Name: Ji'an

Chinese name: 乌鲁木齐 (ئۈرۈمچى)

Province: Jilin

Status: City District

Population: 236,014 inhabitants

Area: 3,408 km²

Ji'an is a charming small town facing North Korea on the banks of the Yalu River in Jilin. Not to be confused with Ji'an in Jiangxi province, this small border town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its impressive pyramids and Koguryo kingdom ruins. Ji'an deserves at least a day's visit for its uniqueness and pleasant atmosphere.

History

During the Western Han dynasty, Ji'an was governed by the Xuantu commandery. In the year 3, the Koguryo kingdom established its capital at Ji'an and renamed it the Gungnae Fortress. The city was pillaged repeatedly until Gwanggaeto the Great came to power and expanded Koguryo territory. The capital was relocated to Pyongyang in 427 by King Jangsu. Gungnae Fortress fell in 666, shortly before the collapse of the Goguryo Kingdom. Ji'an subsequently became an administrative center for several states and dynasties, including the Ming and Qing. In 2004, Ji'an was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its historical remains from the Koguryo Kingdom era.

Today

Ji'an is well worth a stop during a journey through Jilin. This small town harbors numerous unique historical remains rarely encountered elsewhere in China. The main draw of a visit to Ji'an is exploring the Koguryo ruins sites located just outside the town. The general's tomb, one of the region's largest pyramid structures, rises to a height of 12 meters. Surrounded by verdant hills, the tomb promises a singular visiting experience. To continue your exploration of Ji'an's heritage, head to the Haotaiwang stele. This 6-meter-high tombstone, carved with 1,775 Chinese characters, commemorates the achievements of the Koguryo king known as Haotaiwang. Other tombs dot the surroundings of the stele. Beyond its historical significance, Ji'an captivates visitors with its numerous well-maintained parks and gardens and tree-lined streets. The Five Maidens Mountain National Forest Park, about twenty kilometers from the city center, reaches an elevation of 1,337 meters. The park features several trails perfect for nature walks. Don't miss a visit to the Ji'an Museum either, which displays 11,000 artifacts from the Koguryo era. It will provide further insight into the city's and Koguryo kingdom's history.

Climate

Ji'an is influenced by a humid continental climate with long, cold winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature throughout the year is just 7.16°C, with January averaging −12.3°C and July averaging 23°C. The heaviest precipitation occurs between June and July.

Ji'an is not the easiest city to access—you'll need to pass through Tonghua, Shenyang, or Dandong in Liaoning.

Train

Two regular trains connect Tonghua to Ji'an daily. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Long-distance bus

The Ji'an long-distance bus station is served by buses from Tonghua, Dandong, Shenyang, and Huanren.

The town is easily navigable on foot. You'll need to take a taxi to reach the various points of interest.

What to do in Ji'an?

• Immerse yourself in Koguryo kingdom culture at the Ji'an Museum.
• Follow the trail of Koguryo pyramids at the general's tomb and Haotaiwang stele.
• Escape into nature with a short hike in the Five Maidens Mountain Forest Park.