Yanji history

The city of Yanji, located in Jilin Province, possesses a relatively young but rich history, closely tied to the cultural and geopolitical characteristics of the region.

Foundation and Development

Although people have lived on these lands since the Neolithic era, active settlement of the territory began only in the 19th century. For a long time, these lands were Imperial hunting grounds of the Qing Dynasty, and settling here was prohibited. The ban was lifted in the late 19th century, leading to an influx of settlers, primarily Koreans fleeing natural disasters, and residents from the Chinese provinces of Shandong and Hebei. Officially, an administrative unit appeared here in 1902 as the Yanji Commissariat, and Yanji County was established in 1912. Yanji received city status on May 30, 1953, becoming the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Yanji was determined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position at the junction of the borders of China, Russia, and the DPRK made the city an important economic and logistics hub, often referred to as part of the "Great Golden Triangle of Northeast Asia".
• Political Status: The designation of Yanji as the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in 1952 strengthened its administrative importance and facilitated further growth.
• Migration: The constant influx of Korean settlers formed the city's unique demographic and cultural landscape.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Yanji was formed as a centre for the fusion of two cultures — Chinese and Korean. This is reflected in everything: from language (many signs are bilingual) to cuisine and traditions. The Korean population, which makes up a significant part of the residents, introduced their customs, music, and dance, earning the region the nickname "the land of song and dance." The early economy was based on agriculture, as well as trades characteristic of Northeast China, such as harvesting ginseng and velvet antlers. Over time, the city transformed into an industrial centre with numerous factories and plants.

The history of the city of Yanji, located in northeast China, is filled with events reflecting its unique geographical and cultural position. As the centre of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, the city has become a place where Chinese and Korean cultures merge.

• Before the 10th century: The territory of modern Yanji was under the rule of the ancient kingdoms of Goguryeo and Balhae (Bohai).
• 1677: The Qing Dynasty Emperor issues a decree declaring these lands Imperial hunting grounds, forbidding settlements here.
• Late 19th century: Authorities lift the settlement ban, leading to mass migration of Koreans and Chinese from other provinces.
• 1902: The Yanji Commissariat is established — the first official administrative unit in the region.
• 1913: Following the Xinhai Revolution and administrative division reform, Yanji County was formed.
• 1934: During the existence of the Manchukuo state, Yanji County becomes part of the new Jiandao Province.
• 1945: After the end of World War II, the county officially returns to the administration of the Republic of China and is included in Jilin Province.
• 1952: The Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region is founded, and Yanji becomes its administrative centre.
• May 30, 1953: Yanji officially receives the status of a county-level city.
• 1955: The Autonomous Region is transformed into the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, with Yanji remaining its capital.

The development of Yanji as a major regional centre in northeast China was defined by its unique geographical location and cultural specificity. Below are the key milestones that have shaped the modern appearance of the city.

Major Stages of Yanji's Development

• Founding of Yanbian University (1949). The creation of this higher education institution provided a powerful impulse for the city's cultural and intellectual development. The university quickly became the region's main educational hub, training specialists for various industries and helping to preserve the bilingual (Chinese-Korean) environment.
• Status as Autonomous Prefecture Capital (1952). Granting Yanji the status of the administrative centre of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture solidified its political and economic significance. This facilitated the concentration of administrative functions, attraction of investments, and implementation of large-scale urban planning projects.
• Formation of a Transport Hub. The modernisation and expansion of Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport (YNJ), as well as the development of a high-speed railway network connecting the city with the country's largest centres, played a key role. Improved transport accessibility gave a boost to business and tourism.
• Development of Border Trade. Thanks to its location at the junction of borders with Russia and the DPRK, Yanji has become an important centre for international trade. Trade and investment fairs are regularly held in the city, helping to strengthen economic ties in Northeast Asia.
• Emergence as a Tourist Centre. The city actively develops tourism infrastructure, relying on its unique Korean culture, cuisine, and traditions, as well as natural attractions such as the Changbai Mountains. The appearance of modern hotels, entertainment complexes, and tourist routes attracts an increasing number of travellers to Yanji.
• Modern Urban Construction. In recent decades, construction has been actively ongoing in Yanji. New residential districts and large shopping centres, such as Wanda Plaza, have appeared, and the Buerhatong River promenade has become a popular recreation spot for citizens and guests.
• Preservation and Promotion of Korean Heritage. Yanji is called the "land of song and dance" thanks to its careful attitude towards Korean traditions. The opening of the Korean National Museum, folk villages, and the hosting of cultural festivals highlight the city's distinctiveness and are its main cultural asset.

The architectural appearance of Yanji is a reflection of its young but dynamic history. The city began to be actively built up only in the 20th century, so you will not find medieval Gothic or Renaissance styles here. Instead, its development can be traced through several characteristic stages that created a unique mix of styles.

Soviet-Style Functionalism (1950s–1980s)

After receiving the status of the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in 1952, planned development of the city began. During this period, a utilitarian approach dominated, characteristic of many industrial centres in Northeast China. The architecture of that time consisted primarily of simple residential and administrative buildings devoid of decoration. The main task was to quickly provide the population with housing and infrastructure, so aesthetics gave way to functionality. Examples of such development can still be found in the older quarters of the city.

Korean National Motifs

Strong Korean influence gives Yanji's architecture particular expressiveness. This is manifested not only in ubiquitous bilingual signs but also in building elements. Many modern and reconstructed buildings are adorned with curved tiled roofs, characteristic of traditional Korean architecture, and ornaments in the national style. A vivid example is the "Chinese Korean Folk Customs Park" — an open-air museum where one can see traditional Korean houses. The buildings of Yanbian University also combine modern forms with ethnic motifs.

The Modern Era: Modernism and Postmodernism (from the 1990s)

With the beginning of the economic boom in China, the appearance of Yanji began to change rapidly. The city filled with modern high-rise buildings, gleaming shopping centres, hotels, and office complexes made of glass and concrete. Ambitious urban planning projects were implemented, such as the landscaping of the Buerhatong River embankment, spanned by bridges with spectacular night lighting. This period is characterised by bold architectural solutions and a desire to create memorable and even "Instagrammable" objects, such as the famous "Influencer Wall" (Wanghong Wall) — a street with neon signs that has become a symbol of the city's nightlife.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Yanji

The city of Yanji and the entire Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture have become the birthplace or training ground for many notable figures in politics, culture, and sports. Their destinies reflect the unique history and cultural diversity of this region.

• Zhu Dehai — Revolutionary and politician. Being an ethnic Korean, he became the first head of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and held this post from 1952 to 1965. Zhu Dehai played a key role in the establishment of autonomy, the development of education for the Korean minority, and founded Yanbian University. His work laid the foundations for the region's modern status.
• Zhu De — Marshal, statesman, and one of the founders of the Chinese Red Army. His connection with Yanji is historical: during the civil war, he commanded communist forces in Northeast China, which was crucial for establishing power in the Yanbian region.
• Cui Jian — Musician, singer, and songwriter, widely known as the "Father of Chinese Rock". Although born in Beijing, his family hails from the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, and he is an ethnic Korean. His song "Nothing to My Name" became a cult hit and a symbol of change in Chinese society in the late 1980s.
• Gao Zhongxun — Former professional footballer and captain of the Chinese national team. He was born in Yanbian and spent most of his career at the local club "Yanbian". Gao Zhongxun is considered one of the region's most outstanding athletes and made a significant contribution to the development of football, which is very popular in Yanji.
• Gao Zhunyi — Active footballer, player for the Chinese national team. He is the son of Gao Zhongxun and was also born in Yanji, continuing the sports dynasty. His success at the national level highlights the city's role as an important centre for training football talent.
• Zhang Yuxi — Chinese actress and model. She was born in Dunhua County, which is part of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. Starting her career as a model, she achieved widespread fame thanks to roles in popular dramas and films.