China

Changchun

Changchun: wide Japanese-planned avenues, deep winter cold, and a rich rail history.

Local time
UTC+8
Population
9.1M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Affordable
  • Food$$$$$About $16 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $54 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $1.8 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇳 CNY =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

CGQLongjia International AirportMain airport, about 32 km east of the centre.
HowCostTime
TrainChangchun station¥10-2014 min
Longjia rail station links to the terminal; no trains roughly 8pm-7am.
Airport busPeople's Square¥20-3045 min
Regular coaches to the centre.
TaxiCity centre¥80-10040-50 min
Include toll; drivers may ask for at least ¥100 from the airport.
Metro Line 9Line 2 networkcheck locallycheck locally
Planned to open by late 2025.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Changchun

Getting around

Metro for most trips; taxis are cheap for short hops.

  • Metro ★6 lines (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8) cover many central areas. A T-Union card works.
  • TramTrams 54 and 55 run in the west; fare ¥2. Route 55 ends at West station.
  • BusExtensive and about ¥2. Chinese reading helps a lot.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Cheap and easy: flag fall ¥5 plus ¥1 fuel surcharge. Didi works; local apps may need Chinese registration.
  • Rental carNot needed for a city visit; traffic and parking are a hassle.
  • WalkingFine May to mid-November. Cycling is risky in traffic.
Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you, since the Manchukuo Imperial Palace and Film Studio Museum fit one focused day.

Best for
  • HistoryPuppet-state palace, film museum and wartime sites.
  • FoodNortheast barbecue, dumplings and street snacks.

Weather by month

-8°-18°Jan🌧 2d
-3°-14°Feb🌧 2d
7°-5°Mar🌧 3d
15°2°Apr🌧 5d
22°9°May🌧 9d
26°15°Jun🌧 14d
28°20°Jul🌧 15d
26°18°Aug🌧 15d
22°12°Sep🌧 9d
13°3°Oct🌧 5d
2°-6°Nov🌧 5d
-7°-15°Dec🌧 2d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Cold continental climate: long freezing winters, short warm summers, and most rain from June to August.

  • Winter is long and harshDecember to February highs sit near -8 to -3°C, lows to -18°C. Pack boots, a hat and layers.
  • Best time: May and SeptemberAround 22°C by day, mild evenings and fewer rain days. Ideal for parks and walking.
  • Rain peaks in summerJune to August bring 14–15 rain days a month. Carry an umbrella and plan indoor backups.
  • Short, warm summerJuly highs near 28°C with humid nights around 20°C. Go out early or after sunset.
  • Spring and autumn are shortApril and October are mild but changeable; March and November can still feel like winter.
  • What to packWarm layers and boots for November to March; light clothes and rain gear for June to August.

Landmarks 5

Must-see · 5

  1. 1

    Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo

    The former palace of Puyi, the last emperor of China, who ruled the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo here. It is the city's most important historical site and a must-see for understanding 20th-century China. Tip: go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; the site is a short taxi ride from the city center.

  2. 2

    Changchun Film Studio

    One of China's oldest and most famous film studios, now a museum dedicated to the country's film history. It is a must for cinema fans and anyone interested in Chinese culture. Tip: check opening hours in advance, as they can vary; it is easily reached by taxi or bus.

  3. 3

    Jingyuetan National Forest Park

    A large forest park with a lake, ideal for hiking, cycling, and escaping the city. It is the best place in Changchun to enjoy nature. Tip: visit in summer or autumn for the best scenery; bring water and snacks as facilities are limited.

  4. 4

    Changchun World Sculpture Park

    A unique park displaying sculptures from around the world, set in a pleasant green space. It is a relaxing and culturally interesting stop. Tip: go in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a stroll.

  5. 5

    Nanhu Park

    A popular city park with a lake, gardens, and recreational activities. It is a great spot to experience local life. Tip: visit on a weekend to see locals enjoying the park; entry is free.

1Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo2Changchun Film Studio3Jingyuetan National Forest Park4Changchun World Sculpture Park5Nanhu Park

Cultural

Museum 1

Park 3

Palace 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Changchun

    Jilin · 30 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 109 km from Changchun

    Best way: The high-speed train is far quicker than the bus (30m vs 1h 34m), and you then take a short taxi or local bus to Songhua Lake and Beishan Park.

    Take a high-speed train from Changchun station to Jilin station, about an hour, then a taxi or local bus to Songhua Lake and Beishan Park.

    • Train ★30 min · from $6-$15
    • Bus1 h 34 · from $4-$6
    • Car1 h 17 · taxi ≈ 150 CNY

    What to see

    • Songhua Lake
    • Beishan Park
    • Jilin Confucius Temple
    • Jilin Rime Ice Festival (winter only)

    Good to know

    • Train time is listed as 30m, but the route note says about an hour door to door, so allow time for the transfer from Jilin station to the lake and park.
    • Daily departure frequency is not given, so check timetables before you travel.
    • Taxi from Jilin station to the sights is an option if you want to skip the local bus.

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Changchun rewards visitors with compact squares, hearty northeastern food, and easy rail links across the region. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    1 night · History ★ Recommended length

    One full day of puppet-state history and old Changchun, with a food street evening.

    Stay: Hongqi Street. Quieter, greener area near the car industry district; handy if you have business there.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ CNY 210
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ CNY 78
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    CNY 220–600
    1 night · Hongqi Street
    Day 1

    Palace and Hongqi Street history

    Tickets ≈ CNY 210 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 78
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 14 km · ≈ 48 min · ≈ CNY 24
    2. 1

      09:00–11:00 · ≈ CNY 70 adult · discounts for students and seniors (check on the day)

      Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo Landmark quest

      Go early on a weekday. Closed Monday, so check on the day.

      Open Tue–Sun roughly 08:30–17:00 · closed Monday (check on the day)

    3. Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ CNY 13
    4. 2

      11:30–12:15 · Free to walk; museum entry varies

      Culture Square and Geological Palace

      Short walk nearby. The Geological Palace is the landmark to look for.

      Open Square always open

    5. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 9
    6. 3

      12:45–14:15 · ≈ CNY 50–120 per person

      Northeast Chinese dinner (dongbei cai)

      Lunch. Big portions, so share dishes.

      Open Lunch and dinner service

    7. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 9
    8. 4

      14:30–16:00 · ≈ CNY 50–80 (check on the day)

      Changchun Film Studio Museum

      Closed Monday. Indoor, good if it rains.

      Open Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–16:30 · closed Monday

    9. Taxi · 1331 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CNY 7
    10. 5

      18:00–18:45 · Free

      Hongqi Street evening walk

      Evening stroll, then dinner nearby.

      Open Evening

    11. Taxi back to your hotel · 8 km · ≈ 29 min · ≈ CNY 15

    Swap in instead

    • Add a half-day at Jingyuetan park: lake walks, forest trails and winter skiing; check opening hours on the day.
    • History fans can swap a shopping afternoon for the Film Museum and the old puppet-state buildings; check tickets on the day.
    • In winter, swap a park visit for an indoor museum or the hot springs outside town; check transport on the day.

    Getting around

    • Metro and light rail: 6 lines (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8) cover many central areas; T-Union card works.
    • Trams 54 and 55 run in the west; fare ¥2, route 55 ends at West station.
    • Buses are extensive and cost about ¥2; Chinese reading helps a lot.
    • Taxis are cheap and easy; flag fall ¥5 plus ¥1 fuel surcharge.
    • Ride apps: Didi works; local apps may need Chinese registration.
    • Walking is fine May to mid-November; cycling is risky in traffic.

    Where to stay

    • People's Square · ≈ CNY 200–550 a night
      Central and walkable; metro lines 1 and 2 meet here, so most sights are a short ride away.
    • Chongqing Road · ≈ CNY 180–500 a night
      Shopping and food street; busy at night, easy taxis, good budget-to-mid choice.
    • Guilin Road · ≈ CNY 150–400 a night
      Student and Korean-food district; cheapest eats and a lively evening scene.
    • Hongqi Street · ≈ CNY 220–600 a night
      Quieter, greener area near the car industry district; handy if you have business there.

    Food & drink

    • Try Northeast barbecue (chuan'r) and guo bao rou, sweet-and-sour pork slices. Portions are big; share.
    • Dumplings and cold noodles are cheap and filling; a meal often costs ¥20–40.
    • Guilin Road has Korean and student food: stews, fried chicken, late-night snacks.
    • Winter markets sell frozen pears and tanghulu; eat them outside, they are meant to be cold.
    • Look for hot pot and iron-pot stews in winter. Book ahead on weekend evenings.

    Tips

    1. Visit the Museum of the Imperial Palace of Manchukuo for local history
    2. Bundle up heavily if visiting during the freezing winter months
    3. WeChat Pay and Alipay are absolutely essential
    4. Try local Dongbei cuisine like stewed dishes and dumplings
    5. Public transit is the most efficient way to navigate the urban sprawl
    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Souvenirs

      Jilin Ginseng Tea

      CNY 50–15020–30 tea bags per box · estimate

      A sealed, processed ginseng tea made in Jilin Province, where Changchun is the capital. Ginseng has long been grown in this region.

      Where: Regular food section at Ouya Shopping Mall
      Choose the sealed, processed tea bags rather than raw ginseng roots.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

      Search flights · Trip.com

      Hotels

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