Transportation links help Baishan grow

Baishan city in Northeast China's Jilin province is pursuing a major development leap through transportation breakthroughs, expanding space for external cooperation and advancing high-quality economic and social development.

"Baishan is fully leveraging the synergistic effects of the dual-line connectivity of the Shenyang-Baihe High-speed Railway and the G331 Border Tourism Corridor, accelerating the construction of a modern, integrated and efficient transportation system while expanding new space for external cooperation," said Xiang Hui, Party secretary of Baishan and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress.

During the Spring Festival holiday, Baishan's tourism market thrived, attracting 1.42 million domestic tourists who spent 1.51 billion yuan ($218 million), marking year-on-year increases of 31.17 percent and 24.16 percent, respectively.

During the first National Day holiday after the Shenyang-Baihe High-speed Railway began operating in 2025, major scenic spots in Baishan saw a surge in visitors.

Jilin Lushuihe National Forest Park, renowned for its ancient Korean pine forests and the unique "winter rafting" experience on nonfreezing mineral springs surrounded by rime ice, received 15,500 tourists, nearly doubling year-on-year. The hotel occupancy rates of two resorts at Changbai Mountain exceeded 90 percent.

The convenience of high-speed rail has further boosted Baishan's appeal during the 2025-26 snow season, with the Yangtze River Delta becoming a major source of tourists. Visitors from Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces accounted for over 65 percent of arrivals.

Capitalizing on the increased passenger flow brought by high-speed rail, Baishan explored the intangible cultural heritage of Changbai Mountain's ginseng harvesting customs and hosted a series of related events.

"These activities have promoted the deep integration of the ginseng industry with tourism, creating unique offerings such as ginseng culture experiential tours, study tours and wellness tours," Xiang said.

In 2025, the total output value of Baishan's ginseng industry chain reached 26.32 billion yuan, a 29 percent year-on-year increase. The city's standardized ginseng cultivation rate has exceeded 90 percent, with 14 new varieties developed and more than 200 germplasm resources collected.

Baishan has introduced and cultivated 15 well-known ginseng enterprises and other leading companies, developing more than 800 deep-processed products.

With high-speed rail helping expand the ginseng market nationwide, the annual transaction volume at the Changbai Mountain Ginseng Market in Wanliang township, Fusong county, has remained stable at more than 6 billion yuan.

"Baishan has fully implemented the special reform tasks set by the province to promote the high-quality development of the ginseng industry," Xiang said. "The full operation of the high-speed railway has integrated Baishan into the national high-speed rail network, making business exchanges more convenient, product distribution more efficient and resource aggregation smoother."

"A prosperous border leads to a stable frontier, and wealthy border residents ensure a secure border defense. Baishan has always regarded border stability and prosperity as a fundamental political responsibility and goal," he added.

"The full connectivity of the G331 Border Tourism Corridor has integrated resources, stimulated the economy and significantly enhanced Baishan's geographical advantages, opening a new pattern for high-quality development in border areas."

Baishan has also strengthened the digital economy in border areas, establishing six new e-commerce demonstration villages and eight livestreaming bases to help boost local businesses and raise residents' incomes. Meanwhile, with 381 million yuan in integrated funding, the city has implemented 89 key projects to enhance the port economy and expand opening-up.

"Baishan will leverage the combined advantages of the Shenyang-Baihe High-speed Railway and the G331 Border Tourism Corridor,"Xiang said. "We will continue to strengthen leading industries, including cultural tourism, pharmaceutical health, green food, clean energy and new materials, while actively developing emerging and future industries."

"By achieving major transportation breakthroughs, Baishan aims to drive new development leaps and secure a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period," he added.

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn