Jilin, Snow Paradise, Changbai Mountain, and Winter Fishing

Written by Anthony
Last update April 25, 2026

The China Journey - China -

Discover Jilin’s rich snow culture, from Wusong Island’s icy wonders to the breathtaking Changbai Mountain and traditional winter fishing at Chagan Lake.

About Jilin

Jilin Province, abbreviated as “Ji,” is a provincial-level administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, with Changchun as its capital.

It is located in the central part of Northeast China, bordered by Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and shares boundaries with Russia and North Korea.

The province covers an area of 187,400 square kilometers and has a temperate continental monsoon climate.

By the end of 2024, Jilin’s population is around 23.17 million.

It is one of China’s nine border provinces, playing a vital role as a gateway for the Belt and Road Initiative.

Jilin is also a key industrial base, with prominent sectors like automotive, petrochemical, food, equipment manufacturing, and healthcare.

As a major grain production hub, it leads in corn exports and is a national ecological development pilot province.

If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Jilin Travel Guide.

Category	Detail	Category	Detail
Alias	Baishan Songshui	Administrative Code	220000
Administrative Level	Province	Region	People’s Republic of China
Geographic Location	Northeast China	Area	187,400 km²
Subdivisions	8 Prefecture-level cities, 1 Autonomous Region	Government Location	Changchun City, Kuancheng District, Xinfa Road 329
Postal Code	130000-138000	Climate	Temperate monsoon climate
Population	23.17 million (2024)	Famous Attractions	Changbai Mountain Scenic Area, Jingyuetan National Forest Park, Manchukuo Palace Museum, Changying Century City, Songhua Lake Scenic Area, Xianghai National Nature Reserve, Goguryeo Royal Tombs, Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Area, World Sculpture Park, Fangchuan Scenic Area, Xianjingtai Scenic Area, Nenjiang Bay National Wetland Park, Fushou Palace, Beidahu Ski Resort, Wusong Island, Chagan Lake National Nature Reserve
Airports	Changchun Longjia International Airport, Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport	Train Stations	Changchun Station, Changchun West Station, Jilin Station, Siping Station, Baicheng Station
License Plate Code	Ji A – Ji K	GDP	1.436 trillion RMB (2024)

Jilin Administrative Divisions Overview

Jilin Province is located in the central part of Northeast China and is the geographical center of Northeast Asia, sharing borders with Russia and North Korea.

The total length of its border is 1,452 kilometers, with 1,206 kilometers along the China-North Korea border and 246 kilometers along the China-Russia border.

The province covers an area of 187,400 square kilometers and has a population of 23.17 million as of 2024, with an urbanization rate of 65.76%.

Jilin follows a four-level administrative structure: province, city, county, and township.

The province consists of one sub-provincial city (Changchun), eight prefecture-level cities, and one autonomous region (Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture), totaling nine prefecture-level administrative divisions.

Changchun, the capital, is the political, economic, and cultural hub, with a population of 9.07 million in 2024, accounting for 37.66% of the province’s population and over 30% of its economic output.

Cities in Jilin (Ranked By GDP)

Scenery in Jilin

In recent years, Jilin’s tourism industry has experienced strong growth, with a particular focus on the snow economy, which has rapidly driven the development of all-region tourism.

In the 2024-2025 snow season, the province welcomed 170 million domestic tourists, with total spending reaching 295 billion RMB, marking year-on-year growth of 35% and 21%, respectively.

Skiing tourism revenue now accounts for over 60% of the total.

Major resorts like Beidahu Ski Resort have reached new highs in visitor numbers, with Beidahu surpassing one million visitors, ranking first in both skier numbers and mileage.

Jilin is committed to developing its snow economy and aims to reach 300 million tourists and 540 billion RMB in revenue by 2030.

The province is also enhancing infrastructure with new highways and expanding its snow tourism offerings, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Food in Jilin

Jilin’s cuisine reflects a unique blend of diverse cultures shaped by its cold climate and multi-ethnic population, featuring a robust mix of Manchu, Korean, and Han influences.

The region’s food primarily consists of high-calorie, long-preservation ingredients like sauerkraut, potatoes, and corn, along with local delicacies such as wild mushrooms and freshwater fish from the Songhua River.

Korean dishes like cold noodles and kimchi, Manchu dishes such as white meat blood sausage and hot pot, and Han-style dishes like smoked meat pancakes showcase various cooking traditions.

The cooking methods focus on stewing, roasting, and pickling.

Local eating habits follow seasonal rhythms, with hearty stews and hot pots in winter, and refreshing cold noodles and fish in summer.

Jilin’s culinary culture embodies ethnic integration, from the Korean kimchi-making technique to the Manchu “Eight Bowls” banquet, representing a vibrant cultural fusion.

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Jilin Overview

Jilin Province has developed a comprehensive system for the protection and transmission of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), covering all regions and multiple dimensions.

By 2024, the province has 3,135 ICH items at various levels, including 55 at the national level and 433 at the provincial level.

These projects span ten categories such as folk literature, traditional music, crafts, and customs, reflecting distinct ethnic and regional characteristics.

Jilin’s ICH showcases a “core and diversity” pattern, with national-level heritage from the Korean, Manchu, and Mongolian ethnic groups.

The province has established two cultural ecological protection zones, 55 ICH inheritance bases, and numerous workshops.

In addition, Jilin embraces digital innovation and cultural tourism integration, promoting ICH through virtual platforms and activities like snow culture virtual avatars.

This multi-faceted approach ensures the vibrant protection and sustainable development of Jilin’s rich cultural heritage.

Attractive ICH in Jilin

China Province Basic Info

Anhui

Fujian, Home to Mazu Beliefs, Nanyin, and Hakka Tulou

Gansu

Guangdong, the Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road

Guangxi, Ba Gui Culture & Iconic Guilin Mountain Views

Guizhou Province: Basic Info, Culture & Food

Hainan

Hebei

Heilongjiang, Best China’s Ice-Snow Tourism Destination

Henan

Hubei

Hunan, Heart of Chu-Han Culture and Red Culture

Inner Mongolia, Kingdom of Grasslands, Ocean of Songs, Homeland of Wine

Jiangsu, a land of Wu charm and Han elegance

Jiangxi

Liaoning

Ningxia

Qinghai

Shaanxi, A Birthplace of Chinese Nation & Civilization

Shandong, Land of Qi and Lu, Hometown of Confucius

Shanxi

Sichuan, Land of Shu Civilization, Hotpot, and Pandas

Taiwan, a Cultural Blend of Hakka, Indigenous, and Western Influences

Tianjin

Tibet/Xizang

Xinjiang, Ethnic Customs of the Western Regions

Yunnan, A Cultural and Natural Paradise with Scenic Wonders

Zhejiang, A Timeless Land of Jiangnan Charm

FAQs About Jilin

What is Jilin, China known for?

Jilin is known for its Changbai Mountain, snow tourism, Korean and Manchu cultures, and Chagan Lake winter fishing. It is an important grain-producing area and an old industrial base in China.

What cities are in the Jilin province?

Jilin province has 9 prefecture-level cities: Changchun, Jilin, Siping, Liaoyuan, Tonghua, Baishan, Songyuan, Baicheng, and Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.

What is the biggest city in Jilin?

The biggest city in Jilin is Changchun, the provincial capital with a population of about 9 million. It is an important economic and cultural center in Northeast China.

What to see in Jilin?

Key attractions in Jilin include Changbai Mountain’s Heavenly Lake, Songhua Lake, Goguryeo Royal Tombs, Manchukuo Palace Museum, and winter experiences like Wusong Island and Chagan Lake winter fishing.

What is the birth rate in Jilin?

In 2023, Jilin’s birth rate was 3.43‰, one of the lowest in China, with a natural population growth rate of -3.28‰.

Is Jilin north or south China?

Jilin is located in Northeast China, at the geographical center of Northeast Asia, bordered by Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, North Korea, and Russia.

Anthony

I’m Anthony, the founder and editor of The China Journey. I create practical, experience-based guides covering travel, food, and culture across China, with a focus on helping international travelers make clear planning decisions.

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Jilin, Snow Paradise, Changbai Mountain, and Winter Fishing

Table of Contents

About Jilin

Jilin Administrative Divisions Overview

Cities in Jilin (Ranked By GDP)

Jilin

Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture

Songyuan

Baicheng

Siping

Tonghua

Baishan

Liaoyuan

Scenery in Jilin

Food in Jilin

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Jilin Overview

Attractive ICH in Jilin

Gayageum Art

Ula Manchu Yangko Dance

Huanglong Opera

Jiju Opera

Manchu Xincheng Opera

Korean Ethnic Springboard and Swing Sports

Korean Ethnic Wrestling

Changbai Mountain Manchu Pillow-Top Embroidery

Li Liangui Smoked Pork Flatbread Craft

Manchu Qipao Tailoring Craft

Korean Ethnic Kimchi Fermentation Craft

Beishan Temple Fair

Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Tradition

Korean Ethnic Traditional Wedding