Tumen River Sino-Korean Border
图们口岸
A viewing area on the Sino-Korean border along the Tumen River in Tumen City. From the border gate you can look over the river and the North Korean city of Namyang on the opposite bank. The riverside park and boat trips offer the closest view of North Korea.
Tumen City lies on the Tumen River about 50 kilometers east of Yanji. It faces Namyang in North Hamgyong Province, North Korea, across the river. It is the most accessible and open viewing point on the Sino-Korean border. Its main attraction is the Tumen Port border gate, the building on the Chinese side of the Sino-Korean road bridge. From the top-floor observation deck (admission about 30 yuan) you can look over the Tumen River, the road bridge, and the streets, buildings and slogan-painted hillsides of Namyang on the other side. It is the best place to 'see North Korea'. The Tumen riverside plaza and waterfront park are free, and a riverside walkway lets you stroll. The river narrows to less than 100 meters here, and North Korean residents and sentry posts are clearly visible across the water. Tumen River boat trips (about 50 yuan) run along the middle of the river, bringing you close to both banks. Nearby are the Sino-Korean railway bridge, built during the Japanese occupation period, and a Korean ethnic street. Suggested itinerary: take a train from Yanji (about 40 minutes) or hire a car to Tumen. In the morning, visit the border gate and take a boat trip. At noon, eat Korean food in Tumen, which is known for its kimchi and dog meat soup. In the afternoon, return or continue east to Fangchuan in Hunchun, where you can 'see three countries at a glance' (about 2 hours by car; the Fangchuan Longhu Pavilion gives views of China, North Korea, Russia and the direction of the Sea of Japan). Getting there: several trains run from Yanji Station to Tumen Station. Buses leave from Yanji Bus Station. A taxi costs about 80 to 100 yuan. Driving takes about 1 hour. Notes: in border areas, it is strictly forbidden to shout or throw things across the river, or to photograph North Korean military facilities. Carry your passport or ID for inspections. Boat trips may be suspended due to water levels or policy changes.
Opening hours
Border gate approx. 08:00–17:00; riverside park open all day
Nearby sights
- Yanji Bridge & Burhatong River
- Yanji West Market
- Yanji Shuishang Market
- Yanji Wanghong Wall
- China Korean Folk Village
- Mao'er Mountain National Forest Park
- Birthplace of Yun Dong-ju, Mingdong Village
- Yanbian Museum