Located in the lower reaches of Tumen River in the east of Jilin Province, Hunchun is the only coastal border city in China, at the intersection of China, the DPRK and Russia. As an emerging port city, it holds a total population of 215,000 and covers an area of 5,145 square kilometers. It is conterminous with Primorsky Krai of Russia in the east, with a 246km long common boundary. The Hunchun highway port and Hunchun railway port are connected with Russia. In the southwest Hunchun city faces North Hamgyong Province of the DPRK across the river, with a border line of 130.5km long. Quanhe port and Shatuozi port are opened between the two countries. The Sea of Japan is just about 15 kilometers away along the Tumen River to Fangchuan, which is in the south of Hunchun. The shortest distance between Hunchun city and the Sea of Japan is less than 2 kilometers.

Tumen River, originated at the foot of Changbai Mountain, connects China, the DPRK and Russia. It is the only water passage for China to enter the sea of Japan by land. Because of this passage, Hunchun once served as a bridge for friendly exchanges between the central China and Northeast Asian countries such as Japan and Russia, and the border trade was very thriving. This special geographical location not only enables Hunchun to develop an export-oriented economy, but also makes it an important base for international cultural exchange.