The Land of Forests, Snow, and Multicultural Harmony
Jilin Province (吉林省) is located in northeastern China, bordered by Russia and North Korea. Known for its dense forests, snowy winters, and Korean-Chinese heritage, Jilin plays a vital role in border trade, ecological conservation, and winter tourism. With a growing focus on bio-medicine, education, and clean energy, Jilin is transforming into a center of green innovation in northeast China.
Formation and Historical Background
- The name “Jilin” originates from the Manchu phrase “Jilin Ula”, meaning “along the river.”
- Historically inhabited by Manchu, Korean, Mongol, and other ethnic groups.
- During the Qing Dynasty, Jilin was a military and forestry command area.
- Post-1949, Jilin became a province with a major industrial and agricultural base.
- Known for its contributions during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Jilin Province (吉林省) |
| Provincial Capital | Changchun (长春市) |
| Location | Northeastern China |
| Total Area | Approx. 187,400 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 23 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 吉 (Jí) |
| ISO Code | CN-JL |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Jing Junhai (景俊海) |
| Governor | Hu Yuting (胡玉亭) |
| Provincial Legislature | Jilin Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Jilin Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Jilin Province
Jilin consists of 8 prefecture-level cities, 1 autonomous prefecture, and 1 sub-provincial city. These are subdivided into districts, counties, and county-level cities.
- Changchun (长春市) – Sub-provincial Capital
- Districts: Chaoyang (朝阳区), Nanguan (南关区), Kuancheng (宽城区), Erdao (二道区), Luyuan (绿园区), Shuangyang (双阳区), Jiutai (九台区)
- County-level Cities: Yushu (榆树市), Dehui (德惠市)
- County: Nong’an (农安县)
- Jilin City (吉林市)
- Districts: Chuanying (船营区), Changyi (昌邑区), Longtan (龙潭区), Fengman (丰满区)
- County-level Cities: Jiaohe (蛟河市), Panshi (磐石市), Huadian (桦甸市), Shulan (舒兰市)
- County: Yongji (永吉县)
- Siping (四平市)
- Districts: Tiexi (铁西区), Tiedong (铁东区)
- County-level Cities: Gongzhuling (公主岭市), Shuangliao (双辽市)
- Counties: Lishu (梨树县), Yitong Manchu Autonomous County (伊通满族自治县)
- Liaoyuan (辽源市)
- Districts: Longshan (龙山区), Xi’an (西安区)
- Counties: Dongfeng (东丰县), Dongliao (东辽县)
- Tonghua (通化市)
- Districts: Dongchang (东昌区), Erdaojiang (二道江区)
- County-level Cities: Meihekou (梅河口市), Ji’an (集安市)
- Counties: Tonghua (通化县), Liuhe (柳河县), Huinan (辉南县)
- Baishan (白山市)
- Districts: Hunjiang (浑江区), Jiangyuan (江源区)
- County-level Cities: Linjiang (临江市)
- Counties: Jingyu (靖宇县), Fusong (抚松县), Changbai Korean Autonomous County (长白朝鲜族自治县)
- Songyuan (松原市)
- Districts: Ningjiang (宁江区)
- County-level Cities: Fuyu (扶余市)
- Counties: Qian Gorlos Mongol Autonomous County (前郭尔罗斯蒙古族自治县), Changling (长岭县), Qianguo (乾安县)
- Baicheng (白城市)
- Districts: Taobei (洮北区)
- County-level Cities: Taonan (洮南市), Da’an (大安市)
- Counties: Tongyu (通榆县), Zhenlai (镇赉县)
- Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (延边朝鲜族自治州)
- County-level Cities: Yanji (延吉市), Tumen (图们市), Dunhua (敦化市), Longjing (龙井市), Helong (和龙市)
- Counties: Hunchun (珲春市), Antu (安图县), Wangqing (汪清县)
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Divisions | 9 |
| County-level Divisions | 60+ |
| Township-level Divisions | 1,200+ |
Local Government Structure
- Each prefecture and city has a People’s Government and a Party Committee.
- Urban districts manage infrastructure and services; counties oversee rural affairs and minority integration.
- Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture administers Korean cultural autonomy.
Leadership & Governance
- Governance priorities:
- Border security and foreign trade cooperation (especially with North Korea and Russia)
- Ethnic unity and cultural preservation
- Sustainable development of ecological resources (forest, rivers, snowfields)
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Administered by the Jilin Provincial Public Security Department
- Focus areas:
- Border and customs security
- Tourism area safety (Changbai Mountain, ski resorts)
- Rural crime prevention
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Major sectors:
- Automotive (Changchun is home to FAW Group)
- Petrochemicals and bio-pharmaceuticals
- Agriculture: corn, soybeans, rice
- Tourism: winter sports, border tourism
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 4.6%
Education & Institutions
- Top Universities:
- Jilin University (one of China’s top 10 universities)
- Northeast Normal University
- Changchun University of Technology
- Strong fields: engineering, automotive design, education, linguistics (Korean, Russian)
Healthcare
- Major hospitals:
- First Hospital of Jilin University
- Changchun Central Hospital
- Yanji People’s Hospital
- Expansion of Korean medicine and ethnic healthcare services
Transport & Connectivity
- High-speed Rail: Beijing–Harbin line via Changchun
- Airports:
- Changchun Longjia International Airport
- Yanji Chaoyangchuan International Airport
- Road and rail links to North Korea and Russia
- Winter logistics adapted for snow and ice conditions
Tourism & Attractions
- Changbai Mountain – volcanic scenic area with Tianchi Lake
- Jilin Rime Ice Festival – world-renowned winter wonderland
- Yanbian Korean culture: food, dance, festivals
- Jilin Songhua River – boating, ice fishing
- Tumen River – border area views into North Korea
Culture & Lifestyle
- Diverse ethnic makeup: Han, Korean, Manchu, Mongol
- Rich in Korean-Chinese traditions: kimchi, Korean BBQ, folk dances
- Cuisine: cold noodles, dog meat stew, deer antler tonics, ginseng dishes
- Winter culture includes ice sculpting, skiing, and hot springs
Summary
Jilin Province is a unique blend of cultures, climates, and strategic geography. From the volcanic majesty of Changbai Mountain to the cosmopolitan Korean streets of Yanji, Jilin offers nature, tradition, and industrial strength—all in one icy but welcoming package.