Location

Capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, in Jilin Province Yanji is located in Northeast China, close to the DPRK and Russia.

It is a city where the traditions of China and Korea come together to create an extraordinary cultural experience.

Skewer Restaurant by the Yanji TV Station Tower - meat skewers are a huge thing in Yanji

Neighbours in Yanji watching the North Korean classical "The Flower Girl"

What was not too long ago a remote corner of China is now a thriving Chinese tourist destination, thanks to its unique blend of cultures and to its modern transportation network.

Korean traditional dresses clothes for rent across the street from Yanbian University in Yanji

With high-speed trains connecting Yanji to cities like Shenyang and Harbin in just four hours, and Beijing in seven, the city is more accessible than ever. Long gone are the days when the only option of going to Yanji were overnight trains from Beijing (almost 24 hours!) and Shenyang meandering their way up to the DPRK and Russian borders. In fact, the famous green trains, known as “Green Skinned Trains” no longer operate in this part of China. Moreover, Yanji also features an international airport with connections to Beijing, Shanghai, Japan, and South Korea amongst other places. Flight to Pyongyang have also been chartered in the past.

Yanji is now a domestic tourist hotspot in China.

Yanji West Train Station. All signs are in Chinese and in Korean in Yanji.

Top

Cultural Attractions

Yanbian University 延边大学(Yanda 延大)

Yanbian University has become a major tourist spot in Yanji.

Every evening, thousands of tourists from other parts of China flock to Yanbian University, or "Yanda," drawn by its vibrant and photogenic atmosphere. The main gate, brightly illuminated, becomes a focal point for visitors, surrounded by neon-lit streets and modern architecture that resembles the heart of Seoul.

Main gate of Yanbian University

Street vendors line the area, offering selfie sticks, professional camera services, and an endless array of souvenirs. Coffee sellers cater to influencers looking to fuel their evening adventures, adding to the bustling energy of the scene.

The surrounding buildings house dozens of restaurants and multi-storey coffee shops, their interiors styled with a modern Korean flair, making them perfect spots for dining or capturing aesthetic photos. Many shops rent traditional Korean attire, and it’s common to see visitors dressed in hanbok (a term not used in the DPRK), striking poses for photos against the charming backdrop of Yanbian’s architecture, which itself features distinctive Korean elements.

Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, or the perfect Instagram moment, Yanda's night scene is a must-see for anyone visiting Yanji.

China Korean Folk Village

At the base of Mao’er Mountain, this village showcases the traditions of the ethnic Korean Chinese community in China. Visitors can explore traditional houses, try their hand at archery, wear traditional Korean attire, and enjoy live performances.

Yanbian Museum

The Yanbian Museum showcases the rich history and culture of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.

Korean Folk Museum in Yanji, capital of Yanbian

It features fascinating exhibits on the heritage of the Korean ethnic minority in China, including traditional clothing, artifacts, and historical records, providing a unique insight into the region's diverse cultural tapestry.

Shopping

Shuishang Market (水上市场)

Yanji's morning market is a haven for fresh local produce, where you can discover the region’s seasonal fruits, vegetables, and more.

West Market (西市场)

A multi-level shopping complex offering everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items. This market used to sprawl around the distance of several blocks, divided in single story markets.

Part of the West Market before it was renovated

Women’s Street (女人街)

A hotspot for trendy clothing, this shopping area brings the latest South Korean fashion directly to Yanji.

Outdoor Activities

Mao’er Mountain (帽儿山)

Hike up Mao’er Mountain in about 45 minutes to enjoy breathtaking views of Yanji and its surroundings, including Longjing, from the summit.

Worth the effort!

Views from the top of Maoershan

Ski Resort

A 20 minute drive north-east of the city centre will take you to the Yanji Mengdumei Ski Resort. They have spas nearby too.

Yanji Park (延吉公园)

If you do not fancy going to the city’s outskirts, Yanji Park, located in the city centre, offers a tranquil escape with its lush forest trails and scenic hiking paths.

One of the entrances of Yanji Park. Locals gather in the evenings at this point to dance.

Once a half-zoo, this green oasis provides visitors with the perfect blend of nature and urban convenience and has several football, basketball and badminton outdoor courts.

Xiao Helong 小河龙

One of Yanji's great advantages is that although a modern city, it is relatively small, meaning that going from one place to another can be done quickly. It also means that you are always just a short drive away from the countryside. If you fancy a nice quiet country meal by the river, and amazing views, then Xiao He Long may be an option for you to consider.

There is a small place named "Seoul Villa" run by a Korean and Chinese Korean couple.

They offer Korean dishes and where you can eat with views of their little stream. They also have fresh coffee, of course.

There is a temple in Xiao He Long too.

If you have a driver and follow the road up, views are definitely worth the visit.

What you see there is actually a golf course

Football Match

Yanji has a solid football fan base and many amateur local league. The local professional team currently plays in division 2.

Farmers' Market (369市场)

Known as the "369 market", it is held in northern Yanji every day of the month that has a 3, 6 and 9. This market gives you the chance buy fresh produce and livestock directly from local farmers.

Dinosaur Park

This attraction features an expansive outdoor amusement area and an indoor fun-fair. The outdoor section boasts a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of the city, alongside rides and entertainment for all ages.

Frozen River

In Winter, there are several activities on the frozen river, such as ice-skating, snow slides, etc. Just make sure you bundle up!

Food

Yanji is a culinary paradise where Korean and Chinese influences shine. It is impossible to list all the great places there to eat in Yanji. You would need a whole website dedicated to this subject and the restaurant scenery is ever-evolving in Yanji. Make sure you go to Fazhan (发展), where there are endless restaurant options. What we will do here is list just some of our favourite places to eat in Yanji where locals frequently go and very few tourists know about (with the exception of Quanzhou Banfan).

Da Chuanr (大串儿): Located in Fazhan, it is small and serves some of the tastiest and chunkiest skewers in the city.

Its retro décor that takes you back to a 1960s, 70s and 80s China also makes it unique.

Quanzhou Ban Fan (全州拌饭): A mixture of authentic Chinese Korean food, it's star dish is its mixed veggies, beef and rice.

Huayu Xiao Chi Bu (花玉小吃部）: Ok, so this place is actually not in Yanji, but in the outskirts of Longjing. However, it's cosiness, uniqueness and authenticity make it a must-be on our list. Despite being quite a long drive away from the city, no local in Yanji will not know this tiny place as it became famous in the area after some celebrities visited years back.

An abosulute gem in Yanbian, they make some of the tastiest "warm" corn noodles (wen mian 温面） in Yanbian here.

Delicious - some of the best Wenmian in Yanbian are served here

Pictures of celebreties who have eaten here

Not the biggest of restaurants, but definitely a gem

Bong Huang (凤凰): Phoenix in English, this restaurant is famous for traditional Korean dishes. Its decoration is based on Korean traditional countryside life.

Ding Xiang Yuan (丁香园): Offers hearty lamb soups, perfect for cold Yanji winters.

Coffee Culture

Coffee culture in Yanji is taken to a completely different level, making it, in our humble opinion, one of the most unique cities in China for coffee enthusiasts. With one of the highest concentrations of coffee shops per capita, Yanji offers a diverse and vibrant coffee scene that reflects its blend of modernity and cultural charm. Here are some standout coffee experiences in Yanji:

Yanji’s coffee shops often feature themed interiors, modern aesthetics, and unique offerings, ensuring every visit is an experience in itself. From cosy hideaways to expansive venues with outdoor attractions, the city’s coffee culture is an essential part of its identity and a must-try for visitors.

Rotti Bunn

Known for baking their own buns, Rotti Bunn shops can be found all over Yanji and in other cities in Yanbian, for example across from Yanda or in Yihua Square. However, it's king shop is located just outside Longjing, this mega coffee shop is more than just a café—it’s an experience.

This mega Rotti Bunn coffee shop features an outdoor BBQ Korean BBQ area, go-karts, mini golf and much more

Featuring outdoor recreation facilities, BBQ areas, and go-karts, Rotti Bunn is perfect for families and groups looking to combine great coffee with leisure activities.

Hands Coffee

A well established coffee shop chain in Yanbian. You can find Hands Coffee shops all around the city and basically all over Yanbian. Hands Coffee are known to be the company that brought the coffee culture to Yanbian. They are small, cozy, have excellent coffee, usually offer free cookies made by themselves and were opened by some university graduates on YUST (Yanbian University of Science & Technology). You can check their stores accross from from Yanbian University, by Jin Da Lai Square and in the West Market (西市场). Their rates are low too and it is possible to refill coffee (into Americanos) for free. Hands Coffee also opened a restaurant chain called Hands Cook in 2015. They offer excellent Western food and usually have a small coffee shop inside or and Hands Coffee close by.

Gao’an Coffee

Situated by Shuishang Market, it is just next to the city’s river. Huge, several floors and private rooms, Gao'an opened in December 2019 and has become of the locals' favourites. Their coffee options are endless and they have a wide range of deserts too. Gao'an can get quite busy with local families, especially on weekends.

Caffé Bene

They have several shops around Yanji, but their most renowned branch is a two storey coffee shop just across from Yanda.

Cup with the words 연길, Yanji in Korean. You can see the main gate of Yanbian University in the background.

This Bene provides excellent views of the lively atmosphere surrounding the university. Its large windows let you soak in the energy of the bustling streets below while enjoying a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Whether you’re people-watching or taking a break from exploring, Benne Café is a great place to unwind. Surprisingly, and having been in Yanji since 2012, Benne does not fill up with people frequently and, if it does, it will be mainly with students from Yanbian University who are there to study, meaning that you are almost always guaranteed a peaceful and quite environment. This coffee shop has too several private rooms, excellent if you plan to have a video call.

Views of Yanda

Park Coffee

Not in the city centre, Park Coffee is located at the footsteps of Maoershan, by the highway that leads to Longjing City.

Its contemporary decor is impressive, but more so is the fact that located just next to a forest, giving customers the impression that they are in the middle of the woods as they look out of the window while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Nightlife

Yanji’s nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as its culture, offering something for everyone—from laid-back evenings at traditional Korean pubs to high-energy nights at the city’s biggest clubs, something uncommon for a "small sized" Chinese city.

Suljibs

Around Yanbian University and Fazhan （发展） countless suljibs (Korean-style pubs) buzz with life every evening. These cosy venues are perfect for enjoying Korean favourites like soju, makgeolli (rice wine), and various anju (drinking snacks) in a warm and sociable atmosphere. Whether you’re a student, a tourist, or a local, the suljibs around Yanda are a great way to immerse yourself in Yanji’s unique cultural blend.

Reach Club

For those looking to dance the night away, Reach Club is the place to be. As the most famous club in Yanji, it regularly hosts a mix of local and South Korean DJs, creating a lively fusion of beats that keep the dance floor packed. Taking the nightlife scene to another level, the club occasionally flies in K-Pop artists from South Korea to perform live, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts from across the region. These electrifying performances, paired with a state-of-the-art sound system and dazzling light shows, make Reach Club a standout nightlife destination.

Other Clubs and Nightspots

In addition to Reach Club, Yanji boasts several other nightclubs and entertainment venues that cater to different tastes. Karaoke, or high-energy dance floors can be found amongst the dozens of busy restaurants that are located in Fazhan （发展）, the city offers plenty of options to keep you entertained late into the night.

To Sum Up

Yanji’s unique fusion of cultures, bustling shopping districts, exciting outdoor attractions, and diverse culinary offerings make it a city worth exploring. From its traditional Chinese Korean heritage to its modern coffee culture, Yanji offers a one-of-a-kind experience for every traveller and offers the perfect setting before heading out on a DPRK trip.