Tumen Border Port in Yanbian, Jilin

Tumen Border Port in Yanbian, Jilin

Tumen Border Port (图们口岸) is a significant land border crossing between China and North Korea. Located in Tumen City (图们市), Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture (延边朝鲜族自治州), Jilin Province (吉林省), it is one of China’s important gateways to North Korea. The port spans both road and rail routes, and its historical significance stretches back over a century, making it the oldest and one of the most important border crossings in the region.

Key Statistics:

Location: Tumen City, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, China
Border: China-North Korea
Port Type: National Class I Port (国家一类口岸)
Opened: 1933 (tax station established)
Annual Cargo Volume: 200,000 tons
Annual Passenger Traffic: 100,000 passengers
Key Infrastructure: Road and railway bridges connecting to North Korea

Historical Significance

Key Historical Events:

1933: The tax station and railway bridge were established during the Japanese occupation.
1950: The establishment of a border inspection station during the Korean War, making the port a key route for military supplies.
Reform Era (1985): Expansion of port facilities, including the construction of a joint inspection building.
Modern Era (2019): Transition to a modern border inspection port under the National Immigration Administration.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Road Port:

Facilities: The road port includes a joint inspection building, cargo inspection center, and is currently undergoing an expansion project. The expansion is set to be completed by 2025 and will improve capacity and equipment, including the addition of 339 sets of customs inspection devices.

Railway Port:

Yalu River Railway Bridge: The bridge spans 589 meters and continues to serve cargo traffic between China and North Korea.
Smart Inspection System: A 5G-enabled smart inspection system that speeds up the clearance of cargo vehicles to just 18 minutes.

Border Crossing Management

Operation:

Port Hours: The road port operates daily, with passenger inspection available year-round from 08:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Customs and Inspection: The port operates with advanced inspection systems, significantly reducing clearance times and enhancing efficiency.

Tourism and Cultural Attractions

Key Attractions:

National Border Scenic Area: Visitors can enjoy views of North Korea’s Nanyang City (南阳) and explore exhibits on the Korean War.
Tumen River Square (图们江广场): A 71,000 square meter area featuring exhibitions on intangible cultural heritage, a theme park, and a nighttime light show.
Sunlight Mountain Forest Park (日光山森林公园): Offering views of the borders between China, North Korea, and Russia.
Centenary Tribe Experience (百年部落): An immersive experience showcasing the culture of the Korean ethnic group.

Upcoming Developments

2025 Plans:

Expansion Projects: The port’s expansion includes adding new customs inspection equipment and facilities, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Cultural Activities: A series of events will be held in July 2025, under the theme “One Family, the Chinese Nation” at the theme park, further promoting cultural exchange and tourism.

Practical Information

Opening Hours:

Passenger Inspection: Open from 08:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Transportation:

By Train: High-speed trains from Yanji West Station (延吉西站) to Tumen North Station (图们北站) take about 15 minutes. A taxi ride from the station to the port takes approximately 10 minutes.
Private Tours: For in-depth exploration, it is recommended to hire a private vehicle, which costs approximately 200 RMB per day.