Tourists take photos of the many lit signs outside Yanbian University, Yanbian, Jilin Province, July 14, 2024 (Photo by VCG)
Growing up in the UK, the term “cultural melting pot” was often hailed as one of the great strengths of our little island. I can’t think of anything more British than enjoying a piping hot curry, watching the soccer and sipping an ice-cold Kronenbourg. So, when I arrived in Yanbian, an autonomous prefecture in China, I was greeted with a harmonious blend of cultures that evoked an essence I hadn’t felt in quite some time.
Yanbian’s biggest strength lies in its unique geographical location. It’s nestled in the northeastern province of Jilin, right on the border with both Russia and North Korea. The result? Streets teeming with Russian stores, Korean restaurants and the warm hospitality that is characteristic of northeast China. This special blend of cultures is evident everywhere, from the Korean characters on shop signs to the Russian supermarkets boasting a fantastic collection of super-sweet chocolate bars and seriously strong spirits.
My flight from Beijing landed in Yanbian in the evening, and after dropping off my luggage, I was itching to get outside, soak up the local culture and enjoy a nice hot meal. However, I was now faced with the agony of choice. A cool September evening greeted me, and just a stone’s throw from my hotel was a Russian restaurant offering hearty beef stroganoff, a Korean BBQ joint that smelled downright divine, and, of course, my old favorite: Chinese barbecue on skewers.
I ultimately went with the Korean BBQ, because honestly, who can resist sitting down with friends, cooking meat over a gas grill and enjoying a big bowl of rice wine? I’ve indulged in this delightful experience in both Seoul and Wangjing, the Korean district of Beijing, and let me tell you, this meal was on par with both. Korean food is best enjoyed among a large group of friends, and we laughed the night away over cold drinks and sizzling goodness.
The next morning, my belly still full of beef, I knew I had to walk off the indulgence, so I set out for a stroll in the park. I took a pleasant walk through the Chinese Chaoxianzu (Korean) Folk-Custom Garden, an expansive space dotted with small lakes and traditional Korean architecture. Now, I’ll admit that the average eye might struggle to distinguish between different types of East Asian architecture, but if you look closely, you’ll spot the subtle differences between the buildings here and those found elsewhere in China. I’m used to vibrant reds and golds in traditional Chinese structures. Here, I was captivated by the softer colors, intricate wooden frameworks and gently sloping roofs.
While at the park, I decided to try my hand at a huamigao cooking class. For the uninitiated, huamigao is a traditional sticky rice cake. During the class, you mold the rice cake mixture into adorable traditional designs, including flowers and pretty little dresses. Sadly, my finished product looked more like a delicious blob than anything else. The class was conducted in an open structure overlooking a river, with the teaching staff dressed in traditional Korean clothing, giving it a delightful atmospheric vibe. For someone like myself, whose culinary skills typically don’t venture far past eggs and French fries, the teachers were as patient as they were helpful.
On the next day of my trip, I ventured to the social media darling, Yanbian University. If you travel down Park Road, you’ll notice a famous wall of the university densely covered in signage and shops, standing several stories high. The entire display echoes a cyberpunk theme that looks like it popped straight out of the popular video game. With plenty of hole-in-the-wall eateries and quirky shops, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time. I’d recommend visiting this particular tourist hotspot around sunset for that all-important Instagram-perfect moment. After snapping a bunch of cool pictures for my own social media profile, I swung by the main gate of the university for one final shot. The roof of the gate is shaped like a boat, and it is unlike anything I have seen at any of other Chinese universities. Totally worth a peek!
After the university tour, a couple of friends whisked me away to a youth soccer training center in Yanbian. Let me tell you, these kids play harder than I do after a double espresso. It was truly heartwarming to see how passionately these youngsters immersed themselves in the game. It took me back to my days playing soccer at the local park and in school when I was just a kid. Before we knew it, we were like cheerleaders on the sideline, thoroughly engrossed in the action, until the coach told us off for interrupting their training. Nevertheless, the whole experience got me fired up, and the next time I’m in Yanbian, I’ll definitely be down for an actual game.
As I wrapped up my trip, I couldn’t help but notice just how stylish the young people of Yanbian are. The South Korean influence is definitely felt everywhere, and it is particularly evident in how people dressed. With high hopes of being the belle of the ball on my next night out in Beijing, I decided it was time to elevate my wardrobe. My glamorous mission took me to the Jinhuacheng Shopping Outlet, a four-story mall bursting with boutique shops stocked with trendy yet affordable apparel.
I walked into the shopping center in the morning looking like something the cat dragged in, but I emerged later that day ready for my K-pop audition. The shopping spree alone made my trip feel like a major victory; I had been putting off buying clothes for ages, and I managed to do it without breaking the bank. After stepping out of the shopping center, I noticed a supermarket nearby. In search of something to satisfy my sweet tooth, I thought why not grab a few treats to take back to my hotel room? As I walked around the store, I couldn’t help but appreciate how beautifully integrated Yanbian is. From delightful packs of sweet Russian chocolates to kimchi more pungent than anything you could find on this side of Seoul, the mix of items was an absolute joy to explore.
Looking back on my trip to Yanbian, I was reminded of how much I relish being in a multicultural atmosphere. There’s something refreshingly new yet nostalgically familiar about Yanbian’s charm. I would certainly return for a week, and I wholeheartedly recommend this Korean autonomous prefecture to anyone who has a flair for food, culture and shopping.
The front gate of Yanbian University, Yanbian, Jilin Province, August 12, 2022 (Photo by VCG)
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