This page describes a city in Jilin Province. It should not be confused with the city of the same name in Jiangxi Province. Ji'an (集安 Jí'ān) is in Jilin province in north east China. It is on the banks of the Yalu River which forms the North Korean border; the Korean city of Manpo is across the river. Ji'an was once the capital of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE) which ruled a large chunk of Korea, and there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site titled Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
As early as the 1st century BC, shortly after the founding of the Goguryeo Kingdom, a capital city was established in what is now Ji'an, historically known as "Guongnae City." For a considerable period, this area served as both the royal capital and the military and political center. It wasn't until the 5th century CE that Goguryeo moved its capital to Pyongyang, but the Ji'an area remained an important secondary capital and royal burial ground. Today, numerous Goguryeo-related relics can still be seen in and around Ji'an, including city ruins, stone tablets, and a large-scale royal mausoleum and aristocratic tombs.
Ji'an has a limited number of bus routes, but they generally cover the train station, city center, and some major attractions. The buses are mainly regular city buses, with relatively low frequency; waiting times may be longer outside peak hours. If your itinerary is relatively fixed, it can be a good supplementary mode of transportation. Taxis are plentiful and one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. Short trips within the city are common, and prices are generally low. They are time-saving when traveling to the train station, hotels, or scattered historical sites.
1 Wandu Mountain City (丸都山城, 환도산성). Ruins of the second capital city of the Korean Goguryeo Kingdom (updated Feb 2016) 2 Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom. 40 tombs from the Korean Goguryeo kingdom period. (updated Feb 2016) 3 Tomb of the General (将军冢, 장군총). Although disputed, this large pyramid is considered to be the royal tomb of either King Gwanggaeto or his son King Jangsu of the Goguryeo kingdom. (updated Sep 2019) 4 Stele of King Gwanggaeto (好太王碑). Stele of King Gwanggaeto, erected to commemorate King Gwanggaeto of Goguryeo, is one of the important existing stone carvings in Ji'an.
In Ji'an, itineraries usually don't need to be packed; it's more suitable to take your time, explore, and adjust as you go. 1 Ji'an Gaojuli Relics Park (集安高句丽文物古迹公园), ☏ +86 435 6222345, toll-free: +86 435 6222345. Apr-Oct: daily 08:30–17:00; Nov-Mar: daily 09:00–16:30. This is an important part of the World Heritage Site "Coguryo Royal Cities, Tombs and Tombs of Nobles," including the General's Tomb, the Stele of King Gwanggaeto, and the Gungnae Fortress. The park features exhibition halls, a protected area, and walking trails, systematically showcasing the history and culture of Goguryeo. ₩70 (all-inclusive ticket).
Ji'an cuisine is mainly Northeastern home-style cooking, characterized by generous portions and strong flavors. Korean hot pot： Korean Hot Pot is a very representative hot dish in Ji'an, its name originating from the Goguryeo culture. It's typically heated over charcoal or an alcohol stove, with sliced meat, vegetables, and bean products placed in the pot, and eaten while still heating. The flavor is savory and salty, suitable for sharing among many people, especially popular in cooler weather.
Ji'an rice wine：especially the Korean rice wine, is a gem of the local culinary culture, renowned for its unique sweet and sour taste and low alcohol content. Many stalls sell freshly made rice wine at affordable prices; a 2.5L container costs about 25 yuan. Ji'an Ice Grape Juice： a beverage hailed as "liquid ruby," is a specialty product of Ji'an City. Using a "post-snow pressing" process, the grapes are naturally frozen in sub-zero temperatures before pressing, maximizing the concentration of the grapes' flavor and nutrients.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Oct, Ji'an typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 6 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-10-01. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
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