Jilin is a province in northeast China bordering North Korea and Russia, known for Changbai Mountain and its Heaven Lake crater, Changchun's Manchukuo-era palace and film heritage, Jilin City's winter rime ice, and the Korean-Chinese culture of Yanbian. The Tumen and Yalu rivers form its southern frontier, and Goguryeo tombs at Ji'an are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Winters are long and cold, with excellent skiing.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Jingyuetan National Forest Park (净月潭国家森林公园), Changchun
A large forested reservoir park on the south-east edge of Changchun with cycling paths, lakeside walks and winter snow activities during the cold months
Duration: Half to full day
Changchun Film Century City (长影世纪城)
A film-themed park by the Changchun Film Studio with 4D theatres, rides and sets; useful as an indoor option in winter
Duration: Half day
Puppet Emperor's Palace Museum (伪满皇宫博物院)
The former residence of Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, in Changchun's Kuancheng District, with exhibits on the Manchukuo period; older children and teens suit it best
Duration: 2-3 hours
Nanhu Park (南湖公园), Changchun
A large lake park in the city centre with paths, playgrounds and boating in summer and ice activities in winter
Duration: 2-3 hours
Jilin Provincial Museum (吉林省博物院), Changchun
A large museum on regional history, dinosaurs and natural history; free entry and indoor space make it a useful stop for families, especially in winter
Duration: 2-3 hours
Beidahu Ski Resort (北大湖滑雪场), near Jilin City
One of China's largest ski resorts near Jilin City with beginner slopes; suitable for first-time skiers with lessons
Duration: Full day
Changbai Mountain North Slope (长白山北坡)
Heaven Lake (Tianchi), Changbai Waterfall and the Underground Forest, reached by shuttle bus; access to the summit depends on weather and is closed in strong wind, fog, rain, snow or ice
Duration: Full day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Wanda Changbai Mountain resort hotels (万达长白山)
Resort hotels at Changbai Mountain International Resort with family rooms, hot spring areas and ski access in winter
Family features: Family rooms, hot-spring facilities, ski-in access, kids' areas
International chain hotels in Changchun
Full-service hotels in central Changchun with pools and family rooms, with easy taxi access to Nanhu Park and the Puppet Emperor's Palace
Family features: Family rooms, indoor pool, kids' menus, cots on request, buffet breakfast
Beidahu resort hotels near Jilin City
Ski-resort hotels with ski rental on site and lessons for beginners
Family features: Ski school, equipment rental, family rooms, winter kids' activities
Chain family rooms (Hanting, Home Inn, Ibis) in Changchun, Jilin City and Yanji
Budget national-chain hotels offer triple and family rooms with reliable cleanliness and English booking on Trip.com
Family features: Triple rooms, foreigner check-in, cheap breakfast
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Northeastern dumplings (jiaozi) and steamed buns (baozi) are mild, inexpensive and popular with children, at about CNY 20-40 (USD 3-6) per portion
Korean-style dishes in Yanji such as bibimbap and cold noodles are mild and child-friendly; confirm no chilli (不要辣, bu yao la)
Most restaurants provide child seats and mild dishes on request; show the translation app to specify no chilli
Bakeries and convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) sell milk, fruit and simple snacks in city centres
Hotel breakfast buffets are usually the easiest option for picky eaters
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Carry the passports of all children; the original documents are checked at hotel check-in and railway stations
Children under 1.2 m get free or half-price entry at most Jilin attractions and ride trains free; height is measured at the gate, so keep the child's passport ready
In winter Changchun can fall to -20 C at night; bring thermal layers, hats, mittens and face cover for children, and plan indoor stops such as the Jilin Provincial Museum
Changbai summit is much colder and windier than the town, even in July, so pack a warm layer and a rain jacket for each child, and check that Heaven Lake access is open before the journey
Hotels supply boiled water; use bottled or boiled water for infant formula
High-speed trains link Changchun with Jilin City, Yanji and Tonghua and are the easiest way to travel with children; book seats on 12306 or Trip.com in advance