Tonghua

Tonghua City (通化市) is located in southeastern Jilin Province (吉林省) and is known for its combination of mountains, rivers, forests, border culture, and traditional Chinese medicine industries. As an important city in Northeast China, Tonghua is famous for Koguryo historical heritage, ice wine production, ginseng culture, and winter tourism, offering diverse experiences from cultural exploration to outdoor adventures.

Why Visit Tonghua City?

Koguryo World Heritage Sites: Ji’an Koguryo Relics Scenic Area (集安高句丽遗址景区) preserves important remains of the ancient Koguryo Kingdom (高句丽王国), including royal tombs, stone inscriptions, and ancient city ruins. These sites reveal the history and civilization of early Northeast Asia and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom (高句丽王城、王陵及贵族墓葬).

Ice Wine and Grape Culture: Tonghua (通化) is known as China’s “Ice Wine Capital” and has a long tradition of mountain wild grape wine production. The region’s cold climate vineyards and underground cellars create ideal conditions for ice wine making. Visitors can join winery tours, taste local wines, and learn about traditional wine production processes.

Yalu River Border Scenery: The Yalu River (鸭绿江) forms a natural border between China and North Korea (朝鲜), creating unique border landscapes in Tonghua’s surrounding areas. Visitors can enjoy river views, cross-border bridges, railway heritage sites, and riverside night scenery while experiencing local Korean-style cuisine and border culture.

Nature and Volcanic Landscapes: Longwan National Forest Park (龙湾国家森林公园) is famous for volcanic crater lakes, dense forests, and hiking routes. Wunü Peak National Forest Park (五女峰国家森林公园) offers waterfalls, mountain trails, and spectacular autumn red leaf scenery. Yunxia Cave (云霞洞) features unique volcanic geological formations and underground landscapes.

Skiing and Snow Tourism: Wanfeng Tonghua Ski Resort (万峰通化滑雪度假区) is one of Northeast China’s popular winter destinations, offering skiing, snow activities, ice sculptures, and hot spring experiences. With its snowy forests and cold-climate landscapes, Tonghua has become an emerging winter tourism destination.

Ginseng and Wellness Culture: Liuhe Ginseng Water Street (柳河人参水街) showcases the region’s famous ginseng industry and traditional wellness culture. Visitors can explore ginseng markets, experience health products, and discover the connection between local mountain resources and traditional Chinese medicine.

Local Food Experience: Tonghua (通化) combines Korean ethnic cuisine with Northeast Chinese mountain flavors. Popular local foods include cold noodles, hot pot, wild mushrooms, ginseng chicken soup, and mountain specialties. Local ice wine is also an important part of the city’s culinary tourism experience.

With its combination of ancient history, border landscapes, mountain ecology, wine culture, ginseng traditions, and winter activities, Tonghua (通化) offers a unique travel experience in southeastern Jilin Province (吉林省) and serves as an excellent gateway for exploring the cultural and natural attractions of Northeast China.