Tonghua

Tonghua is an underrated border mountain city, with a thousand years of Goguryeo history, cool 22°C summer days, stunning border scenery, and very comfortable prices. Here is a detailed Tonghua travel guide to help you explore this hidden gem with ease.

Must-Visit Attractions

Tonghua’s sights are mainly concentrated in the urban area, Ji’an, and Huinan County, where natural scenery and cultural history intertwine.

• Goguryeo Cultural Relics and Historic Sites Scenic Area: Located in Ji’an, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Tomb of King Jangsu, known as the “Eastern Pyramid,” and the Gwanggaeto Stele, covered with inscriptions from a thousand years ago. The historical depth here is extraordinary.

• Longwanqun National Forest Park: Located in Huinan County, it features China’s unique cluster of seven volcanic lakes. Sanjiao Longwan is surrounded by mountains and clear blue water, while Diaoshuihu Waterfall roars with rushing streams. With an average summer temperature of 22°C, it is a natural summer retreat and lung-cleansing getaway.

• Wunüfeng National Forest Park: With forest coverage as high as 95%, the park is filled with dramatic peaks, gorges, streams, and waterfalls. In autumn, the mountains covered in red leaves are absolutely stunning, while in summer it is a top choice for hiking and escaping the heat.

• Yalu River National Gate Scenic Area: Located in Ji’an, this is one of China’s few border gateways with both railway and highway ports. Standing on the glass skywalk at the national gate, you can clearly take in the scenery of two countries across one river.

• Longxingli Cultural Tourism Town: A new landmark in Tonghua’s urban area, full of modern retro charm. After the lights come on at night, it is highly photogenic, with free rickshaws and folk performances, making it perfect for an evening stroll.

Must-Try Local Food List

When visiting Tonghua, don’t miss the authentic flavors of this border mountain city and its Korean ethnic specialties.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

This itinerary covers nature, history, and border scenery at a moderate pace.

• Day 1: Urban Culture and Border Night Views
  • Morning: Arrive in Tonghua and visit the Tonghua Museum to learn about the city’s history. Admission is free.
  • Afternoon: Explore Yuhuang Mountain Park, climb to the top for panoramic views of the Hun River and the city, and enjoy a very soothing sunset in the evening.
  • Evening: Wander around Longxingli Cultural Tourism Town to watch the light show and folk performances, then take a walk along Binjiang Road and try authentic local barbecue.

• Day 2: Ji’an’s Thousand-Year-Old Relics and Border Scenery
  • Morning: Drive to Ji’an (about 1.5 hours) and visit the Goguryeo Cultural Relics and Historic Sites Scenic Area to explore ancient royal tombs.
  • Afternoon: Tour the Yalu River National Gate Scenic Area and experience the powerful feeling of “seeing two countries at a glance.”
  • Evening: Enjoy authentic Korean brazier hotpot in Ji’an, then head to Dajita Square at dusk to see the same giant illuminated guitar featured in *City of Rock*.

• Day 3: A Hidden Natural Volcanic Lake Retreat
  • All Day: Head to Longwanqun National Forest Park in Huinan County, visit Sanjiao Longwan and Diaoshuihu Waterfall, breathe in the high concentration of negative oxygen ions, and enjoy the coolness of a natural air-conditioned room.
  • Evening: Return, or buy some Tonghua wine in the city as souvenirs.

Practical Transportation and Pitfall-Avoidance Tips**

Transportation: Taxis are very convenient within the city (starting fare about 5-6 yuan); however, for trips to Ji’an, Longwan, and other places, self-driving or carpooling is recommended. The scenery along the G331 border highway is exceptionally beautiful. Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Tonghua Wanda or Zhongdong Shopping Plaza, where dining, shopping, and entertainment are concentrated; if visiting Ji’an, you can stay overnight in Ji’an’s urban area. Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for escaping the heat and seeing lotus flowers, autumn (September-October) for red leaves and multicolored mountains, and winter (December-February) for experiencing Wanfeng skiing. Pitfall-Avoidance Tips: Many of Tonghua’s distinctive old eateries close early, so it is best to go before evening; when eating fried starch noodles and tofu skewers, look for old shops in residential areas or alleyways for a more authentic taste.