Unlocking a Retro and Culinary Journey in a Small Northeastern City

Meihekou, a small city in Tonghua, Jilin Province, is attracting more and more visitors with its unique retro charm, rich cultural experiences, and tempting cuisine. As a provincial-level city, Meihekou may be small but is clean and tidy, offering modern conveniences while retaining strong traditional Northeastern flavors. Here, you'll find Zhibei Village, which recreates life in the 1970s and 1980s; Hailong Lake, known as the "Little West Lake of the Northeast"; the bustling Northeast Night Market; and mouthwatering Korean ethnic cuisine. Must-Visit Attractions Zhibei Village: Step Back into 1970s-80s Northeastern Life Zhibei Village is one of Meihekou's most distinctive attractions. This artistic complex perfectly recreates Northeastern life scenes from the 1970s and 1980s. Entering from the north gate, visitors are greeted by the pastoral Zhibei Village Ranch, home to adorable animals. Nearby boutique homestays feature typical 1970s Northeastern-style earthen houses and courtyards, making them perfect photo spots. The highlight is a small railway running through the village, flanked by flowers and traditional houses—every angle is a retro masterpiece. The commercial street is even more vibrant, with slogans like "Serve the People Wholeheartedly" perfectly capturing the era. Travel Tips: Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–9:30 PM, free admission Transport: Drive, take a taxi, or use public buses Experiences: Visit Zhibei Photo Studio and Meihe Old Liquor Exhibition Hall Best Season: Summer for flowers, winter for snow Hailong Lake Scenic Area: The "Little West Lake" of the Northeast Hailong Lake is Meihekou's largest artificial lake, with free admission and parking. Highlights: Hailong Lake Square: The main entrance and gathering area Hand-in-Hand Square: A themed square for weddings Meixi Wetland: Classic architecture reminiscent of Jiangnan water towns Beach Bathing Area: Features showers, changing rooms, and water play zones Tip: Rent a self-drive sightseeing car or take the sightseeing train (¥30/person) for a lakeside tour. Northeast Night Market: Meihekou's Nighttime Extravaganza The Northeast Night Market is the heart of Meihekou's nightlife and has been recognized as a national nighttime cultural and tourism consumption hub. Featured Streets: Yunnan Bar Street: Experience Yunnan vibes in the Northeast Shaanxi Flavor Street: Showcasing Shaanxi cuisine Sichuan Fireworks Street: Authentic Sichuan and Chongqing dishes Local Food Guide Meihekou is a blend of Korean and Han cultures, offering both Northeastern and Korean flavors. Must-Try Restaurants: Yinglan Guobaorou: Crispy, sweet-and-sour pork Yu's Barbecue: Try the grilled live eel Old Gaoli Barbecue: Famous for its secret dipping sauce Former ICBC Skewers: Soft and sweet grilled tofu skewers Signature Dishes: Korean BBQ: Best with marbled pork belly Cold Noodles: Sweet, sour, and refreshing Kimchi: Crisp and tangy, perfect with drinks Raw Beef Salad: A Korean delicacy Budget-Friendly Accommodations Bairui Hotel: From ~¥100/night, near the train station Meihekou Vision Fashion Hotel: From ~¥70/night Meihekou Hongyu Fashion Quick Hotel: From ~¥89/night Meihekou Jingxinyuan Theme Hotel: From ~¥65/night Practical Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August): Pleasant weather Winter (December–February): Experience Northeastern snowscapes Transport: Drive: ~2 hours from Changchun Public Transit: Convenient city buses and taxis Itinerary Suggestions: Day Trip: Zhibei Village in the morning, Hailong Lake in the afternoon, Northeast Night Market at night Two-Day Trip: Day 1—Zhibei Village + Northeast Night Market; Day 2—Hailong Lake + Beer Town Though unassuming, Meihekou offers an unforgettable journey through its retro charm, beautiful landscapes, and authentic flavors.