Baishan, a prefecture-level city in southeastern Jilin Province, China, is a captivating region nestled in the heart of the Changbai Mountains, earning its name “White Mountain” from the majestic Changbai Mountain (Changbaishan). Known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural diversity, Baishan is a gateway to Northeast China’s pristine wilderness and a hub for Sino-North Korean trade due to its proximity to the North Korean border. With a history stretching back to the Neolithic Age and a modern identity shaped by its forests, mineral resources, and tourism, Baishan blends natural splendor with economic potential.
Location: Baishan is situated in southeastern Jilin Province,
approximately 400 km (250 miles) southeast of Changchun, the provincial
capital, and 1,200 km from Beijing. It borders Yanbian Korean Autonomous
Prefecture to the east, Tonghua to the southwest, Jilin City to the
north, and North Korea to the south, with the Yalu River forming the
international boundary. Russia’s Primorsky Krai is about 200 km to the
northeast.
Topography: Baishan lies in the hinterland of the Changbai
Mountains, characterized by mountains, hills, valleys, and lava
plateaus. The Changbai lava plateau and Jingyu lava plateau cover much
of the area, with Longgang and Laoling Mountains traversing the city.
The highest point is Baiyun Peak on Changbai Mountain at 2,691 meters
(8,829 feet), while the lowest is 279.3 meters (916 feet) in Jingyu
County. The Yalu River, Songhua River headstreams, and Hunjiang River
wind through the forests, creating scenic river valleys and reservoirs.
Climate: Baishan has a temperate continental monsoon climate with
distinct seasons. Winters (November to April) are dry and cold, with
temperatures dropping to -42.2°C (-44°F). Summers (June to August) are
short, rainy, and warm, with highs reaching 36.5°C (97.7°F). The average
annual temperature is 4.6°C (40.3°F). Autumn is cool and sunny, ideal
for tourism, while spring sees significant temperature fluctuations. The
best time to visit is July to September.
Area and Administrative
Divisions: Baishan spans 17,505 km² (6,759 square miles), with an urban
core covering about 1,500 km². It administers two districts (Badaojiang,
Jiangyuan), two counties (Fusong, Jingyu), one autonomous county
(Changbai Korean Autonomous County), and one county-level city
(Linjiang).
Natural Features: Baishan’s forests cover over 70% of the
region, hosting rare species like Siberian tigers, leopards, and
red-crowned cranes. The Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve, is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, including
Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and Jinjiang Grand Canyon. Wetlands, reservoirs
like Baisha and Yunfeng, and rivers support biodiversity and
eco-tourism.
Baishan’s history reflects its role as a frontier region, shaped by
indigenous peoples, imperial dynasties, and modern development:
Early History: Human activity in Baishan dates to the Neolithic Age,
with archaeological evidence of ancient settlements. The region was
inhabited by Tungusic peoples, including the Mohe and Jurchens, and was
part of the Bohai Kingdom (698–926) and Jin Dynasty (1115–1234). Baishan
has the highest number of ancient city ruins in China’s land border
areas, with 26 sites, reflecting its historical significance.
Qing
Dynasty (17th–19th Century): Baishan was under the Jilin General’s
jurisdiction, a Manchu stronghold with limited Han Chinese settlement to
preserve indigenous lands. The Yalu River facilitated trade with Korea,
while Changbai Mountain was a sacred site for Manchus. The Treaty of
Peking (1860) solidified the China-Russia border, impacting regional
dynamics.
Early 20th Century: In 1902, the Qing government
established Linjiang County in the Baishan region. During the Japanese
occupation (1931–1945), the area was under Manchukuo’s Tonghua
Prefecture, with Japan exploiting its timber and minerals. Anti-Japanese
resistance, led by figures like Yang Jingyu, was active in the Changbai
Mountains.
Post-1949: In 1959, the Jilin government promoted Linjiang
County to Hunjiang City, marking its integration into Jilin Province. In
1994, Hunjiang was renamed Baishan, reflecting its association with
Changbai Mountain. The city developed as a forestry and mining hub, with
tourism and trade growing in recent decades.
Modern Era: Baishan’s
designation as a China International Mineral Water City and its role in
Sino-North Korean trade highlight its contemporary importance. The city
has effectively balanced economic development with ecological
preservation, earning recognition for coordinated growth.
Baishan’s culture is a rich tapestry of Han Chinese, Korean, Manchu,
and other minority influences, shaped by its mountainous environment and
border location:
Ethnic Composition: The population is
predominantly Han Chinese (over 80%), with significant Korean (in
Changbai Korean Autonomous County), Manchu, Hui, and Mongol minorities.
The Korean community, about 10% of the population, maintains vibrant
traditions, while Manchus preserve shamanistic rituals.
Cuisine:
Baishan’s food reflects its cold climate, forest resources, and
cross-border influences:
Northeastern Chinese (Dongbei) Cuisine:
Hearty dishes like suancai (pickled cabbage) stew, guobaorou
(sweet-and-sour pork), and jiaozi (dumplings) are staples.
Korean
Influence: Authentic North Korean dishes, including kimchi, glutinous
rice cakes, and cold noodles (naengmyeon), are popular, especially in
Linjiang and Changbai. Korean barbecue is a local favorite.
Local
Specialties: Changbai Mountain’s “Three Treasures” (ginseng, marten,
deer antlers), black fungus, wild lucid ganoderma, and blueberries
feature in dishes. Ginseng chicken soup and rhodiola rosea wine are
regional delicacies.
Festivals and Traditions:
Baishan
Changbai Mountain Festival (Summer): Celebrates the mountain’s natural
and cultural heritage with hiking, cultural performances, and ginseng
markets.
Korean Chuseok (Harvest Festival): Held in Changbai County,
featuring traditional foods, dances, and games.
Manchu Shamanistic
Rituals: Performed in rural areas, these include offerings to mountain
spirits, especially during festivals.
Baishan Ice and Snow Festival
(Winter): Showcases ice sculptures, skiing, and hot spring experiences,
leveraging the Changbai Mountain’s winter appeal.
Language: Mandarin
is the official language, with a Dongbei dialect incorporating Korean
and Manchu loanwords. Korean is widely spoken in Changbai County, while
Manchu is nearly extinct. English is rare outside tourist areas, but
Russian and Korean are used in border trade.
Arts and Crafts: Baishan
is known for Korean paper art (hanji), Manchu woodcarving, and black
pottery. Changbai Mountain-inspired paintings and stone carvings are
popular souvenirs. The city’s cultural heritage, including ancient city
ruins and traditional medicine, is preserved in museums.
Baishan’s economy, with a GDP of approximately ¥66.17 billion (USD 10
billion) in 2018, is driven by forestry, mining, agriculture, tourism,
and trade:
Forestry and Natural Resources: Baishan’s forests
supply timber, ginseng, and medicinal herbs. The city is one of China’s
three most important herbal medicine production bases, with ginseng,
rhodiola rosea, and lucid ganoderma as key products. Mineral water,
sourced from Changbai’s springs, is a growing industry, earning Baishan
the title of China International Mineral Water City.
Mining: Baishan
has rich mineral deposits, including coal, iron, and rare earths. The
city is developing high-tech mining and processing, particularly for
mineral water and geothermal energy.
Agriculture: The fertile valleys
support rice, corn, soybeans, and specialty crops like blueberries. Food
processing, including ginseng wine and black fungus products, is a key
sector.
Tourism: Changbai Mountain, with attractions like Heavenly
Lake, Jinjiang Grand Canyon, and Changbaishan Ski Resort, draws millions
of domestic and international tourists. Summer hiking, winter skiing,
and hot springs drive revenue. The Lushuihe International Hunting Ground
and Baishan Lake Scenic Area add eco-tourism appeal.
Trade: Proximity
to North Korea, with Linjiang as a key border port, supports trade in
timber, minerals, and agricultural products. The Yalu River facilitates
cross-border commerce, while rail and highway links to Russia enhance
Baishan’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Green Energy and
Infrastructure: Baishan is investing in hydropower, geothermal energy,
and waste management. The Asian Development Bank’s 2014 Jilin Urban
Development Project improved water supply and solid waste management,
emphasizing sustainability.
Transportation: Baishan is accessible via
Changbaishan Airport (15 km from Changbai Mountain), with flights to
Beijing, Shanghai, and Changchun. Baisha Railway Station in Badaojiang
District connects to Tonghua, Changchun, and Linjiang. Well-constructed
highways link to Changchun (4-hour bus, ~80 RMB), Yanji, and North
Korea’s border cities. Tourism buses to Changbai Mountain are
convenient.
Baishan’s attractions highlight its natural splendor, cultural
heritage, and border dynamics:
Changbai Mountain Nature
Reserve: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, featuring:
Heavenly Lake
(Tianchi): A stunning volcanic crater lake on the China-North Korea
border, known for its azure waters and spiritual significance.
Jinjiang Grand Canyon: A dramatic gorge with cliffs, waterfalls, and
hiking trails.
Changbai Waterfall: A 68-meter cascade,
spectacular in summer and frozen in winter.
Changbaishan Ski
Resort: A premier ski destination in Fusong County, with slopes for
all levels.
Lushuihe International Hunting Ground: A
100,000-hectare reserve in Fusong with red deer, hares, and over 300
vertebrate species. It offers regulated hunting, eco-tours, and
stargazing, with minimal light pollution.
Baishan Lake Scenic
Area: Features towering peaks, clear waters, and boating, located in
the upper Songhua River.
Changbai Korean Folk Village: In
Changbai County, this village showcases Korean culture with
traditional houses, food, and performances.
Yalu River Scenic
Area (Linjiang): Offers border views of North Korea, with Yunfeng
Reservoir and Linjiang Peninsula Park as highlights.
Beishan Park
(Badaojiang): An urban park with gardens, pavilions, and cultural
exhibits, ideal for relaxation.
Yang Jingyu Martyr Cemetery: A
memorial to the anti-Japanese hero, with historical exhibits in
Jingyu County.
Longwanqun National Forest Park: Features volcanic
lakes, forests, and hiking trails, showcasing Baishan’s geological
diversity.
Fusong Dew River Game Land: A nature reserve with
fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Changbai Mountain Hot
Springs: Mineral-rich springs in Fusong and Changbai, offering
wellness tourism.
Sino-North Korean Relations: Baishan’s border ports, particularly
Linjiang, make it a key trade gateway with North Korea, exporting
agricultural products and importing minerals. Its proximity to Russia
enhances regional trade.
Ecological Conservation: The Changbai
Mountain Nature Reserve is critical for global biodiversity, protecting
rare species and supporting eco-tourism. Baishan’s wetlands and forests
are part of China’s ecological protection efforts.
Cultural Heritage:
Baishan’s ancient city ruins and traditional medicine resources (e.g.,
ginseng) make it a cultural hotspot. Its Korean and Manchu heritage,
preserved through festivals and villages, enriches Northeast China’s
diversity.
Tourism Hub: Changbai Mountain’s UNESCO status and
year-round attractions position Baishan as a rising tourism destination,
with potential to rival Harbin and Jilin City.
Sustainable
Development: The Asian Development Bank’s infrastructure projects and
Baishan’s green energy initiatives align with China’s urbanization and
carbon-neutral goals, enhancing livability.
Population: Baishan had 1,181,000 residents as of 2018, down from
1,308,000 in 2009, reflecting Northeast China’s population decline due
to outmigration. The urban core (Badaojiang District) has about 300,000
inhabitants.
Lifestyle: Baishan’s residents, many tied to forestry,
agriculture, or tourism, lead a community-oriented lifestyle. Winters
drive indoor socializing in Korean restaurants and hot springs, while
summers see outdoor activities like hiking and rafting. The Korean
community adds vibrancy, with markets and festivals drawing locals and
tourists.
Transportation: Public buses (lines 1–16) serve the city,
with Baisha Railway Station and long-distance bus stations in Badaojiang
offering regional connectivity. The flat terrain supports cycling, and
Mandarin is essential, with Korean widely used in Changbai County.
Economic Diversification: Baishan’s reliance on forestry and mining
faces challenges from resource depletion and global sustainability
trends. Expanding high-tech industries, green energy, and tourism is
critical.
Population Decline: Outmigration to larger cities like
Changchun threatens Baishan’s workforce and tax base. Attracting young
professionals through tourism and tech jobs is a priority.
Environmental Protection: Balancing tourism and industry with forest and
wetland preservation is essential. Pollution from mining and
agricultural runoff requires stricter regulations.
Tourism
Infrastructure: While Changbai Mountain is a draw, Baishan’s tourism is
less developed than Harbin’s. Improved English-language services,
international marketing, and a planned Baishan Airport (20 km from
downtown) could boost visitors, especially from South Korea and Japan.
Geopolitical Sensitivity: Proximity to North Korea requires careful
navigation of trade and security dynamics, though it offers economic
opportunities.
Prospects: Baishan’s UNESCO sites, mineral water
industry, and green energy projects position it for growth. Cultural
tourism, leveraging Korean and Manchu heritage, and eco-tourism in
Lushuihe and Longwanqun could elevate its global profile.