Changchun

Understand

Changchun (renamed at the time to Hsinking) was the capital of the Imperial Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo from 1932 to 1945. In 2007, the city hosted the Asian Winter Games.

Get around

Changchun is a very compact city planned by the Japanese with a layout of open avenues and public squares (guǎngchǎng). 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.

Buy

Currency exchange is available at the airport, various hotels and banks, including Bank of China on Xi'an Dalu (西安大路).

There are three major shopping areas: Chongqing Road (重庆路; Chóngqìnglù), Guilin Road (桂林路; Guìlinlù), and Hongqi Street (红旗街; Hóngqíjiē).

Eat

Xunrou Dabing (熏肉大饼)：Xunrou Dabing is a traditional snack from Changchun, consisting of a crispy flatbread filled with aromatic smoked pork, scallions, and savory sauces. The bread is golden brown and flaky, while the smoked pork offers a rich, smoky flavor. This dish is a popular choice for breakfast or a light meal.

Ginseng Chicken Soup (人参炖鸡)：Ginseng Chicken Soup is a nourishing dish made by simmering tender chicken with ginseng, a prized herb known for its health benefits. The soup is clear and aromatic, offering a delicate balance of flavors. It's commonly consumed during colder months to boost vitality and strengthen the immune system.

Braised Deer’s Tail (炖鹿尾巴)：Braised Deer’s Tail is a unique delicacy in Changchun, where the tail of a deer is slow-cooked to tender perfection. The dish is rich and flavorful, often served in a savory broth with a variety of spices. It's considered a special treat and is typically found in upscale restaurants.

Cold Noodles (冷面)：Cold Noodles are a popular dish in Changchun, especially during the summer months. The noodles are served chilled, topped with sliced beef, vegetables, and a tangy sauce. The dish is refreshing and light, making it a favorite among locals seeking a cool meal.

Steamed Rice Cake with Red Bean Paste (豆包)：Steamed Rice Cake with Red Bean Paste is a traditional dessert in Changchun. The soft, sticky rice cake is filled with sweet red bean paste, offering a delightful contrast of textures. It's commonly enjoyed as a s…

Drink

Beer (啤酒) is probably the cheapest and safest thing to drink - and being Northeast China - comes in many varieties and is available almost anywhere. A big bottle (630 ml) should cost between ¥3-6. In the summer months good draft beer is available from most small restaurants, the black beer (黑啤) being particularly good.

Huadan (华丹), Jinshibai (金士百) and Yinpu (银浦) beers are all brewed in Jilin Province. There are also various Harbin beers (哈尔滨啤酒) available, as well as Bing Chuan (冰川) from the Korean prefecture of Jilin Province.

Like all cities in China, avoid drinking bottled water from street vendors and try instead at a supermarket or convenience store.

Go next

Harbin is about 3 hours away by train. Train trips to Shenyang vary in length but can last as little as 1 hour. Trains to Jilin city take 45 minutes.

Trains available to most of tourist destinations within the province. A train ride to Changbaishan is usually around 3 hrs.