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 Nüzhens,
during the Ming Dynasty.
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