Tonghua Jilin, China Travel Guide
This is Tonghua, Jilin Province, a destination that promises more than just sights; it holds profound historical lessons, natural wonders, and a taste of authentic Northeast Chinese life. Your journey into this captivating region begins here, where every corner is a story for you.
Tonghua occupies a unique standing in China's northeastern region, specifically in the southeastern part of Jilin Province. It shares borders with North Korea to the southeast, separated by the Yalu River, and with Liaoning Province in a westerly direction.
This strategic location shaped itthe area's history and culture, leading to an unique blend of influences. The city itself sits within a high hillous and hilly terrain, part of the Changbai Mountains foothills, which define much of the landscape.
Tonghua Prefecture links to the Goguryeo Kingdom (高句丽, Gaogouli), a Korean kingdom from the 1st century BCE to the 7th century CE. Ji'an City, within Tonghua Prefecture, functioned as the kingdom's second capital, Gungnae City, for over 400 years. This period left an extraordinary legacy: the Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Following the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931, Tonghua became a hotbed of resistance. The Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army (NAJUA) fought a protracted guerrilla war. Figures like General Yang Jingyu, a revered national hero, operated in these mountains. The Tonghua Anti-Japanese Alliance Martyrs Cemetery within the city is an emotional memorial.
Second capital of Goguryeo Kingdom.
Pyramid-like royal tomb from Goguryeo.
First capital of Goguryeo Kingdom.
Memorial to anti-Japanese resistance fighters.
Commemorates General Yang Jingyu.
Post-1949, Tonghua transformed into an important industrial hub for the newly established People's Republic of China. Its rich natural resources, notably iron ore and coal, drove the development of heavy industries, specifically iron and steel production. This industrial backbone contributed significantly to China's economic growth and modernization.
While industrial output forms part of its identity, the city also diversified, becoming a hub for traditional Chinese medicine, especially in processing and distributing ginseng and deer antler products, for which Jilin Province is famous.
This focus on natural health products reflects both ancient wisdom and modern enterprise. The layering of these ancient periods from ancient grandeur to modern industrial might and wartime heroism shapes Tonghua's rich narratives.
Tonghua invites visitors to trace the evolution of a region that contributed significantly to both ancient regional power dynamics and the forging of contemporary Chinese identity.
Tonghua, often called the "Medicine City" due to its robust pharmaceutical industry focusing on traditional Chinese medicine, has Northeast Chinese life away from the global spotlight. It is a city that thrives on its natural resources and a proud, resilient history.
A quick overview:
Southeastern Jilin Province, bordering North Korea and Liaoning. Part of Changbai Mountains foothills, with Hunjiang River flowing through.
Humid continental climate. Extremely cold, dry winters; warm, humid summers; pleasant, clear spring and autumn. Autumn fall foliage is notably stunning.
Urban area: 400,000+. Wider prefecture: 1.8 million. Predominantly Han Chinese, with a noteworthy Korean ethnic minority, especially in Ji'an.
Dongbei (Northeast Chinese) cuisine, characterized by hearty, savory, and often sweet-and-sour dishes. Strong influence of Korean flavors, especially in Ji'an. Must-try dishes Guo Bao Rou, Di San Xian, various dumplings and stews. Street food like Jianbing and Chuan'r are popular.
UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins and pyramid-like tombs from the powerful Goguryeo Kingdom.
A solemn and historically significant memorial to China's resistance against Japanese occupation.
Details local history, culture, and the natural inheritance.
Historically based on iron, steel, and coal production.
A hub for traditional Chinese medicine, including ginseng and deer antler products.
Diverse agriculture and emerging tourism sector.
