The self-driving route that will last a lifetime, Ji Line G331|A great place to enjoy autumn.
by JOEY VAUGHN
Sep 27, 2024
【Tonghua 5 Days 4 Nights Travel Guide Under 3000 RMB】
“Stop just going to Changbai Mountain! This little hidden gem in Jilin is the warmest and wildest winter destination in Northeast China!”
Think Tonghua is just a tiny dot on the map? Think again!
This is the birthplace of Goguryeo + the southern gateway to Changbai Mountain + the China-North Korea border + China’s wine hometown,
featuring a thousand-year-old royal city, pristine snowy forests, cozy heated kang inns, authentic mountain produce, and frozen pears so sweet they melt your heart!
Spend 5 days and 4 nights with just 3000 RMB per person, no rushing, no overpriced trendy hotels, truly the best value for money!
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📅Day 1: Arrive in Tonghua – City’s First Impressions, Dreaming in the Glow of Life
Take the high-speed train directly to Tonghua Station, then a 10-minute taxi to downtown (starting fare covers it).
Stay at chain hotels or artsy inns (like Hanting, All Seasons, under 800 RMB for 4 nights).
In the evening, stroll Jiangnan Pedestrian Street + Shengli Road Night Market:
🍢 Grilled chicken racks, sour soup noodles, Korean cold noodles, potato pancakes—feast for about 50 RMB per person until you can barely walk!
At night, check out the Tongjia River light show, with river reflections and falling snowflakes = the ultimate winter romance✨
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📅Day 2: Wunü Peak National Forest Park | Traverse the Sea of Forest and Snow
Early start to Wunü Peak (1 hour from city, shared ride round trip 80 RMB), entrance + eco shuttle 98 RMB.
This is a branch of Changbai Mountain, winter-covered in silver, with gentle boardwalks perfect for family outings.
See ice waterfalls, photograph frost-covered trees, step on snow mushrooms, and even catch a glimpse of the China-North Korea border railway🚂!
In the afternoon, soak in a sulfur hot spring (recommended: Lanjing or Yulong Spring, 68 RMB/person), warm enough to fall asleep!
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📅Day 3: Stele of King Gwanggaeto + General’s Tomb | Explore the Thousand-Year Goguryeo Capital
Morning visit to the core area of the Donggou Ancient Tomb Group, a World Cultural Heritage site.
📌General’s Tomb: Known as the “Eastern Pyramid,” even more solemn and mysterious in the snow.
📌Stele of King Gwanggaeto: 1800 characters telling the rise and fall of a millennium-old dynasty, history buffs will be thrilled!
Tickets total 70 RMB, free guided tours throughout, cultural immersion at its peak.
In the afternoon, visit Wantong Winery, free tour of the underground cellar, and taste a glass of Tonghua’s “Hongmei” semi-sweet mountain grape wine🍷—just right for a cozy winter buzz.
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📅 Day 4: Choose One – Jinchang Ski Resort or Liuhé Countryside Slow Life
✅ Option A: Beginner Ski Village (budget-friendly)
Head to Jinchang Ski Resort (20 minutes by taxi from city), 2-hour ski package including gear and coach only 198 RMB!
Gentle slopes, fewer crowds, down-to-earth service, even first-timers can easily take off⛷️
✅ Option B: Liuhé One-Day Light Trip (more tranquil)
Take a ride to Liuhe County (1 hour, shared ride 60 RMB), explore Luotong Mountain snow scenes, Korean ethnic villages, and feel the gentle simplicity of this border town.
In the evening, return to Tonghua for a hearty iron pot stew: goose + vermicelli + cabbage + corn cakes, about 60 RMB per person, steaming hot to capture the true Northeast New Year flavor🔥
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📅Day 5: Morning Market Shopping + Return Trip
Early morning rush to Xin Station morning market or Laodaokou Farmers Market to buy souvenirs:
🛒 Homemade spicy kimchi (15 RMB/bag)
🛒 Wild dried mushrooms (hazel mushrooms, yuan mushrooms)
🛒 Tonghua wine (classic “1937” under 100 RMB)
🛒 Frozen pears, sticky bean buns (vacuum packed for travel)
Take the high-speed train back easily, no shopping traps, no hidden fees!
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💰Total Cost Breakdown (per person):
🚄 Transportation (round trip + local) 600 RMB
🏨 Accommodation (4 nights comfortable) 800 RMB
🍽️ Food (3 meals + snacks daily) 600 RMB
🎟️ Tickets + activities (Wunü Peak + ancient tombs + skiing/countryside) about 700 RMB
🛁 Hot springs + miscellaneous 300 RMB
🎁 Souvenirs 500 RMB
= Total: ≈2900 RMB (still 100 RMB left for an ice-cold beer!)
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📌 Keywords: 
This trip has no filters, only heated kang beds, hot soup, and warm human kindness.
On a snowy night in Tonghua, you’ll understand—
The most beautiful winter isn’t trending online, but deep in the warmth of everyday life.❄️🏡❤️
Post by Clifton Nolan | Oct 23, 2025

















