Hi everyone, Mark here, your friendly neighborhood travel enthusiast! I recently embarked on an incredible adventure to Tumeng, a city nestled on the border between China and North Korea. This trip was nothing short of amazing, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Let me share my three-part experience with you.
Part 1: Tumeng Port Scenic Area - A Glimpse into the Borderland
My journey started at the Tumeng Port Scenic Area, a captivating location where the Tumen River forms a natural border between China and North Korea. I stood on the Chinese side, gazing across the river at the North Korean town of Namyang. The view was breathtaking! Early mornings saw numerous local grandmothers gracefully dancing in the square, a peaceful scene set against the backdrop of the river and the foreign country beyond. The square featured carvings representing all 56 ethnic groups of China, including the Daur, Xibe, and Oroqen peoples – groups I'm hoping to visit on future trips through Northeast China. The constant construction hinted at Tumeng's growing tourism industry. This truly is a cross-border real estate opportunity, though I wouldn't want to live anywhere near the border, myself.
Part 2: Exploring Tumeng City - Markets and Local Life
I spent several hours exploring the streets and markets of Tumeng. The city, though relatively small (approximately 79,000 urban and 18,000 rural residents according to the seventh national census), possessed a unique charm. Local vendors offered various goods, and I even saw someone rowing a boat on the river separating the two countries. It was surreal!
| Item | Price (CNY) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat Tour (Medium Boat) | 160 | 23 | Offers stunning views of both countries. |
| Boat Tour (Small Boat) | 80 | 11 | A more budget-friendly option. |
| Roasted Corn | 5 | 0.7 | A tasty and affordable street snack. |
| Korean Beef Soup Rice | A local delicacy. | ||
| Changbai Mountain Ginseng Wine | 5 | 0.7 | A local liquor. |
| Russian-style Pure Milk Ice Cream | 3 | 0.4 | A refreshing treat. |
| Ticket to Underpass | 25 | 3.5 | Access to the area under the China-North Korea highway bridge. |
| Rent a Telescope | 10 | 1.4 | To get a better look at North Korea. |
| Korean Cigarettes | 25-30 | 3.5-4.2 | Locally available, but I didn't purchase any. |
| Russian Chocolate | 20+ | 2.8+ | A selection of chocolates with varying prices. |
Part 3: Delving into Culture at the Korean Museum
My Tumeng experience wouldn't be complete without visiting the Korean Museum. Here, I delved into the rich history and traditions of the Korean people, learning about their vibrant culture and unique customs. I was surprised to learn that the children in the area are being taught exclusively with Mandarin textbooks.
Tumeng's Tourism Potential
Tumeng's location on the China-North Korea border offers unique tourism opportunities. However, limited transportation accessibility and the single prominent attraction (the border) hinder its full potential. Developing more attractions could significantly boost the city's tourism. The ease with which I could observe North Korea through readily available (and often free) telescopes provided a compelling viewing experience. It was both fascinating and unsettling. The North Koreans seemed aware of the observation, often retreating indoors when they saw the scopes aimed at them.
A Closer Look at the Border
The Tumeng River and the bridge offer a fascinating perspective on the two countries. I noticed the stark contrast in upkeep between the Chinese and North Korean sides of the bridge. The Chinese side was meticulously maintained, while the North Korean side showed signs of neglect. This served as a visual representation of the socioeconomic differences. I also learned that the China-North Korea highway bridge, once bustling with traffic, was now closed, reflecting the strained political relationship. The North Korean train station, prominently displaying portraits of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, stood as a silent testament to the country’s regime. I also spoke with a local taxi driver and learned that the Tumeng City is the smallest county-level city in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.
Tumeng Market: A Glimpse into Daily Life
Tumeng Market offered a vibrant window into daily life. The prices were surprisingly affordable. I was surprised by the range of goods offered, including many products from Russia, reflecting the region's proximity to Russia.
| Item | Price (CNY) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apples (25kg) | 15 | 2.1 | An incredibly affordable price for a large quantity. |
| Mao Hazelnut | 10/jin | 1.4/jin | A local nut. |
| Dongdong Chestnut | 5/kg | 0.7/kg | A popular autumn snack. |
| Onion (Yellow) | 10/bag | 1.4/bag | A bag of yellow onions. |
| Onion (Red) | 8/jin | 1.1/jin | A bag of red onions. |
| Lin Frog | 150/jin | 21/jin | A local delicacy. |
| Ginger Not Spicy | 2/jin | 0.3/jin | A local root vegetable. |
| Longfeng Fruit (4 jin) | 10 | 1.4 | Sweet and crunchy fruit. |
| Chicken Heart Fruit (3 jin) | 10 | 1.4 | Sweet and crunchy fruit. |
| South Fruit Pear (4jin) | 10 | 1.4 | Juicy pear. |
| Chestnut Sweet Potato | 3/jin | 0.4/jin | A sweet and starchy vegetable. |
| Mountain Medicinal herb | 4/jin | 0.6/jin | A medicinal herb. |
| Fast Food (1 meat, 2 veg) | 12 | 1.7 | Affordable and satisfying. |
Tumeng's Korean Cultural Heritage Museum
My visit to the Korean Cultural Heritage Museum was an enriching experience. This museum houses an extensive collection showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Korean people, including: Nongyue Dance, Changsheng, Qi Li Dance, Crane Dance, Mask Dance, Mallet Dance, Knife Dance, Changgu Dance, and many more. I learned about the significance of traditional costumes, wedding ceremonies, and funeral rites. The museum staff was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing their culture.
A Final Reflection
My trip to Tumeng was a memorable one, offering a glimpse into a fascinating border city and its unique cultural heritage. I encourage anyone interested in Asian history and culture to visit Tumeng. It's a destination that blends a border town feel with the richness of a vibrant culture and the mystery of a neighboring country. This is a truly unique experience. I believe that opening the border again would not only be beneficial for North Korea’s struggling economy but also would bring many economic opportunities for Tumeng as well.
