Tonghua, a prefecture-level city in southern Jilin Province, China, is a vibrant hub nestled in the Changbai Mountains, renowned for its wine production, medicinal herbs, and stunning natural landscapes. Often called the "Wine City" and the "Cradle of Chinese Medicine," Tonghua is a key center for ginseng, Tonghua wine, and eco-tourism, with its proximity to North Korea enhancing its role in Sino-North Korean trade. Its rich history, shaped by indigenous peoples, Qing Dynasty heritage, and anti-Japanese resistance, blends with a multiethnic culture of Han Chinese, Manchu, and Korean influences.
Location: Tonghua is located in southern Jilin Province,
approximately 300 km (186 miles) south of Changchun, the provincial
capital, and 1,000 km (620 miles) northeast of Beijing. It borders
Liaoyuan to the north, Baishan to the east, Liaoning Province to the
west, and North Korea to the south, with the Yalu River forming the
international boundary. The Russian border is about 300 km to the east.
Topography: Tonghua lies in the western foothills of the Changbai
Mountains, with rugged mountains, hills, and river valleys dominating
the landscape. The Hunjiang River (a Yalu River tributary) flows through
the city, supporting agriculture and scenic riverfronts. Forests cover
over 60% of the region, with wetlands and reservoirs like Yunfeng Lake
adding ecological diversity.
Climate: Tonghua has a temperate
continental monsoon climate with long, cold winters (November to April)
and short, warm, humid summers (June to August). Winter temperatures
often drop to -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F), while summer averages 20°C
to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Annual precipitation is about 800–900 mm, higher
than northern Jilin due to mountainous terrain, with heavy snowfall in
winter supporting skiing and ice activities. Autumn (September–October)
is ideal for tourism due to mild weather and vibrant foliage.
Area
and Administrative Divisions: Tonghua spans approximately 15,698 km²,
with an urban core covering about 1,500 km². It administers two
districts (Dongchang, Erdaojiang), two county-level cities (Ji’an,
Tonghua County), three counties (Huinan, Liuhe, Meihekou), and the
Tonghua Economic Development Zone. The city includes 42 towns and
numerous villages.
Natural Features: The Changbai Mountains host rare
wildlife, including Siberian tigers, leopards, and red-crowned cranes.
Ginseng, black fungus, and other medicinal herbs thrive in the forests,
while the Yalu River and Hunjiang River support fishing and hydropower.
Volcanic landscapes near Ji’an and wetlands in Huinan enhance
biodiversity.
Tonghua’s history is rooted in its mountainous terrain, indigenous
peoples, and strategic border location:
Early History: The region
was inhabited by Tungusic peoples, including the Mohe, Jurchens, and
Manchus, with archaeological evidence of Neolithic settlements. Tonghua
was part of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE), Bohai Kingdom
(698–926), and Jin Dynasty (1115–1234). The name “Tonghua” (meaning
“flourishing passage”) reflects its role as a trade route through the
mountains.
Qing Dynasty (17th–19th Century): Tonghua was a frontier
outpost under the Jilin General, with Manchu garrisons and limited Han
Chinese settlement to preserve indigenous lands. The Changbai Mountains
were a sacred Manchu site, and the Yalu River facilitated trade with
Korea. The Treaty of Peking (1860) solidified the China-Russia border,
impacting regional dynamics.
Early 20th Century: The Japanese-built
South Manchuria Railway (1906) boosted connectivity, with Tonghua
emerging as a coal-mining and agricultural hub. During the Japanese
occupation (1931–1945), Tonghua was a key industrial base in Manchukuo,
with coal mines and wineries developed by Japanese firms. Anti-Japanese
resistance, led by General Yang Jingyu, was fierce in the Changbai
Mountains, earning Tonghua the title “Cradle of Anti-Japanese
Resistance.”
Post-1949: Tonghua was designated a city in 1959 and
became a prefecture-level city in 1985. The establishment of Tonghua
Wine Co. in the 1930s and its growth post-1949 made the city China’s
wine capital, specializing in sweet red wines from mountain grapes.
Ginseng and medicinal herb industries flourished, with Tonghua becoming
a national base for traditional Chinese medicine. The city’s role in the
Chinese Civil War, particularly in Ji’an, added to its revolutionary
legacy.
Recent Decades: Tonghua has diversified into eco-tourism,
green energy, and high-tech industries. The 2009 Tonghua Iron and Steel
riot, sparked by privatization disputes, highlighted labor challenges,
while environmental initiatives post-2005 Songhua River spill have
improved sustainability.
Tonghua’s culture is a rich blend of Han Chinese, Manchu, Korean, and
revolutionary influences, shaped by its mountains, rivers, and border
dynamics:
Ethnic Composition: The population is predominantly Han
Chinese (over 90%), with Manchu, Korean, and Hui minorities. The Korean
community, concentrated in Ji’an and Meihekou, maintains vibrant
traditions, while Manchus in Huinan preserve shamanistic rituals.
Cuisine: Tonghua’s food is hearty, reflecting its cold climate and
forest resources:
Northeastern Chinese (Dongbei) Cuisine: Staples
include suancai (pickled cabbage) stew, guobaorou (sweet-and-sour pork),
and jiaozi (dumplings).
Local Specialties: Ginseng, black fungus, and
mountain grapes feature in dishes like ginseng chicken soup and black
fungus stir-fry. Tonghua’s sweet red wines, such as Tonghua Red and
Changbaishan Wine, are national favorites. Yalu River fish (carp,
sturgeon) and wild mushrooms are regional delicacies.
Korean
Influence: Kimchi, cold noodles (lengmian), and Korean barbecue are
popular in Ji’an, reflecting the Korean minority’s culinary heritage.
Festivals and Traditions:
Tonghua Wine Festival
(August–September): Celebrates the city’s wine industry with tastings,
vineyard tours, and cultural performances, drawing wine enthusiasts.
Tonghua Ginseng Festival (October): Showcases ginseng and medicinal
herbs with markets, herbal medicine workshops, and Changbai Mountain
tours.
Ji’an Yalu River Festival (Summer): Features boat races,
lantern floats, and Korean cultural performances along the North Korean
border.
Tonghua Ice and Snow Festival (January–February): Includes
ice sculptures, skiing, and snow sports, leveraging the Changbai
Mountains’ winter appeal.
Language: Mandarin is the official
language, with a Dongbei dialect incorporating Manchu and Korean
loanwords. Korean is widely spoken in Ji’an, while Manchu is nearly
extinct, used in rituals. English is rare outside tourist areas, but
Korean is common in border trade.
Arts and Crafts: Tonghua is known
for Manchu woodcarving, Korean paper art (hanji), and ginseng-themed
crafts. Revolutionary art, inspired by anti-Japanese resistance, and
wine-related souvenirs are displayed in museums and markets.
Tonghua’s economy, with a GDP of approximately ¥80 billion (2023
estimate), is driven by agriculture, wine production, pharmaceuticals,
mining, and tourism:
Agriculture and Wine: The Changbai
Mountains’ fertile slopes support mountain grapes, ginseng, black
fungus, and blueberries. Tonghua is China’s leading producer of sweet
red wines, with Tonghua Wine Co. and Changbaishan Wine Co. dominating
the market. The city is a national base for organic rice and medicinal
herbs, with food processing (ginseng wine, herbal teas) as a key sector.
Pharmaceuticals and Traditional Medicine: Tonghua is a major center for
Chinese medicine, producing ginseng-based medicines, rhodiola rosea, and
other herbal remedies. Companies like Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical
lead in insulin and biopharmaceuticals.
Mining: Tonghua’s coal, iron,
and gold deposits support a mining industry, though resource depletion
has reduced its dominance. The city is transitioning to high-tech
mineral processing.
Industry: Tonghua produces steel, chemicals, and
machinery, with Tonghua Iron and Steel Co. as a major employer. The
Tonghua Economic Development Zone fosters light manufacturing,
electronics, and green energy, with solar and wind projects emerging.
Tourism: Tonghua’s Changbai Mountains, Yalu River, and cultural sites
attract domestic and international tourists. Ji’an’s Goguryeo relics,
Wunvfeng National Forest Park, and ski resorts drive revenue, with wine
and ginseng tourism gaining traction.
Trade: Proximity to North
Korea, with Ji’an as a key border port, supports trade in agricultural
products, herbs, and consumer goods. Rail and highway links to Changchun
and Dandong enhance Tonghua’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative, with
exports to South Korea and Japan growing.
Transportation: Tonghua
Sanyuanpu Airport offers flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Changchun.
Tonghua Railway Station connects to Changchun (2 hours), Shenyang (3
hours), and Dandong via high-speed rail. Highways link to Liaoyuan and
Baishan, while public buses, taxis, and bike-sharing serve the city. The
Yalu River supports small-scale trade and tourism cruises.
Tonghua’s attractions highlight its natural beauty, cultural
heritage, and border dynamics:
Wunvfeng National Forest Park:
A Changbai Mountain park with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and hiking
trails, known as “Five Women Peak” for its folklore. It offers
stunning views and ginseng foraging tours.
Ji’an Goguryeo Relics
(UNESCO World Heritage Site): Ancient tombs, steles, and city ruins
from the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE), including the General’s
Tomb and Gungnaeseong Fortress, showcasing Korea’s historical
influence.
Yalu River Scenic Area (Ji’an): Offers border views of
North Korea, with Yunfeng Reservoir, Ji’an Border Bridge, and
riverfront parks. Boat tours and cultural festivals highlight
Sino-Korean ties.
Yang Jingyu Martyrs’ Cemetery: A memorial in
Tonghua County honoring the anti-Japanese hero, with exhibits on the
Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army and revolutionary history.
Tonghua Wine Museum: Showcases the city’s wine industry with
vineyard history, production processes, and tastings of Tonghua Red
and Changbaishan wines.
Baiguoshan Scenic Area: A forested park
with trails, caves, and ginseng fields, ideal for eco-tourism and
autumn foliage viewing.
Tonghua Ski Resort: A winter sports
destination in the Changbai Mountains, offering skiing,
snowboarding, and hot springs.
Dongchang Park: An urban park
along the Hunjiang River with gardens, pavilions, and cultural
events, popular for evening strolls.
Korean Cultural Village
(Ji’an): Features Korean architecture, restaurants, and
performances, reflecting the region’s Korean minority heritage.
Tonghua Museum: Highlights Changbai Mountain ecology, Manchu
history, and the wine industry, with artifacts from the Goguryeo
Kingdom and Qing Dynasty.
Wine and Medicine Hub: Tonghua’s dominance in sweet red wines and
ginseng-based pharmaceuticals positions it as a national leader in these
niche industries.
Sino-North Korean Trade: Ji’an’s border port makes
Tonghua a key gateway for trade with North Korea, with potential for
growth under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Cultural Heritage: The
UNESCO-listed Goguryeo relics and anti-Japanese resistance legacy make
Tonghua a cultural and historical anchor in Jilin.
Ecological
Conservation: The Changbai Mountains and Yalu River are critical for
biodiversity, protecting rare species and supporting eco-tourism.
Tonghua’s forests are a carbon sink, aligning with China’s green goals.
Tourism Potential: Wunvfeng, Ji’an, and wine tourism position Tonghua as
an emerging destination, with opportunities to attract visitors from
South Korea and Japan.
Population: Tonghua had 1,812,114 residents as of the 2020 census,
down from 2,325,242 in 2010, reflecting Northeast China’s population
decline due to outmigration. The urban core (Dongchang and Erdaojiang
Districts) has about 500,000 inhabitants.
Lifestyle: Tonghua’s
residents, many tied to agriculture, wine, or pharmaceuticals, lead a
community-oriented lifestyle. Winters drive indoor socializing in Korean
restaurants, wineries, and hot springs, while summers see outdoor
activities like hiking and river tours. The Korean and Manchu
communities add vibrancy, with festivals and markets drawing locals and
tourists.
Transportation: Public buses, taxis, and bike-sharing serve
the city, with mountainous areas supporting hiking and cycling. Tonghua
Railway Station and Sanyuanpu Airport ensure connectivity, with
high-speed rail to Changchun and Shenyang. Mandarin is essential, with
Korean widely used in Ji’an and English rare outside tourist areas.
Economic Diversification: Reliance on wine, herbs, and mining faces
challenges from market fluctuations and resource depletion. Expanding
high-tech pharmaceuticals, green energy, and tourism is critical.
Population Decline: Outmigration to larger cities like Changchun
threatens Tonghua’s workforce and tax base. Attracting young
professionals through education and tourism jobs is a priority.
Environmental Protection: Mining and agriculture pose risks to forests
and rivers. The 2005 Songhua River spill (affecting nearby areas)
underscored the need for pollution control, with Yalu River conservation
as a focus.
Tourism Development: While Ji’an’s UNESCO sites and
Changbai Mountains are draws, Tonghua’s tourism lags behind Changchun or
Baishan. Improved infrastructure, English-language services, and
marketing could boost international visitors, especially from South
Korea and Japan.
Geopolitical Sensitivity: Proximity to North Korea
offers trade opportunities but requires navigating geopolitical tensions
carefully.
Prospects: Tonghua’s wine, ginseng, and UNESCO heritage
position it for growth. Investments in eco-tourism, green energy, and
border trade could elevate its role as a cultural and economic hub in
Northeast Asia.