Yanbian: Where Korea Meets China in the Mountains

Tucked away in the eastern corner of Jilin Province, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture is a unique place where two cultures—Chinese and Korean—blend beautifully against a backdrop of forests, rivers, and rolling hills. I started my day in Yanji, the capital of Yanbian, where street signs are written in both Chinese and Korean, and the smell of grilled meat fills the air. For breakfast, I had a bowl of warm, spicy kimchi soup with rice—simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Next, I visited Changbai Mountain’s western slope, a few hours from the city. The view from the top was unforgettable: Tianchi (Heaven Lake) lay still and silent, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and endless sky. The fresh mountain air felt pure and powerful. In the afternoon, I explored a Korean village nearby. Traditional houses, friendly locals in colorful hanbok, and the sounds of Korean folk songs made me feel like I had crossed a border without leaving China. For dinner, I couldn’t miss Yanbian’s famous Korean-style barbecue. Grilled beef, garlic, and spicy dipping sauces—all wrapped in lettuce—were delicious, and the lively atmosphere made it even better. Yanbian is more than a borderland—it’s a place of harmony, flavor, and identity. If you’re looking for a different side of China, rich in culture and natural beauty, Yanbian is a journey worth taking.