Tumen (Chinese: 图们 Túmén, Korean: 도문 Domun) is in Yanbian in the far northeast of China. It borders North Korea, and the town of Namyang, over the Tumen River.
Understand
[edit]Most tourists, domestic and foreign alike, come to Tumen to visit the border area and to catch a glimpse of North Korea.
Due to the proximity to the border, the security is high. Be prepared to answer questions from police officers who are stationed at check points along the river if you do not look like you could be a Chinese citizen. The first police officer you speak with near the border area will probably want to take a photo of your passport, ask why you visit Tumen and ask where you stay. This is good because then you can let the other police officers who approach you with questions know that their colleague has already taken a photo of your passport.
The police officers are unlikely to communicate in English or Korean. For smooth communication, be prepared with your own translation app even though the police officers of course have their own. Offline translation capabilities are even better since you might lose the mobile connection at the wrong time.
There are some areas which are only accessible to Chinese citizens (signs are posted in Chinese and Korean stating that access is restricted for foreigners), such as part of the river promenade between the 86th and the 87th border markets, including the pedestrian bridge at the main port area. However, Tumen is still worth a visit as a foreigner since most of the view points and points of interest are accessible to everyone. A foreigner will not walk into a restricted areas mentioned above by mistake since these are paid access.
Get in
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- 1 Tumen North Railway Station (图们北站;Tumenbei Railway Station). The high-speed railway station has replaced the old more centrally located Tumen Railway Station which is no longer used for passenger traffic.
Get around
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From Tumen North (Tumenbei) Railway Station bus number 9 (¥2 - pay with Wechat or cash(?)) goes to Tumen Town, the port area and stops at Shuiyuan Square, which is close to the railway bridge. From Shuiyuan Square you can walk south to the 86th border marker and Riguang Mountain Forest Park. Departure times of the bus number 9 are synced with arrivals and departures of trains.
Taxis charge a flat fare of ¥20 from Tumen North Railway Station to the river area. A short ride within Tumen Town should not set you back more than ¥5. Even local tourists are unable to convince the taxi drivers to go by meter. Ride hailing drivers are scarce or non-existent, just take the local taxi.
As per August 2025, Kou'an Street bridge, over the small canal, is closed for road construction works, making the walk from the railway bridge area to the port area longer than usual. Consider taking a taxi if the weather is hot.
See
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- 1 Tumen River Bridge. Look over the Tumen river into North Korea. Access restricted for non-Chinese citizens. ¥25.
- 2 Tureen Museum.
- 87th Border Marker. Near Tumen Port. The queue to take a photo is likely shorter here than at the 86th Border Marker.
- Gates before the Railway Bridge. Between Shuiyuan Square and 86th border marker.
- 86th Border Marker. Near the entrance to Riguang Mountain Forest Park. During peak season there is a queue to take a photo.
- Riguang Mountain Forest Park and Namyang Pavilion. The best view point over North Korea and the town of Namyang is at Namyang Pavilion. Walk up the mountain through the forest using the staircase. The entrance to the staircase is through the gift shop. There is a small shop at the Pavilion for souvenirs, drinks and ice cream. Free.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Riverside Promenade. The promenade has many restaurants where you can view North Korea across the river.