Yanji, located in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, predominantly speaks the Hamgyong dialect of Korean, with many residents bilingual in Mandarin and Korean. Official signs display both Chinese characters and Korean hangul. Given the multilingual population, visitors are advised to use language apps or rely on bilingual locals for translation assistance. For smoother communication, utilizing gestures and written addresses can be helpful, especially for taxi rides.
WeChat: Essential for communication and transactions in China, offering messaging, social media, and mobile payment functions.
Alipay: Widely used for cashless payments in China, providing convenient services like public transportation payments and ride-hailing integrations.
Didi Chuxing: The leading ride-hailing app in China which can be used through an integration with Alipay for those without a local number.
Baidu Maps: The most reliable map service in China, with features exceeding Google Maps in terms of local accuracy and utility.
MetroMan: Helpful for navigation within metropolitan subway systems, offering route planning and cost calculations.
Trip.com: A popular online travel platform that provides a comprehensive range of services including booking flights.
Mobile data packages for travelers in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and China Unicom. China Mobile offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G. China Unicom provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications, and both do not require long-term contracts. Prices for eSIMs with unlimited data start at just $6 for China.
Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card. Global WiFi devices like Skyroam can be a convenient alternative, offering the ability to connect multiple devices and requiring no additional setup upon arrival in China.
Yanji experiences a humid continental climate with severe, dry winters and warm summers. The annual mean temperature is typically around 5.1°C to 14.04°C, and the city experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with the winters being especially cold with temperatures dropping to around -18°C and the summers being pleasantly warm. Yanji receives an average annual precipitation ranging from 85.7mm to 517.3mm.
When traveling to Yanji, it is advisable to dress in layers year-round due to the substantial temperature fluctuations throughout the day. During winter, thick winter jackets, thermal wear, and snow boots are necessary. For summer visits, light clothing with a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings is suitable. Always be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry an umbrella or raincoat for unexpected rainfall. It's essential to wear sunscreen and sunglasses during sunny days to protect against UV radiation, especially in the warmer months.
In Yanji, popular payment methods for foreign tourists include online banking and third-party payments.
Online banking is facilitated primarily through platforms like UnionPay, and it offers an immediate posting of payments which is a benefit for timely transactions. Third-party payments are accessible via systems such as Flywire, which support multiple payment options and currencies without additional fees and provide comprehensive tracking.
When using online banking or third-party payment systems, it's essential to ensure your bank account has sufficient funds and the bank card used is compatible (e.g., UnionPay for online banking). Each transaction's confirmation and detailed tracking are available, enhancing security and convenience.