'''Changchun''' (Simplified Chinese: ?_t; Traditional Chinese: ___t; pinyin: Changch?n) [http://www.ccfao.com.cn] is the capital of Jilin province and was formerly the capital of the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo. With a population of more than 6 million, it is one of the major cities in Northeast China (Simplified Chinese:?_k; Traditional Chinese: ___k; pinyin: D?ngb?i), and is the largest center for China's '''automotive industry'''. Changchun has long, cold winters with the temperature dropping as low as -30__C; there is little snow, but the city is very windy and the air is dry.

Changchun hosted the '''2007 Asian Winter Games'''.

Administrative Divisions

Changchun has a total of 6 districts, 3 other cities and 1 county.

Districts

These 5 districts are close to the city centre:_@

  • Chaoyang District (__?__) jhjh--61.134.160.34 03:30, 7 March 2008 (EST)
  • Nanguan District (__?__)
  • Kuancheng_@District (?____)
  • Erdao District (______)
  • Luyuan District (??__)
  • Further afield to the south of Changchun:

  • Shuangyang District (_o?__)
  • Counties (cities)

  • Yushu City (??_s)
  • Dehui City (_____s)
  • Jiutai City (_____s)
  • Nong'an County (?__?)_@
  • Special economic zones

  • Changchun Jingyuetan tourism Economic Development Zone (?_t?___K____????__)
  • Changchun High Technology Industry Development Zone (?_t___V_Z?????__)
  • Changchun Technology Development Zone (?_t??_Z???__)
  • Changchun Automotive Industry Development Zone (?_t_D?????__)
  • Changjiang Lu Science and Technology Commercial Development Zone (?_]_H??___Z___i??__)
  • Understand

    Changchun in its present form is a new city with only about 200 years of history. _@

    It expanded rapidly as the junction between the Japanese-owned South Manchurian Railway and the Russian-owned Chinese Eastern Railway, which had different rail gauges and permit licenses, from 1905-1935. Changchun had railway repair shops, and branch lines originating in Changchun extended into Korea and Inner Mongolia.

    In 1932, moving from Jilin City (Kirin city) 200 km. to the east, Changchun became the capital of Manchukuo -- a state in Manchuria led by '''Pu Yi''' with the help of Japan that existed from 1931 to 1945. Then known as '''Hsinking''' (_V__ X?nj?ng), the capital was a well-planned city with broad avenues and modern public works. The city underwent rapid expansion in both its economy and infrastructure, and many historic buildings from those times are still standing today.

    Severely damaged during World War 2, it was invaded by the Soviet Red Army in 1945, which looted the city of everything they could. The Russians maintained a presence in the city after the Chinese Civil War until 1956. Kuomintang forces occupied the city in 1946, but were unable to hold the countryside against Chinese Communist forces. The city fell to the communists in 1948 after a 12-month-long siege by the PLA that resulted in a massive famine with a civilian death toll of 100,000 to 300,000.

    Renamed Changch?n (Long Spring ?_t) by the People's Republic of China government, it became the capital of Jilin Province in 1954.

    You are strongly advised to learn some Mandarin before visiting Changchun, as not much English is spoken here. But in general, Changchun people are friendly and will do their best to help you even if your Mandarin is very rudimentary.

    Get in

    By plane

    '''Changchun Longjia International Airport''' (?_t?____?__? ''' IATA: CGQ''') has been in operation since September 2005 and is around 30 km east of Changchun's city center. It replaced a smaller military airport that had been adapted for commercial use. The airport is large and clean, and passengers can find standard amenities such as restaurants, cafes, shops, lounges, credit card acceptance, etc. For first class passengers there is a lounge available, but the standard is far below of the lounges of international airports - but better then nothing.

    Different local flight destinations are available, but the major routes throughout the day are to domestic destinations Shanghai (2:20h) and Beijing (1:40h). There are also some international flights to various destinations in Korea (Seoul; ICN - with Asiana) and Japan (Nagoya with CZ).

    Domestic one way flights to Beijing cost 960__ (economy normal fare base), but also discount offers in advance are available (range 280-560__)), first class ticket fare is 1530CNY inclusive all. Nevertheless, the airfare is around 4 times higher then the cost of a rail ticket (an overnight railway trip to Beijing is a real alternative price and time wise)- but of course also much faster.

    From the airport there are some regular coach services (20-30__ each way) available to the centre (e.g. People's Square _l____?). The travel time takes around 45 minutes. A Taxi to/from the city costs around 80__ including the toll, but from the airport to the city most of the taxi drivers reject a drive if you are not willing to pay at least 100__ (don't discuss it, do it or take the bus).

    If you want Chinese currency you should obtain it at the downtown Bank of China on Xian Dalu (_______H_jor in the hotel, as the rates at the airport are not very favourable, or the office is closed.

    By Train

    Changchun actually has three passenger railway stations: Changchun Railway Station (?_t__), Changchun East Railway Station (?_t?__) and Changchun South Railway Station (?_t____). Both the East and South stations are very small and only local trains stop there. All trains stop at Changchun Station and this is the place you need to go if you wish to travel any great distance.

    '''Changchun Railway Station''' (Changchun Zhan ?_t__) is situated at the north end of Renmin Dajie (_l_____X). Although it's large and chaotic, providing you read and speak some Mandarin and are prepared to fight through the queues, you can buy a ticket to almost anywhere in China from here.

    Thanks to the railroad-building efforts of Japanese in the early- to mid-1900s, the rail network in Northeast China is extensive and no place is very far by rail.

  • '''Beijing''' - takes about 8 hours (Z61 Sleeper leaving at 10:30pm)
  • '''Dalian''' - takes about 10 hours
  • '''Dandong''' - takes about 10 hours
  • '''Harbin''' - takes about 4 hours
  • '''Jilin''' - takes about 2 hours
  • '''Shanghai''' - takes about 32 hours
  • '''Shenyang''' - takes about 4 hours
  • '''Tonghua''' - takes about 9 hours
  • '''Xian''' - takes about 34 hours
  • Rail travel is by far the cheapest way to travel in and out of Changchun. Of course if you don't want to go to the train station yourself, you can go to any good travel agent, who will do this on your behalf, usually for 10-20__ extra.

    By Bus

    There are long distance coaches that reguarly go to Beijing from Changchun available from the Coach station on Huanghe Lu (_____H), just off Renmin Dajie (_l_____X) - very near to the train station. There is also a long distance bus station at the south end of Renmin Dajie (_l_____X), take the Z306 bus from the train station. You can also catch coaches and buses to pretty much anywhere in Jilin province, though they have a reputation for being dangerous and are slightly more expensive - though faster- than the train.

    Main Long-Distance Bus Station Location: 226 Renmin Dajie

  • '''Beijing''' - takes about 8 hours
  • '''Dalian''' - takes about 8 hours
  • '''Harbin''' - takes about 4 hours
  • '''Jilin''' - takes about 2 hours
  • '''Shenyang''' - takes about 4 hours
  • Get around

    Changchun is a very compact city planned by the Japanese with a layout of open avenues and public squares ''(gu?ngch?ng)''. It is pretty easy to travel from one place to another; however, with the increase in private car ownership, traffic is getting worse by the day.

    On foot

    From May to October, Changchun is a decent walking city; the weather is fine and there are no hills. The city does tend to be spread out, so travelers should plan on using other forms of transportation. During the winter months temperatures are too cold to walk longer distances in Changchun, so other forms of transport should be considered.

    Bicycle

    Travelers should be cautious of bicycling in Changchun. For half the year it's generally too cold and during the summer months, too dangerous. Unlike most big cities in China, Changchun doesn't separate its cycle lanes from the main traffic, which leads to buses, taxis, cars, and motorcycles sharing the same space as the cyclists. The whole situation is dangerous and this is perhaps the reason why by Chinese standards there are few people who regularly cycle here. The other problem is that because of the city's layout, there are plenty of large roundabouts where 4 or 5 busy roads converge on one another, making it extremely difficult to cycle without having to continually dismount.

    Bus

    Changchun has an extensive bus network and most of the buses cost only 1__. However if those who can't read Chinese will find it nearly impossible to use the network as the signage is all in Chinese characters. Most buses go to the bus station outside the train station, and other central areas such as Guilin Lu (_j___H) Chongqing Lu (_d?_H) and Hongqi Jie (?___X). Be aware that the buses are often extremely crowded and especially uncomfortable during the hot summers as there is no air conditioning.

    '''Important Bus Numbers'''

  • '''362''' 6am-8.30pm. From the Train Station to Hongqi Jie (?___X) Chongqing Lu (_d?_H) and Guilin Lu (_j___H).
  • '''306''' 5.50am-11.30pm. Busy route that goes north/south along Renmin Dajie (_l_____X) from the Train Station to Changchun University (?_t___w).
  • '''80''' 6am-8pm. Circular route around Changchun that goes pretty much everywhere including Hongqi Jie (?___X) Chongqing Lu (_d?_H) Guilin Lu (_j___H) the Train Station and the Zoo.
  • '''240''' 6am-7.30pm. Satellite Square (?____?)to Culture square (______?) via Guilin Lu(_j___H)
  • Minibus

    If you are in need of an adrenaline rush, look no further than one of the minibuses that tear around the city streets. Some places out in the suburbs are only serviced by such buses, and the fare is usually 1-2__, but the drivers seem to think that they are on a giant racetrack most of the time and you will get thrown around - so hold on tight!

    Tram

    Despite the city once having the most complex tram system in Northern China, there is now only one remaining route still open. The number 54 Runs down Hongqi Street (?___X) to the far west of the city (where there really isn't much). Many of the trams still in use today are the original cars from 1940, so it is worth the 1__ ride just for the authentic experience.

    Light Rail

    The Light Rail (Q?nggu? ??) runs from 6am until 9pm 7 days a week. It currently goes from the west side of the train station to to the Jingyuetan (?___K) tourist zone. It travels past Changchun University (?_t___w) approximately half-way along the route, and takes 50 minutes to complete the entire journey. A ticket, purchased at any light rail station, costs 2-4__ each way, based upon the distance traveled.

    Three-Wheeler

    There are brightly coloured three wheel plastic taxis, available from near Changchun University (?_t___w), which only operate for short distances in the south of the city. If you are in the Jingyuetan (?___K) part of town, this is the easiest mode of transport as there are few taxis operating there. They are cheaper and slower than regular taxis. There is no meter, so expect to negotiate with the driver. A typical ride shouldn't exceed 3__.

    Motorcycle

    If you need to get somewhere fast then jump on one of these. The generally hang around in the south of the city and out the suburbs. They are unlicenced to carry fare paying passengers, so bear in mind that if there is an accident, you might find yourself in trouble. However, they tend to drive in the cycle lanes at quite low speeds and so are safer than you might expect. Expect to pay as little as 1__ for a short trip.

    Taxi

    Taxis are cheaper than most in other Chinese cities and the fare starts at 5__ up to 2.5km, then 2__ for every 500m. Several taxi companys are serving the city - the most newest one uses Sanata 3000 cars and hey are colored white/green. they are often in from of the five star star hotels like the ShangriLa.

    '''Beware'''

    Watch out for drivers taking you in circles or trying to extort more money from you for one reason or another. Make sure you know the names of places you are going to in Chinese and speak to the driver (or prepare the destination in chinese by the hotel reception); if you just give him a piece of paper with the name of the location on it, you're sure to get screwed over.

    See

  • '''South Lake''' (______? Nanhu), a large park which is a favorite picnic and recreation spot for locals. In the summer, the lake is used for boating and water sports, and there is a stand of huge lotus plants near one part of it. In the winter, the lake freezes over and serves as a natural skating rink. In winter months it's a romatic and quiet place - but you have to suffer the low winter temeratures. The park almost feels like it is not part of a city, except that there is a good view of the skyscrapers in downtown Changchun across the lake. The park is a very safe place to wander around in the early evening.
  • '''Wenhua Guangchang''' (lit. Culture Square, ______? Wenhua Gu?ngch?ng), starting north of the crossroads of Xinmin Dajie (_V_____X) and Jiefang Dalu (_______H), is a pleasant urban hangout which offers a glimpse into Changchun's Japanese imperial past. The square is surrounded by several historical buildings from the Manchukuo era. On the north end of the square sits the majestic former New Palace of the Emperor of Manchukuo (_V__?), which was intended to replace the Puppet Imperial Palace mentioned below. On the south end of the square are the former Manchukuo State Council and Military Affairs buildings. These buildings, which are now affiliated with Jilin University, offer prime examples of early Twentieth Century Japanese architecture. On the square, vendors sell kites and various other products. Many people fly kites from this square, while others play traditional Chinese instruments or just sit and relax. More formal performances are sometimes held on a temporary stage set up near the high school. For casual visitors to Changchun, this is probably a good place to visit by taxi. Crossing the street to get to this location is a skill and best done with locals.
  • '''Puppet Imperial Palace''' (?_c? W?ihuangg?ng) is another place to visit to take in historical Manchukuo. The palace was the home of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China and puppet emperor of Manchukuo, and this centre of the Manchukuo administration may be worth a visit. Most signage is in English, and the grounds are nicely restored. Scenes from the acclaimed 1987 film ''The Last Emperor'' were filmed here. The admission fee in 2008 is 80__.
  • '''Jingyuetan National Forest Park''' (lit. Crystal Moon Pond, ?___K_____X____?) is 45 min from downtown to the south east of the city. It is the largest man-made forest park in Asia, and a great place for skiing in the winter. The admission is a rather steep 30__; or you could, like the locals, just climb through one of the many holes in the fence.
  • '''People's Square''' (_l____? Renmin Gu?ngch?ng) is located in the Chaoyang District around the cross streets of Xi'an Lu (_____H), Renmin Dajie (_l_____X), and Changchun Dajie (?_t___X). It is one of the focal points of Changchun. It is close to Baishan Park (___R__?), and a mini "Culture Square" of sorts. The site commemorates the Russian soldiers, and specifically Russian pilots that died to liberate Changchun during the Second World War.
  • Learn

    Changchun is a very good place to study Mandarin, the following places provide various courses for all levels:

  • [http://en.jlu.edu.cn/ Jilin University](_g_____w)
  • [http://www.ccu-edu.cn/ Changchun University](?_t___w)
  • [http://www.cncnc.edu.cn/Foeign/sin.htm Changchun Teacher's College](?_t?___w_@)
  • [http://www.ccut.edu.cn/sort.php?/77.ccut Changchun University of Technology](?_t_H?___w)
  • [http://www.nenu.edu.cn/webE/index.htm North East Normal University](?_k?_____w)
  • There are also private training centers that will provide either small group Mandarin lessons, one-on-one lessons, or even a home tutor. The rates are quite reasonable, around 40__ (US$6) for a one hour or longer lesson with a professional teacher.

    Buy

  • '''Ginseng'''. As the region around Changchun is a top producer of ginseng, it is available at most pharmacies in the city.
  • '''Kites'''. Attractive and cheap kites are sold by vendors around Culture Square.
  • Sanfo is the leading outdoor gear stores in China and their store in Changchun is located at 668 Xikang Hutong, Ziyou Dalu District
  • Shopping

    There are three major shopping areas in Changchun: '''Chongqing Road''' (Chongqing Lu _d?_H), '''Guilin Road''' (Guilin Lu _j___H), and '''Hongqi Street''' (Hongqi Ji? ?___X).

    '''Chongqing Road''' (_d?_H) is in the north of the city and only a 5 minute bus ride from the train station. Here is the biggest selection of clothing shops and department stores in the whole city. The road intersects with Renmin Dajie (lit. People's Avenue _l_____X) and the shops continue for quite some distance to the west. There is a ''Wal-Mart'' and various other supermarkets at the far east end of the road as well as a Pizza Hut and Chartered (Zhu?zh?n ___W), one of the most expensive shopping malls in Changchun.

    '''Guilin Road''' (_j___H) area is about 1.5km to the south of Chongqing Lu along Tongzhi Jie (lit. Comrade Street ___u_X) and is the most cosmopolitan part of town. The area along Guilin Lu, Tongzhi Jie, and the surrounding side streets offer much to see, buy, and eat. There are many restaurants in this area especially if you are interested in ''Korean food''. Be careful with Korean food in Changchun as many Korean restaurants specialize in "Dog pot." There is less overall choice than Chongqing Lu, but if you are looking for specifics - e.g. Korean fashions then is the best place in town - though the shops in this area are a little more expensive. This area can be extremely busy, and it is definitely a target area for younger shoppers. Many places will not haggle price.

    '''Hongqi Street''' (lit. Red Flag Street, ?___X) is to the west of Guilin Lu and is the smallest of the three shopping areas. It is dominated by one of the better department stores in Changchun: '''Ouya''' (__?). The 6th-8th floors of Ouya contain the largest electronics market in the city. You can find anything electronic here, from mp3 players to laptops, you name it. Prices can be very high.

    '''The Underground Markets''' (Dixia Shich?ng _n___s?): These are now extensive underground shopping areas, originally dug out by POWs during the occupation, intended to be used as bomb shelters. There are three of these places in Changchun: Chongqing Lu (_d?_H), the Train Station (?_t__), and Hongqi Jie (?___X). If you want anything cheap (and probably fake) then these are the places to come. The term buyer beware applies. There some good deals to be had, but some products are really poor quality. Be prepared to haggle as the shopkeepers will try to get you to pay foreign prices - so it's essential that you understand some Chinese. If you don't speak Chinese, bring a pen and paper. Start at 50% (or less) off the ticketed price. Over charging foreign visitors is common in these areas, but it is a shopping adventure. From experience, you may be able to get your "deal" at a discount retailer at home.

    '''Beifang Market''' (Be?f?ng Shich?ng _k___s?_j

    '''Zhongdong Market''' (Zh?ngd?ng Dashich?ng __?___s?_j

    Eat

    Very good flatbread is available in Changchun. Look for it on the streets or in markets.

    Drink

    Beer (?___jis probably the cheapest and safest thing to drink - and being Dongbei - comes in many varieties and is available almost anywhere. A big bottle (630ml) should cost between 1.6__-5__. Avoid the smaller western sized bottles as for some reason they are twice the price of the big ones. In the summer months good draft beer is available from most small restaurants, the black beer(_K?) being particuarly good.

    Huadan (?_O), Jinshibai (___m_S_j and Yinpu (?_Y) beers are all brewed in Jilin Province. There are also various Harbin beers (__???__) available, as well as Bing Chuan (_u__) from the Korean prefecture of Jilin Province.

    American soft drinks are available everywhere in Changchun. Diet drinks are much harder to find, but you can usually purchase them in larger, western-style supermarkets. Like all cities in China, avoid drinking bottled water from street vendors, and it probably much safer to drink one of many varieties of delicious iced tea produced in China.

    Bars

    There are a surprising number of western-style pubs in Changchun. There is a really big bar and club scene on yihe Lu _i?_a_H_j located near the Changchun Library.

    There are a series of bars on Longli Lu(_____H) which are pretty hot during weekends. The beer there is cheap, about 6__/cup. Occasionally there are some parties which are organized by "Changchun friends" or foreign teachers. Usually, they play the music themselves. The atmosphere is quite comfortable, and people are very nice.

    San Marco & Jazz Bar is also pretty hot these days.

    It's been said that "Mayflower" is the hottest club in Changchun. Every weekend it's packed~!! There are two rooms. In the outer room there is a live show every day from 9:00pm, and after that the DJ plays Disco. Most of people in the outer room are Chinese, who spendg money on drinking. The inner room is small but quite popular. It's for foreigners and Chinese young people who like Hip-hop,and people actually dance here! However, it gets out of control after 1 A.M. People dance sexually and go crazy. Anyway,a lot of people have fun here.

    "Angels" is another popular club in Changchun. It's comparatively new but nice. It has two rooms,too. In one, they play Disco, and in the other is a sports bar which plays Hip-Hop. What is interesting in "Angels" is the bathroom! It's unisex,and users are surrounded by mirrors!!!

    Late in 2007 Cheers bar was refurbished in western style and renamed 3 Monkeys. The interior, music collection, drinks menu and all other aspects of the pub were designed by British, Italian and American engineers. The music is all western and the drinks menu includes english ale and Irish stout. This is the only place in changchun to have a beer and a game of pool in peace. 3 monkeys has a front terrace away from the main road to have a beer on a summers evening in pleasant surroundings. Located at Tian An City One (_V________ .___J___X661____?_____{___s300__). Without doubt the only real western Pub in Changchun.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • Chunyi Hotel. 0 Renmin St., Changchun. 0431)2096888. [http://www.example.com link title]

    Mid-range

  • Paradise Hotel. 6 Renmin St., Changchun. 0431)2717071. 0431)2715709.

    Splurge

  • Shangri-La Hotel Changchun. Xi'an Rd., Changchun. 0431)8981818. 0431)8981919.
  • Noble Hotel. 35 Renmin St., Changchun. 0431)5622688. 0431)5674763.

    Get out

    Harbin is about 3 hours away by train. Train trips to Shenyang vary in length but can last as little as 4 hours. Trains to Jilin city take an hour and a half. Beijing is 8-12 hours away.