Tumen Port in Yanbian

Tumen Port (图们口岸) is located in Tumen City, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (延边朝鲜族自治州), Jilin Province (吉林省), at the lower reaches of the Tumen River (图们江). It serves as an important land border crossing connecting China to North Korea. Directly across from the port is North Korea’s South Yang (南阳) International Port, situated about 177 kilometers from Qingjin (清津), North Korea.

Tumen Port has a long history of development. In 1933, the Tumen Customs (图们税关) was established. During the Japanese occupation, the Tumen-Nanyang “Border Bridge” was constructed. In September 1950, China officially set up a border inspection station at Tumen Port. Before the reform and opening-up era, Tumen primarily facilitated the travel of family members, officials, and goods for border trade. In 1985, new customs facilities, including the Tumen Highway Port Joint Inspection Building, were established, increasing its handling capacity to 200,000 tons of goods per year and 100,000 border-crossing individuals annually.

Border Crossings

This port, alongside its railway counterpart, forms the second-largest land crossing between China and North Korea. The railway port, operational since 1954, supports international freight transport, connecting China to North Korea and Russia through a railway transfer system. It handles around 250,000 tons of freight annually, making it one of China’s busiest cargo ports.

Travel Guide to Tumen Port

Basic Information

Location: Situated in Tumen City (图们市), Jilin Province (吉林省), at the China-North Korea border, Tumen Port is a key crossing point between the two countries. The port includes both road and railway crossings.

Scenic Views: Visitors can enjoy views of North Korea’s South Yang (南阳) across the Tumen River, with Border Gate Park (国门景区) offering a panoramic view of the North Korean landscape. The No. 87 Boundary Marker (87号界碑) is a must-see landmark.

Operating Hours: The port is open year-round from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:30 PM.

Immigration Policies

Chinese Citizens: Chinese citizens must obtain a North Korean visa in advance as visa-on-arrival is not available. Passport holders can use a fast-track lane for quicker border crossing. Foreign nationals must comply with the Regulations on the Entry and Exit of Foreigners in China.

Foreign Tourists: Citizens from South Korea and eight other countries are eligible for a 30-day visa exemption (only when entering through Yanji Airport). It’s recommended to consult the 12367 Service Platform for the latest travel policies.

Top Attractions

Border Gate Park: Entrance fee: 25 CNY. Features include the Railway Border Gate and the Watchtower for observing South Yang in North Korea.

No. 87 Boundary Marker: A twin boundary marker where visitors can take photos, but they must adhere to strict border regulations.

Sunshine Mountain (日光山): Offers breathtaking views of the China-North Korea border and is especially beautiful in winter for snow scenes.

Cultural and Scenic Experiences

Tiger Shop: Purchase unique North Korean souvenirs.

Tumen River Cruise: Take a boat ride to explore the picturesque scenery along both sides of the Tumen River. The cruise departs from Tumen River Square (图们江广场).

Traditional Korean Clothing: Rent traditional Korean costumes for a memorable photo session at the Hundred-Year Tribe (百年部落).

Transportation and Travel Tips

By High-Speed Train: Take the train from Yanji West Station (延吉西站) to Tumen North Station (图们北站), which takes around 15 minutes and costs 11 CNY. From there, take a bus to the port.

By Car: A one-hour drive from Yanji (延吉) to Tumen, with convenient parking around the port area.

Important Tips

Cash: Some areas may have weak signals, so it is recommended to carry cash for purchases.

Photo Restrictions: Follow all border photography regulations and avoid taking pictures of sensitive areas.

Best Time to Visit: Winter offers fantastic snowy views, but spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting, with mild temperatures and clear weather.