. The garden features charming traditional Korean architecture, transporting you to the Korean Peninsula. Rent an elegant hanbok (starting at ¥100) with matching accessories and capture stunning photos among pavilions and stone-paved alleys. Admission is ¥27—arrive early to avoid crowds.

**Afternoon**:
- **West Market**: This iconic market brims with local life. Explore stalls piled with Korean kimchi, fragrant rice wine, snacks, and specialties. Haggling is part of the fun! For bulk purchases, on-site shipping services are available.

**Evening**:
- **Yanbian University's Internet-Famous Wall**: At night, the wall dazzles with colorful neon signs, creating a dreamy backdrop. Grab a local coffee and snap Instagram-worthy shots. Navigate to "Yanbian University South Gate" for the prime photo spot.

**DAY 2: Culture & Culinary Adventure**

**Early Morning**:
- **Water Market**: For Yanji's most authentic vibe, visit this bustling morning market (open until ~9 AM). Arrive by 8:30 AM for steaming **Mingyue Soup Rice**, chewy rice cakes, blood sausage, and kimchi dumplings—each bite is a delight.

**Late Morning**:
- **Tumen Half-Day Trip**: A 15-minute high-speed train ride from Yanji takes you to Tumen. Visit border monuments, gaze at North Korea across the river, and soak in the unique border-town atmosphere.

**Afternoon**:
- **Longmat Supermarket (Yanji Flagship)**: A paradise for snack lovers, stocked with Korean chips, drinks, instant noodles, and more—perfect for souvenirs or treats.

### Must-Try Food List

**Main Meals**
- **Quanzhou Bibimbap**: Signature stone pot bibimbap with crisp veggies, tender meat, and savory sauce. Don’t miss their juicy grilled pork.
- **Grandma Yuan’s Wraps**: Try the ginseng chicken soup—fall-off-the-bone tender—paired with refreshing wraps.
- **Little Wooden House Rice Wine Bar**: Local rice wine pairs perfectly with spicy rice cakes and fiery chicken feet.

**Snacks & Specialties**
- **Xingdou Restaurant**: Classic combo of chewy black bean noodles and crispy-sweet-and-sour pork.
- **Shunji Cold Noodles**: Icy noodles in a chilled bowl with beef, cucumber, and tangy broth—best with crispy fried pork.
- **Laodingben Café**: Unwind with fluffy shaved ice and soft "ben" bread for a sweet break.

### Travel Tips
1. **Hanbok Photos**: Compare studios near the Folk Garden for outfits, makeup, and pricing. Opt for packages with styling included.
2. **Packing**: Bring a light jacket for cool evenings and comfy shoes for long walks.
3. **Extend Your Trip**: If time allows, visit **Changbai Mountain** nearby for breathtaking natural scenery.

Pack your bags and set off—Yanji’s streets await with flavors and charm!