CITY · JILIN
Changchun
长春 · Chángchūn
Overview
Capital of Jilin and former capital of the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo (1932–45). Manchurian palace, automobile industry, Lake Songhua winter sports nearby.
Changchun was the capital of Manchukuo, the Japanese puppet state in northeast China from 1932 to 1945. The Manchurian Imperial Palace, where Puyi (the last emperor) lived as figurehead, is the major historical site. The post-war city was the cradle of China's automobile industry (FAW, the First Automobile Works). Lake Songhua, 90 minutes east, has the Vasaloppet ski race in winter and pine-fragrant forests in summer.
What to see
- Manchurian Imperial Palace Museum
- Jingyuetan National Forest Park
- Changchun World Sculpture Park
What to eat
- Dongbei stews
- Cold-noodle soup
- Northeastern dumplings
Getting there
Changchun Longjia (CGQ) airport. Changchun West HSR: Beijing 5h, Harbin 1h.
Getting around
Metro and trams (one of the few remaining tram networks in China).
Where to stay
Central People's Square area.
We list neighbourhoods, not specific hotels — we don't endorse hotels.
When to go
June–September.
Budget guide (CNY per day)
| Backpacker | ¥240 |
| Mid-range | ¥520 |
| Comfortable | ¥1200 |
Itineraries visiting Changchun
Food of Northeastern China
- Di San Xian地三鲜
A simple Dongbei stir-fry of aubergine, potato and green pepper — the vegetarian staple of northeastern China.
- Dongbei Braised Pork Stew东北乱炖
A robust northeastern 'everything pot' of pork ribs, aubergine, potato, beans and corn braised together in a clay pot.
- Guo Bao Rou锅包肉
Crispy battered pork slices in a sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce — a northeastern Chinese dish created in Harbin.
- Pickled Cabbage and Pork Stew酸菜炖猪肉
A long-simmered northeastern stew of fermented cabbage with fatty pork — warming, sour and deeply satisfying.
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