Since the full opening of the Jilin section of National Highway G331 in September 2025, the region along China’s northeastern border has experienced a notable increase in tourism and economic activity. The 1,240-kilometer route, which runs along Jilin province’s border and follows the Changbai Mountains as well as the Yalu and Tumen rivers, has improved access to 216 border villages, 12 border ports, and 45 attractions rated AAA or higher.

Previously, parts of the highway were narrow and difficult to navigate, limiting travel to many scenic sites and border communities. The recent infrastructure upgrades have facilitated a surge in visitors, particularly during holidays. Traffic on the route surpassed 307,000 vehicles during the combined Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in 2025, a more than fourfold increase compared to the previous year. Daily peaks reached over 50,000 vehicles.

The route has also enhanced historical tourism. Ji’an, the first stop in Jilin along the highway from Liaoning, is known for its connection to the Chinese People’s Volunteers who crossed the Yalu River during the Korean War. Once remote, the city has restored revolutionary sites, upgraded walking trails, and improved visitor facilities, creating cohesive routes that blend history, border scenery, and self-driving travel. Visitors have praised the chance to engage with the region’s past alongside its natural landscapes.

At the eastern terminus of G331’s Jilin section, the border city of Hunchun has seen increased activity, particularly from Russian tourists. As Jilin’s only land port city open to Russia, Hunchun recorded a record 754,000 passenger movements through its port in 2025. Russian visitors are increasingly attracted by traditional Chinese medicine and wellness services, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage. Many opt for longer wellness stays lasting up to 10 days, facilitated by visa-free travel policies.

Local residents have benefited from the influx of travelers. In Fangchuan village, a retired soldier converted a vacant farmhouse into a homestay catering to self-driving tourists and visitors from Russia and South Korea. Rooms are frequently booked weeks in advance during peak seasons. Meanwhile, in Tumen’s Qushui Village, a local entrepreneur returned in 2023 to refurbish an old house into a countryside café. Her social media posts showcasing village life have attracted visitors, further stimulating the local economy.

Overall, the enhancements to National Highway G331 have transformed the border region from a transit zone to a destination, supporting both tourism growth and new business opportunities for residents.