Jilin
Jilin is one of the three provinces of Northeast China. Its capital and largest city is Changchun. Jilin borders North Korea (Rasŏn, North Hamgyong, Ryanggang and Chagang) and Russia (Primorsky Krai) to the east, Heilongjiang to the north, Liaoning to the south, and Inner Mongolia to the west. Along with the rest of Northeast China, Jilin underwent an early period of industrialization. However, Jilin's economy, characterized by heavy industry, has been facing economic difficulties with privatization. This prompted the central government to undertake a campaign called "Revitalize the Northeast". The region contains large deposits of oil shale.
One-Day Jilin Tour Itinerary Recommendations
Theme:
Winter Wonderland + Korean Ethnic Culture + Natural Wonders
Suitable for:
Short trips around Changchun/Jilin City, optimal with high-speed rail + local car rental
Practical Tips
Seasonal Notes:
Wusong Island only visible in winter | Changbai Heaven Lake clearest June-Sept
Summer alternative: Yanbian Korean Prefecture Day Trip (Tumen Border + Hunchun Fangchuan)
Ticket Prices:
Puppet Palace ¥70, Jingyuetan ¥30, Changbaishan ¥105 + eco-bus ¥85
Local Flavors:
Changchun: Zhenbutong braised meat, Dingfengzhen pastries
Jilin City: Fried jelly, pork blood sausage
Changbaishan: Blueberry rice wine, kimchi stir-fried pork
Optimization Tips:
Short on time? Skip Puppet Palace or Wulajie
If Heaven Lake closed, try Magic World Rafting (dreamy winter frost)
Korean culture fans: Add Yanji Water Market breakfast (requires 2-day trip)
(Note: Attractions are scattered – focus on one region per day!)
Option 1:
Changchun Historical & Nature Combo (Culture + Ecology)
Best for:
History lovers, families
Transport:
Changchun metro + taxi
08:30-10:30 Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum
Puyi's former residence featuring East-meets-West architecture (focus on Tongde Hall/Jixi Building)
11:00-12:30 Old Changchun Lunch
Try: Chunfahe Restaurant (snowflake red bean pastry, crispy pork)
13:30-16:00 Jingyuetan National Forest Park
Winter: Skiing/tubing | Other seasons: Cycling/cable cars | Don't miss "Goddess of Jingyue" statue
16:30-18:00 Mountain Mall (Zhe You Shan)
Viral indoor mountain-themed shopping street ("Little Chongqing" vibe)
19:00 Guilin Road Night Market
Must-eat: Li Laoer fried jelly noodles, authentic Northeast grilled cold noodles
Option 2:
Jilin City Rime Island + Manchu Culture (Winter Exclusive)
Best for:
Photographers, cultural explorers
Transport:
40-min high-speed rail from Changchun + chartered car
06:30-08:00 Depart to Wusong Island (Zengtong Village)
Witness "frost flowers on willows" in morning mist (Best Dec-Feb)
09:30-11:00 Wulajie Manchu Town
Experience shaman culture & Manchu "Eight Bowls Banquet"
12:00-13:30 Songhua River Fish Feast
Recommended: Qingling Live Fish (paired with Jilin rice)
14:30-16:00 Jilin City Museum
See the world's largest meteorite - Jilin No.1 (1,770kg)
17:00 Riverside stroll along Songjiang Middle Road
Enjoy Jilin's "Bund"-style night views
Option 3:
Changbaishan North Slope Adventure (All Seasons)
Best for:
Outdoor enthusiasts, landscape chasers
Transport:
Stay overnight in Erdaobaihe Town / Early high-speed rail to Dunhua
07:30-09:00 Arrive at Changbaishan North Area
09:30-15:00 Must-Visit Spots:
Heaven Lake (weather permitting) → Changbai Waterfall → Green Deep Pool → Underground Forest
12:00 Quick lunch (Try volcanic hot spring eggs)
15:30-17:00 Crown Plaza Hot Springs
Authentic volcanic geothermal baths
18:00 Dinner in Erdaobaihe
Recommended: Little Yellow Bull Korean Soup Restaurant