Take my advice, I really don't recommend visiting Yanji, Jilin during the off-season in July-August because...

because it's too beautiful!!! Yanji, this small border city between China and North Korea, blends rich Korean ethnic charm with mouthwatering cuisine, creating a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. This carefully planned two-day itinerary will take you deep into the unique allure of Yanji. ### Transportation & Accommodation Guide Getting There - **Arrival Options**: Direct flights to Yanji are limited and expensive. It's recommended to fly to Changchun first, then take a 2-hour high-speed train to Yanji West Station—comfortable and budget-friendly. - **Local Transport**: Yanji's urban area is compact, with affordable taxi fares, making it convenient to travel between attractions and food districts. Where to Stay Staying near **Yanbian University** is a great choice, with plenty of cozy homestays available for around ¥100 per person. It's within walking distance to hotspots like the "Internet-Famous Wall" and West Market, offering easy access to food and sightseeing. ### Two-Day In-Depth Itinerary **DAY 1: Immersive Korean Ethnic Experience** **Morning**: - **China Korean Folk Garden**: The best place to immerse yourself in Korean culture. The garden features charming traditional Korean architecture, transporting you to the Korean Peninsula. Rent an elegant hanbok (starting at ¥100) with matching accessories and capture stunning photos among pavilions and stone-paved alleys. Admission is ¥27—arrive early to avoid crowds. **Afternoon**: - **West Market**: This iconic market brims with local life. Explore stalls piled with Korean kimchi, fragrant rice wine, snacks, and specialties. Haggling is part of the fun! For bulk purchases, on-site shipping services are available. **Evening**: - **Yanbian University's Internet-Famous Wall**: At night, the wall dazzles with colorful neon signs, creating a dreamy backdrop. Grab a local coffee and snap Instagram-worthy shots. Navigate to "Yanbian University South Gate" for the prime photo spot. **DAY 2: Culture & Culinary Adventure** **Early Morning**: - **Water Market**: For Yanji's most authentic vibe, visit this bustling morning market (open until ~9 AM). Arrive by 8:30 AM for steaming **Mingyue Soup Rice**, chewy rice cakes, blood sausage, and kimchi dumplings—each bite is a delight. **Late Morning**: - **Tumen Half-Day Trip**: A 15-minute high-speed train ride from Yanji takes you to Tumen. Visit border monuments, gaze at North Korea across the river, and soak in the unique border-town atmosphere. **Afternoon**: - **Longmat Supermarket (Yanji Flagship)**: A paradise for snack lovers, stocked with Korean chips, drinks, instant noodles, and more—perfect for souvenirs or treats. ### Must-Try Food List **Main Meals** - **Quanzhou Bibimbap**: Signature stone pot bibimbap with crisp veggies, tender meat, and savory sauce. Don’t miss their juicy grilled pork. - **Grandma Yuan’s Wraps**: Try the ginseng chicken soup—fall-off-the-bone tender—paired with refreshing wraps. - **Little Wooden House Rice Wine Bar**: Local rice wine pairs perfectly with spicy rice cakes and fiery chicken feet. **Snacks & Specialties** - **Xingdou Restaurant**: Classic combo of chewy black bean noodles and crispy-sweet-and-sour pork. - **Shunji Cold Noodles**: Icy noodles in a chilled bowl with beef, cucumber, and tangy broth—best with crispy fried pork. - **Laodingben Café**: Unwind with fluffy shaved ice and soft "ben" bread for a sweet break. ### Travel Tips 1. **Hanbok Photos**: Compare studios near the Folk Garden for outfits, makeup, and pricing. Opt for packages with styling included. 2. **Packing**: Bring a light jacket for cool evenings and comfy shoes for long walks. 3. **Extend Your Trip**: If time allows, visit **Changbai Mountain** nearby for breathtaking natural scenery. Pack your bags and set off—Yanji’s streets await with flavors and charm!