Jilin City, located in the northeast of the People's Republic of China, is the second-largest city and former capital of Jilin province. It is situated along the Songhua River, which is a significant geographical feature in the region. The name Jilin originates from the Girin ula, a Manchu term meaning 'along the river'; this was transliterated into 'Jilin Wuyla' during the Qing dynasty and then shortened to 'Jilin' after the fall of the Qing empire in 1911. The area includes a diverse range of landscapes, with the Changbai Mountains to the east and the Songliao Plain to the west. The city experiences a four-season, monsoon-influenced climate, with long, cold winters, and short, warm summers. Historically, the region was under the rule of various states and empires, including the Balhae kingdom, Goguryeo, the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and later the Japanese during their occupation of Manchuria in the early 20th century. In terms of cultural elements, Jilin reflects the mix of the Han Chinese influence and that of various ethnic minorities including Koreans, Manchus, Mongols, Hui, and Russians, contributing to a rich tapestry of customs and traditions. Due to its geographic proximity to Korea, there is a significant ethnic Korean population which influences local culture, cuisine, and language—hence Korean being one of the languages spoken in Jilin alongside Mandarin, which is the official language of China. Demographically, Jilin City has been experiencing a trend of population decline over the years as many younger residents move to larger cities seeking better employment opportunities. Economic activity in Jilin includes sectors like automobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, and film. Jilin City is home to the Jilin Animation Institute, reflecting the cultural emphasis on animation and media. Notable landmarks and tourist attractions in Jilin include the Songhua Lake, the Meteorite Shower Museum, which commemorates the 1976 meteor shower that dropped over 4,000 meteorites in the region, and the Beishan Park, which boasts a history of more than 100 years. Despite the cultural and historic wealth of Jilin City, it is often overshadowed by the provincial capital, Changchun. However, it remains a region with its unique character and plays a crucial role in the broader narrative of China's northeastern development. The ongoing efforts to revitalize the city's economy and preserve its rich cultural heritage suggest that Jilin will continue to be a significant player in the region's history and development.