Yanbian is designated as a Korean autonomous prefecture due to the large number of Chaoxianzu living in the region.

The prefecture has an important Balhae archaeological site: the Ancient Tombs at Longtou Mountain, which includes the Mausoleum of Princess Jeonghyo.

When the civil war was over, the new Chinese government gave these Koreans their own autonomous region (区) in 1952.

[citation needed] During the Cultural Revolution, ethnic Koreans were killed and persecuted in Yanbian.

After the Japanese annexed Korea in 1910, a small but significant number of migrants also came to Manchuria for political reasons.

[8] The population of Yanbian was predominantly Han as of 2022[update], who were estimated to make up 60.2%, followed by Koreans at 35.5%, and Manchus at 3.6%.

[10] Colleges and universities: International schools: Both Mandarin Chinese and Chaoxianzu style Korean are used as official languages in Yanbian.

[citation needed] The exhibits' labels and explanations are bilingual in Korean and Chinese and tour guides are also available in both languages.

There are seven public parks in Yanbian's green space (18% of whole prefecture), including: Also popular among locals during holidays and festivities.

[citation needed] Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture is an important region for Chinese football.