At the Foot of Changbai Mountain: A Poetic Border Town with Unique Charm

Linjiang City, nestled in the southeastern part of Jilin Province amid the Changbai Mountains and along the Yalu River, is a picturesque and historic border town. It boasts abundant natural landscapes, including alpine meadows, primeval forests, waterfalls, and streams, as well as red cultural relics and Korean ethnic customs. Here’s a travel guide to Linjiang, covering attractions, food, accommodation, and transportation tips: --- **1. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Xigu Grassland** - Located in Laosandui Village, Huashan Town, it’s renowned for its alpine meadows and primeval forests. In autumn, the scenery resembles a vibrant oil painting. Hike to enjoy panoramic views of Changbai Mountain, sunrise, and sea of clouds, and encounter grazing cattle and sheep. - **Best season**: Mid-September to mid-October (peak autumn foliage). - **Ticket**: ~¥30/person. 2. **Songling Snow Village** - Famous for winter snowscapes but equally charming in summer and autumn. The rustic village is perfect for photography. Try Northeastern specialties like iron-pot stew and wild mountain vegetables. - **Best season**: Winter (Dec-Feb) for snow; autumn (Sep-Oct) for fall foliage. - **Transport**: Self-driving is most convenient—navigate to "Songling Village." 3. **Jiangxin Island Park** - A lush island in the Yalu River, ideal for strolling or cycling. At night, the illuminated park offers romantic views of the border town. - **Best time**: Evening (for sunset and nightscapes). - **Ticket**: Free. 4. **Laotudingzi** - Named for its flat grassland summit, it was a filming location for *A Lifelong Journey*. Hike to the top for breathtaking views of meadows and forests. - **Ticket**: ¥30/person. 5. **Sibao Linjiang Campaign Memorial Hall & Chen Yun’s Former Residence** - Red tourism sites showcasing Liberation War history, ideal for history buffs. - **Ticket**: Free. 6. **Weishahe Town** - Known for its "Yalu River Whole Fish Banquet," featuring fresh river fish and fishing village culture. --- **2. Local Delicacies** 1. **Yalu River Whole Fish Banquet** (Weishahe Town) - Dishes: Steamed mandarin fish, braised carp, river shrimp. 2. **Korean Cuisine** (Sandaoyangcha Korean Village) - Cold noodles, rice cakes, kimchi, buckwheat noodles. 3. **Northeastern BBQ & Iron-Pot Stew** - Linjiang Night Market is great for skewers, jianbing (savory crepes), and snacks. --- **3. Accommodation** 1. **Hotels near Jiangxin Island** (convenient for night walks) - E.g., Baiwang Lijiang Hotel, Qianbaihe Hotel. 2. **Songling Snow Village Homestays** (experience rural Northeast life). 3. **Hot Spring Resorts** (e.g., Longrun Hot Springs in Huashan Town for relaxation). --- **4. Transportation** - **Self-driving**: Explore via G331 National Highway (scenic border route), linking Laotudingzi, Songling, and Xigu Grassland. - **Public transport**: Take a bus from Baishan or Changchun to Linjiang, then hire a car/taxi to attractions. --- **5. Best Travel Seasons** - **Spring (Apr-May)**: Strawberry picking (Huashan Town, Pokou Village). - **Summer (Jun-Aug)**: Escape heat, river rafting (Yalu River). - **Autumn (Sep-Oct)**: Fall foliage, grassland views (Xigu, Songling). - **Winter (Dec-Feb)**: Skiing, snow village (Songling, Longtou Mountain Ice & Snow Park). --- **6. Tips** - Pack windproof jackets—Linjiang has large day-night temperature swings. - Some spots (e.g., Xigu, Laotudingzi) require self-driving/car hire; plan routes ahead. - Visit morning markets (Nanweizi Street) for wild veggies and dried goods. Though small, Linjiang blends nature, history, and border culture, perfect for short road trips or in-depth exploration. A great choice to avoid crowds!