Source of the Tumen River

Source of the Tumen River

The source of the Tumen River is located at 128°26′ east longitude and 42°00′ north latitude. It begins at the confluence of the Ruoliu River and the Hongtu Water (at the eastern foot of Chifeng Mountain) and extends all the way to the river mouth. The entire stretch is now collectively referred to as the Tumen River. The true source of the Tumen River actually originates from the Shulin River in the Danlin Forest, three kilometers northwest of Chifeng, flowing to a point 1.5 kilometers west of Chifeng, where it meets the Hongtu Water from North Korea. It then winds around the southern and eastern foothills of Chifeng, reaching a point half a kilometer east of Chifeng, where it converges with the Ruoliu River originating from Yuan Pond. From there, it continues flowing southeast until it reaches a point 6.5 kilometers west of Chifeng, where it is joined by the Shi Yi (Yi) Water from North Korea, gradually increasing in volume. It then flows northeastward and, at a location 8.5 kilometers west of Guangping, is met by the Hongdan Water from North Korea. It meanders further northeast and, 1.7 kilometers west of Guchengli, receives the Hongqi River. On the southeastern side of Guchengli, the Xidou Water from North Korea also flows in, which is why Guchengli was historically known as the "Confluence of Three Rivers." From the confluence of the Ruoliu River and the Hongtu Water to the point where the Hongdan Water joins, the river stretches 73 Chinese li (approximately 36.5 kilometers), with an actual flow length of 50 kilometers. According to historical records such as the Changbai Mountain Jiangwang Ji Lüe and the Yanji Border Report, the ancient name for this section was the Dalang River. With a narrow riverbed, steep gradient, and a bed layered with cobblestones, the current is rapid and the roar of the water echoes thunderously through the valley—thus, the name "Dalang River" (Great Waves River) has been well-earned since ancient times.

The Tumen River originates in Chifeng in the west and ends at the confluence at Hekou Dong, where Helong and Longjing cities meet, in the east. Within the city limits, the river flows for 313 Chinese li. From Dakong to Maoshan in North Korea is 100 Chinese li, and from Maoshan to the Hunchun confluence at Hekou Dong is 113 Chinese li. The source of the Tumen River is located at 128°26" east longitude and 42°

00 from the confluence of the Ruoliu River and the Hongtu Water (at the eastern foot of Chifeng Mountain) to the river mouth, the entire stretch is now collectively referred to as the Tumen River.