春节特刊｜图们：江上春来

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of Tumen, a border city between China and North Korea, from a historical trade hub to a modern tourist destination, emphasizing its rich commercial history and current economic revival through tourism and local entrepreneurship [1][2][11]. Historical Context - Tumen became a significant trade center after the opening of the Tumen-Nanyang International Railway Bridge in 1933, facilitating the movement of goods like soybeans, timber, and coal to Japan and daily necessities from Japan and Korea into Northeast China [5][23]. - At its peak, Tumen had over a hundred businesses, with trade volume accounting for more than 70% of the entire Yanbian region's trade [5]. Current Economic Landscape - The Tumen border area has seen a resurgence in tourism, with visitors flocking to the "86th boundary marker" for photos, which has led to the growth of the local service industry, including restaurants and accommodations [18][20]. - New investments in local projects, such as a large-scale ethnic cultural industry park, are being developed to capitalize on the area's unique cultural heritage and attract more visitors [18]. Tourism and Local Business Development - The rise in border tourism has prompted local residents, including young people returning from cities, to start businesses, such as traditional Korean-style guesthouses and restaurants [18][19]. - The agricultural sector is also evolving, with local farmers forming cooperatives to market organic rice, leveraging e-commerce to reach broader markets [18]. Future Prospects - Tumen's role is shifting from a bulk commodity distribution center to a more flexible and fragmented border trade channel, with an increase in cross-border e-commerce and diverse goods being traded [25]. - Upgrades to the Tumen port are underway, which will enhance its capacity for both passenger and cargo traffic, aligning with broader initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative [25].