Things To Do
in Longjin

Buckwheat or mixed noodles in a cold, tangy broth; popular in Yanbian and found in many local eateries—refreshing in summer and a cultural staple.

Must-Try!

Table-top grilling of marinated meats served with banchan (small side dishes) and lettuce wraps; widely available in Longjing’s restaurants.

A nourishing soup using locally sourced ginseng, often with chicken or pork—found in specialty restaurants and markets.

Korean-style pancakes with scallions, seafood or kimchi; common as a street snack or at informal eateries.

A busy market selling fresh produce, local ginseng, pickles, and prepared snacks; ideal for sampling small dishes and buying regional ingredients.

Clusters of evening street vendors offering skewers (chuan), pancakes, dumplings and sweet pastries—good for casual tasting and photography.

Deferential behavior toward older people is important—greetings and polite manners are appreciated.

Many signs are in both Mandarin and Korean. Learning a few Korean phrases can be very helpful and is appreciated by local ethnic Korean residents.

Sharing dishes is common; wait for elders to start eating and use communal chopsticks or serving spoons when provided. It's polite to offer and accept small toasts in social dining.

Avoid photographing sensitive border infrastructure or military installations; be cautious about discussing cross-border politics in public.

Tipping is not customary for everyday service in smaller cities like Longjing; in higher-end hotels or tourist services, small tips are appreciated but generally not expected.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate; cash (RMB) is accepted at markets and small vendors. International credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants but less commonly in small shops—carry some cash and consider a Chinese bank-enabled mobile payment if you plan a longer stay.

Cold early spring with gradual warming; melting snow can make trails muddy. Flowering trees and early greenery appear in late spring—pack layers and waterproof footwear.

Warm and humid with occasional heavy rain; comfortable for outdoor activities but expect mosquitos in rural areas. Lightweight clothing, rain gear and sun protection are recommended.

Crisp, clear weather with attractive fall foliage—one of the best times to visit for hiking and photography. Days are pleasant but evenings cool; bring a light jacket.

Very cold with snow and icy conditions from late November through March; heating indoors is common. Dress in warm layers, insulated boots, and be prepared for limited daylight and occasional transport delays due to snow.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited; look for noodle soups (request no meat broth), vegetable pajeon, and tofu dishes. Communicate dietary needs in Mandarin or use a translation app to avoid meat stock and fish sauce.

Challenging because many broths and sauces use meat or fish; bring snacks and use markets to assemble plant-based meals. Ask about ingredients and prefer simple vegetable stir-fries with rice.

Rice-based dishes are common, but many noodles and sauces contain wheat. Ask about soy sauce and use plain steamed rice, soups with clear broth, and grilled meats where possible.

Halal dining is limited; look for vegetarian options or seek out larger nearby cities (Yanji) for dedicated halal restaurants. Carry snacks if you rely on specific dietary laws.