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About Changchun
Changchun sits on the plains of central Jilin province, roughly 300 km north-east of Shenyang and 110 km south-west of Harbin, and its name means 'Long Spring'. Developed as a railway town by Russia and then Japan, it became Hsinking, capital of Manchukuo, from 1932 to 1945, and the legacy survives in the Puppet Emperor's Palace (Wei Huang Gong Museum) and the 'Eight Great Ministries' (Badabu) government buildings. After 1949 it grew into the home of FAW, China's first car maker, and of the Changchun Film Studio, once the heart of Chinese cinema. Today visitors come for the palace museum, Jingyuetan National Forest Park (a large lake-and-forest park in the south-east, with winter skiing and the Vasaloppet ski festival), Changchun Film Century City, the World Sculpture Park and the free Jilin Provincial Museum. Winters are long and dry, with January averages near -15°C; summers are warm and green. Jilin City's rime ice and Changbai Mountain are within reach by high-speed rail.
- Capital
- Changchun (capital of Jilin province)
- Largest city
- Changchun
- Population
- ~9.1 million (2020 census, whole municipality; roughly 5 million in the urban core)
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese (Northeastern dialect), Korean is spoken by the local ethnic Korean community, and English is limited outside major hotels, universities and tourist sites
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan Renminbi (¥)
- Time zone
- China Standard Time (UTC+8), no daylight saving
Explore Changchun by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Changchun
The 15 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Jingyuetan National Forest Park
Changchun Film Studio Former Site Museum
Changying Century City (Changchun Film Century City)
Changchun World Sculpture Park
Jilin Provincial Museum (new campus)
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Changchun Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Changchun, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Changchun
- Days 1-2Changchun city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Changchun
- Days 1-3Changchun comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Changchun, departure
Where to stay in Changchun
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ¥300 (~$45)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ¥700 (~$104)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ¥1,900+ (~$284+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Shangri-La Hotel Changchun
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Changchun
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Changchun Jingyuetan Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comWanda Vista Changchun
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Changchun
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Wangji Braised Bone Restaurant, Ximinzhu branch (王记酱骨头馆 西民主店)
Chunfahe Restaurant (春發合饭庄)
Zhuangyuange Barbecue, Xinhua Road flagship (状元阁烧烤 新华路总店)
Pinyue Chinese Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Changchun (长春凯悦酒店 品悦中餐厅)
Yuanshengju, Shengtai Street branch (元盛居 生态大街店)
Zhenbutong, Changchun main store (真不同 百年吉菜老店)
Book a food tour in Changchun We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Changchun
Changchun is the capital of Jilin and a hub of the northeast high-speed network, about 300 km north-east of Shenyang and 110 km south-west of Harbin. Changchun Longjia International Airport (CGQ) is about 31 km north-east of the centre and has a railway station in the terminal basement. Changchun Railway Station and Changchun West serve high-speed and conventional trains, and a growing metro and light-rail network covers the central districts. Taxis and Didi are cheap, and high-speed rail is the fastest and cheapest way to day-trip to Jilin City.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CNY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥120 (~$18) | ¥350 (~$52) | ¥1,200 (~$179) |
| Food (per day) | ¥80 (~$12) | ¥170 (~$25) | ¥450 (~$67) |
| Transportation | ¥40 (~$6) | ¥70 (~$10) | ¥130 (~$19) |
| Activities | ¥60 (~$9) | ¥110 (~$16) | ¥120 (~$18) |
| Daily total | ¥300 (~$45) | ¥700 (~$104) | ¥1,900+ (~$284+) |
Best time to visit Changchun
Weather through the year in Changchun
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Winter (December to February) is cold and bright with skiing and ice events; summer (June to August) averages 20-24°C with heavy rain in July; spring and autumn are short.
January averages about -15°C with nights near -20°C or colder, and the city is dry rather than very snowy. Hotel prices rise mostly around Spring Festival and Golden Week; book 3-4 weeks ahead through Trip.com or Fliggy.
Essential travel tips
- Install Alipay (with an international card linked), WeChat, Didi and Amap or Baidu Maps before arrival, since Google services are blocked and cash is rarely used
- Reserve the Jilin Provincial Museum through its official WeChat account in advance, using your passport number, and buy Puppet Emperor's Palace tickets on Trip.com or at the gate
- Visit the palace on a weekday morning and allow 2-3 hours; allow a full day for Jingyuetan National Forest Park
- Buy train tickets on the 12306 app or Trip.com; keep your passport handy for gate checks
- Try guobaorou, Dongbei dumplings and Korean cold noodles (lengmian) at local restaurants; many museums are closed on Mondays
Safety information
Changchun is very safe for solo travellers with low violent crime; the main risks are cold-weather injuries, icy pavements, petty theft in crowded stations and festival sites, and tourist-priced taxis and shops
Wear at least three layers, insulated waterproof boots and a face covering when the temperature falls below -15°C, and warm up indoors every 20-30 minutes
Take slip-on ice grips (about ¥20-50 / $3-7.50 at local shops) for icy paths at Jingyuetan and in parks
Use Didi or the official taxi queue at Changchun Railway Station, Changchun West Station and the airport; decline unmarked cars
Keep your passport with you and take a photo of the photo page and visa; hotels and attractions check it
Bring cash (¥200-300 / $30-45) as a backup, since foreign cards sometimes fail on Alipay or WeChat Pay
Carry a charged power bank and keep your phone warm inside a pocket in subzero weather
Crossing frozen lakes and rivers is dangerous; stay on marked and staffed areas only
Save hotel names and your destinations in Chinese characters; English is limited outside tourist hotels
Heating in hotels is strong and dry; drink water and use a humidifier or damp towel to avoid sore throats
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Changchun?
Most visitors need a Chinese visa or an eligible visa-free arrangement. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays under China's 2026 policy, and citizens of about 55 countries can use the 240-hour transit rule through designated ports. Rules change frequently, so check nia.gov.cn or the nearest Chinese embassy.
When is the best time to visit Changchun?
For snow and winter events, visit from late December to February; January averages about -15°C. For comfortable weather, June to early September is best, with afternoon highs of 24-28°C and the most rain in July.
How do I get from Changchun Longjia Airport to the city?
The airport is about 31 km north-east of the centre. Options are the intercity train from the terminal basement (about ¥10 / $1.50), an airport coach to the city squares (about ¥25 / $3.70) or a Didi or taxi (about ¥100-130 / $15-19, 40-60 minutes).
How do foreigners pay for things in Changchun?
Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Most shops, taxis and restaurants use QR payments; carry some cash (¥200-300, about $30-45) for small vendors, and use Didi for taxis.
What are the top attractions in Changchun?
The top attractions are the Puppet Emperor's Palace (Wei Huang Gong Museum), Jingyuetan National Forest Park, Changchun Film Century City, the World Sculpture Park and the free Jilin Provincial Museum. Jilin City's rime ice is a popular winter day trip.