Tonghua

Tonghua lies in the foothills of the Changbai Mountains. Its mountain scenery, Goguryeo history and revolutionary heritage shape the local travel experience, and costs are generally affordable. October is a good time to see multicolored autumn forests and red leaves.

Culture and Nature in the City

• Yuhuang Mountain Park: This free park is also a popular place for local residents to relax. The mountain is not high, and the summit offers views of the Hun River and central Tonghua. A playground and a small free zoo make it suitable for families with children.

• Tonghua Old Town · Longxingli: This tourism and cultural district recreates Tonghua's old town, with Republican-era architecture that makes a good backdrop for photos. Visit in the evening to enjoy the illuminated streets, watch performances on the traditional stage, take a rickshaw ride and browse the night market.

• Tonghua Wine Museum: The visit includes what is described as Asia's oldest underground wine cellar. Learn about the history of Tonghua Wine and sample wine made from wild mountain grapes. The softer light in the early evening is good for photography.

• Tongjia River Tourist Resort: This newly built riverside park features a traditional-style umbrella bridge, a rainbow-colored wooden riverside walkway and the Jiangfeng Viewing Platform. Enjoy the riverside lights in the evening on an after-dinner stroll.

Exploring Further Afield: Ji'an and Huinan

• Goguryeo Historic Sites in Ji'an: These UNESCO World Heritage sites include the General's Tomb and the Gwanggaeto Stele. Consider hiring a guide for a fuller understanding of their history.

• Yalu River Border Railway Bridge: This landmark on the China–North Korea border offers close views across to the city of Hyesan in North Korea. The riverside walkway is also a good spot for photos.

• Huinan Longwan Lake Cluster National Forest Park: Home to China's largest cluster of maar volcanic lakes, the park offers multicolored forests and red leaves in autumn. Focus your visit on Sanjiao Longwan Lake and Diaoshuihu Waterfall. The forest air has a high concentration of negative ions.

Local Food in Tonghua

For local flavors, consider the small everyday eateries tucked along the streets and lanes.

Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (City Sights and Evening Views): Arrive at Tonghua Station → Try fried starch jelly and tofu skewers in chicken broth for lunch → Climb Yuhuang Mountain Park in the afternoon for city views → Visit the underground cellar at Tonghua Wine Museum in the early evening → Explore Longxingli cultural tourism town after dark for lights and performances → Have a Korean-style brazier meal for dinner.
• Day 2 (Ji'an Border Scenery and Historic Sites): Drive to Ji'an early in the morning, a journey of about 2 hours → Visit the General's Tomb and Gwanggaeto Stele among the Goguryeo historic sites → Try Ji'an-style barbecue for lunch → Head to the Yalu River Border Railway Bridge in the afternoon for views of North Korea → Return to central Tonghua in the early evening or stay overnight at a guesthouse in Ji'an.
• Day 3 (Forest Lakes, Waterfalls and Departure): Set off for Huinan Longwan Lake Cluster National Forest Park, about 1.5 hours by car → Focus on Sanjiao Longwan Lake, Diaoshuihu Waterfall and the multicolored autumn forests → Buy Tonghua mountain grape wine as a gift in the afternoon → Finish your trip and head home.

Accommodation and Transport

• Accommodation: Consider staying near Tonghua Wanda or Zhongdong Shopping Plaza, where shopping malls and dining options are concentrated. Taxi fares start at RMB 6, keeping local travel costs relatively moderate. If your itinerary includes Ji'an, you could spend a night in a Korean-style guesthouse.
• Transport: High-speed trains provide convenient access to Tonghua Station. Taxis are a practical way to travel between city sights and avoid searching for parking. For the Longwan lake cluster or Ji'an, drive yourself or hire a car with a driver. The G331 border highway offers varied scenery but has many bends, so pay attention to road conditions.

Autumn Travel Tips

• Temperatures and Clothing: Tonghua has a marked difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures in October. Early morning and evening temperatures may fall to just a few degrees Celsius, so bring a thick coat or outdoor jacket. If you plan to watch the sunrise at the Longwan lake cluster, pack a heavier down jacket as well.
• Morning Markets: Xiguan Farmers' Market and Xinhua Bridge Morning Market offer a glimpse of everyday local life. You can also try traditional fried rice cakes and elm-bark dumplings. Some mobile stalls operate only on weekends, so keep this in mind when planning.
• Preparing for Site Entry: For revolutionary heritage sites such as the Yang Jingyu Martyrs' Cemetery, collect tickets in advance or bring your ID card. Check opening hours before setting out to avoid being unable to enter.