Jilin, formerly called "Jilin Wula" (which means "along the river" in the Manchu language), is situated in the central eastern part of Jilin Province. In addition to its well-developed chemical and electric power industries, the city produces ginseng, sable fur, and deer antler-often called the "three treasures of Northeast China." Jilin is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains; the limpid Songhua River flows through its very center.

North Hill (Beishan) Park

The park northwest of the city covers 128 hectares, and includes a large lake. The East Hill and the West Hill are liked by an arched stone bridge. Jade Emperor Pavilion (Yuhuangge) and King of Medicines Temple (Yaowangmiao) are both more than three hundred years old. On the East Hill you'll find Embracing Moon Pavilion (Lanyueting) and on the West Hill Panoramic Sight Pavilion (Kuangguanting). In winter, the park provides visitors with a popular place for skiing and skating.

Songhua Lake

On the upper reaches of the Second Songhua River twenty-four kilometers southeast of Jilin, the lake covers 480 square kilometers and is 70 meters deep at its deepest point. It teems with many kinds of fish, such as salmon, common carp, and crucian carp. Surrounded by tree-covered hills, the mirrorlike lake studded withy boats is a charming sight and a popular tourist in the trees provide sightseers with a place to relax. There are special areas for swimming, fishing , and boating.

In winter, when the weeping willows and pines along the banks of the Songhua River are covered with ice and snow, Jilin is said to be decorated with "jade trees and silver flowers." Vapour from the river condenses to coat the branches and turn the banks into a jade wonderland. Among other scenic spots in Jilin are Dragon Pool Mountain (Longtanshan), a hilly city site of the ancient kingdom of Gaojuli built in the fourth of fifth century, and the old city of Wula which was inhabited by the northeastern ethnic group, the N\zhens, during the Ming Dynasty.