Changchun Travel Guide

Changchun is capital of Jilin Province, northeast China. There's not that much worth staying for in Changchun, yet it makes a good entry point for exploring the province at large.

Worth It?: Yes, for access to Jilin Province.
What to Do: walk around town, visit Jingyuetan National Forest Park.
Best Time to Go: May through October; avoid wintertime.
How Long?: Two days tops in Changchun.
Trivia: formerly capital of the Japanese puppet state, Manchukuo, Changchun played host to the 2007 Asian Winter Games.

Changchun is one of northeast China's largest cities, with a population of over six million. Compared with most centers in China, it is a newbie, with only around 200 years of history. The people are friendly although little English is spoken. You'll need to use public transport for getting about as Changchun is really spread out.

One attraction worth visiting in Changchun is South Lake Park, a good boating and picnicking spot in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Those into history and culture should take a look at Wenhua Guangchang district (north of Xinmin Dajie).

Travel to Changchun - Getting There

Changchun's Longjia International Airport is 30kms east of downtown Changchun and receives flights from Beijing (1 hour, 40 minutes) and Shanghai (2 hours, 20 minutes). Beijing is around 10 hours away by train or 8 hours by bus, while Jilin City is 1 hour, 30 minutes to the east.

Changchun Things to Do

Changchun Attractions

South Lake

this large park is not far from downtown Changchun and is a fun in the summer and winter.

Side trips from Changchun

Jingyuetan National Forest Park: located 45 minutes southeast of downtown, this forest park is manmade and has skiing November through March.

Events

Changchun Ice and Snow Festival: featuring ice statues and decorations galore in streets, parks, and plazas in Changchun.
Changchun Film Festival: a popular biennial international film festival in town, established in 1992.