Cities in Jilin

Introduction

Jilin is located in Northeast China, bordering Russia and North Korea. The province includes mountain ranges, volcanic plateaus, forests, and river basins, shaped by cold winters and distinct seasons. Jilin is known for its automobile industry, cross-border culture, aerospace research, and educational institutions, as well as its connection to ethnic Korean communities and northern landscapes.

Changchun is located in the central part of the province on a wide plain. The city has a population of about 9 million and is roughly 280 km from Harbin. It is often described as a modern and research-oriented regional center.

Changchun is recognized for its role in the automobile industry, with FAW Group considered one of the most influential manufacturers in China. The city also carries historical relevance connected to the Manchurian period, shaping part of its architecture and cultural identity. Academic development is significant, with Jilin University supporting research in science and engineering.

📍 Main places to visit include Puppet Emperor’s Palace Museum, Jingyuetan National Forest Park, Changchun World Sculpture Park, FAW Exhibition Hall, Nanhu Park, and Banruo Temple.

Changchun (长春)

Jilin City (吉林市)

Jilin City lies in the eastern part of the province along the Songhua River. It has a population of roughly 4 million and is located about 130 km from Changchun. The landscape is shaped by mountains and river valleys, creating a distinct winter atmosphere.

The city is known for the natural formation of rime frost, which appears seasonally and creates a well-known winter scene. Historically, Jilin City served as an important regional center during the Qing Dynasty, especially for trade and river transport. Today, the city maintains relevance in environmental research and natural resource studies due to its geographic surroundings.

📍 Main places to visit include Rime Island, Songhua Lake, Beishan Park, Meteorite Museum, and Longtan Mountain.

Yanji is located in the southeastern part of the province near the border with North Korea. The city has a population close to 1 million and is approximately 380 km from Changchun. It is often described as culturally distinct.

Yanji is known for its strong presence of the Korean ethnic minority, which shapes education, language, and cultural institutions. The city also hosts key administrative and cultural organizations linked to regional cross-border affairs.

📍 Main places to visit include Mao’ershan Park, Youth Lake, Yanbian Museum, and People’s Square.

Yanji (延吉)

Tonghua (通化)

Tonghua is located in southern Jilin near forest and mountain areas. The city has a population of about 2 million and is roughly 320 km from Changchun.

It plays a role in medicine, wine production, and regional manufacturing, with several well-established industries present. Tonghua also has wartime history museums and remains a transportation link between surrounding regions.

📍 Main places to visit include Yang Jingyu Martyrs Cemetery, Tonghua Museum, Qianye Lake, and Wangtianshu Forest.

Siping (四平)

Siping is located in the southwest of the province on a flat plain region and has a population of around 2 million. It is about 140 km from Changchun.

The city is historically notable due to its connection to military history in the 20th century and has several memorial sites and research institutions. Agriculture and equipment manufacturing also play an important role in the local economy.

📍 Main places to visit include Siping War Memorial, Yitong River Park, Pingshan Temple, and Siping Museum.

Songyuan (松原)

Songyuan is located in the northwest of the province near wetlands and river plains. The city has a population close to 3 million and is around 110 km from Changchun.

It is associated with petroleum development, agriculture, and wetland ecology, and several research centers focus on environmental conservation in the region.

📍 Main places to visit include Chagan Lake, Songyuan Wetland Park, Nanfang Mountain, and Ningjiang Cultural Center.

Baishan (白山)

Baishan lies in the southeastern mountain region of Jilin. The population is about 1 million, and the city is approximately 330 km from Changchun.

The area is connected to forestry and mineral resources, and it is also known for natural parks and seasonal scenery.

📍 Main places to visit include Changbai Mountain Reserve, Tianchi Lake, Lushui River Scenic Area, and Baishan Museum.