Jilin, also Chi-lin or Kirin, city, northeastern China, in Jilin Province, a port and industrial center at the head of navigation on the Songhua (Songhua) River. Manufactures include chemicals, ferroalloys, iron and steel, fertilizer, lumber, and processed food (especially sugar). Hydroelectricity is produced at nearby Fengman Dam, one of the largest in China.
Formerly called Yung-chi or Yungki, Jilin was founded as a fortress and military center in 1673. Modern industrialization, begun on a small scale after rail links to Changchun were completed in 1913, accelerated with the development of hydroelectricity production and chemical manufacturing during the Japanese occupation (1931-45). Jilin suffered heavy damage and looting during the Soviet occupation at the end of World War II (1939-1945) and again during the Chinese civil war (1945-1949). Rapid industrial growth resumed after 1949 with the restoration and expansion of hydroelectric facilities and the establishment of thermoelectric plants. Population (1991) 1,540,546.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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