How to get to Yanji

Yanji is a fascinating city in northeastern China, often referred to as "Little Korea." As the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, it offers travellers a unique cultural fusion that has no analogue in other regions of the country.

Here, Chinese traditions harmoniously intertwine with Korean flair: signs in two languages adorn the streets, and the architecture delights the eye with unusual forms. Special attention should be paid to the local cuisine, for which many embark on this journey. Authentic cold noodles, savoury kimchi snacks, and the famous barbecue create a unique gastronomic atmosphere, immersing guests in the distinctive rhythm of life of this vibrant city.

The fastest and most comfortable way to be in the heart of the action is to fly directly to Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport. This airport is located surprisingly close to the city limits, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the region almost immediately after landing, bypassing long transfers.

If there are no direct tickets for the required dates, it makes sense to consider a flight to neighbouring major transport hubs. Mudanjiang, located less than two hundred kilometres from the destination, often becomes a convenient alternative. Also, to build a composite route, travellers often choose Vladivostok in Russia or the Chinese border city of Suifenhe, from where they can continue their journey by ground transport.

Rail travel is one of the most comfortable and popular ways to get to Yanji. The city has excellent transport accessibility: a modern railway station operates here, accepting both ordinary passenger trains and high-speed trains connecting the region with other parts of the country.

The most convenient routes run through major cities of the province, such as Changchun and Jilin. A trip on a high-speed express from there takes only a few hours, which allows you to significantly save travel time. In addition, a developed railway network connects Yanji with the border city of Hunchun, making travel across the northeast maximally convenient for tourists.

Bus services connect Yanji with neighbouring regions, offering scenic routes for both international and domestic trips. The popular route from Vladivostok takes from 5 to 7 hours, including time for border crossing, and allows you to enjoy the views of Primorye and the Chinese northeast. No less in demand is the transfer through the trade city of Suifenhe, from where comfortable buses deliver travellers to their destination in approximately 3–4 hours.

For trips within the province, the route from Mudanjiang, located 200 kilometres to the north, is often chosen. The travel time is about 3.5 hours, making this option an excellent alternative to the train for those who want to get a better look at the local landscapes. The roads here are of good quality, and the regular schedule makes it easy to plan your arrival in the capital of the Korean autonomy.

Travelling by car across northeastern China gives freedom of movement and the opportunity to see the country from an unusual perspective thanks to high-quality expressways. The road from Mudanjiang will take about three hours, during which you will cover approximately 200 kilometres, enjoying views of hills and fields. A similar route in duration leads from the border city of Suifenhe: a distance of 240 kilometres is easily covered in 3–4 hours of calm driving.

A longer but interesting route runs from Vladivostok: a journey of about 300 kilometres usually takes from 5 to 7 hours, taking into account the time for border control. For a comfortable trip, travellers often book an international taxi or private transfer; it is better to agree on the cost of the service in advance, as fixed tariffs rarely apply over such long distances.

A trip to Yanji promises to be unforgettable thanks to the unique blend of cultures, but it requires a little preparation. To ensure your journey through this colourful corner of China goes smoothly, we have collected several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is sharply continental: winters are cold and windy, so a warm down jacket, hat, and thermal underwear are mandatory. Summer can be hot and humid, so light clothing made of natural fabrics and comfortable shoes for walking will be the best choice.
2. City Transport. The most convenient way to get around is by taxi; tariffs here are very affordable, and there are plenty of cars. Buses also run regularly, and stop announcements are often duplicated in Korean, which adds local colour but can be confusing if you do not speak the languages.
3. Financial Matters. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan. Visa and Mastercard bank cards are accepted far from everywhere, mostly only in large hotels. It is strongly recommended to carry cash or install Alipay or WeChat Pay applications in advance, to which foreign cards can now be linked for payment.
4. Health and Pharmacies. The level of safety in the city is high, and you can calmly walk in the evening. Tap water is not suitable for drinking; use only bottled water. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but pharmacists rarely speak English, so have a photo of the necessary medicine or a translation of the name.
5. Communication. The city speaks Chinese and Korean. English is understood extremely rarely. Be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone and save the name of your hotel and necessary places in characters to show to drivers.
6. Etiquette Rules. Locals value politeness. It is customary to hand over and receive money or business cards with both hands—this is a sign of special respect. At the table, do not stick chopsticks vertically into rice, as this is associated with memorial rites.
7. Important Restrictions. Since the city is located in a border zone, it is strictly forbidden to photograph military objects, bridges, and border points. Also, do not rely on familiar Western maps (such as Google Maps), as they may display geolocation with errors.
8. Navigation. To orient yourself on the terrain, it is best to install Chinese mapping services, such as Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode). Even without knowing the language, it will be easier to find a street by icons and location than with non-functioning analogues.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid domestic inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the distinctive atmosphere and gastronomic delights of the region.