MileHacker Logo
Famous Landmarks in Changchun

Famous Landmarks in Changchun

Changchun Jilin, China Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Puppet Emperor's Palace 伪满皇宫博物院

This complex served as the former residence and office of Aisin-Gioro Puyi, China's last emperor, who became the puppet emperor of Manchukuo under Japanese occupation. It is a profound historical site, reflecting a complex and sensitive period of Chinese history from 1932 to 1945.

The grand house illustrates the life of Puyi during this era and the political maneuvering that took place, offering deep historical insights.

Visitor Information: Puppet Emperor's Palace

  • Hours: Typically 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Ticket sales usually close earlier, around 4:00 PM. The museum is generally closed on Mondays, so organize accordingly. Confirm current hours closer to your visit.
  • Fees: An admission fee applies, typically around ¥80.
  • Guided Options: Audio guides are available in several languages, providing detailed explanations for each section. Guided tours (often in Cantonese, sometimes English) offer insights.
  • Insider Tip: Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the entire complex thoroughly. The site includes several well-preserved buildings, extensive exhibitions with artifacts and documents, and a garden. It offers a somber yet educational experience.

Jingyuetan National Forest Park 净月潭国家森林公园

Park Overview

  • A vast ecological park centered around the beautiful Jingyuetan Lake.
  • Known for its extensive forest coverage and natural beauty.
  • Serves as a main recreational area for Changchun residents.
  • The park's name, meaning "Pure Moon Lake," reflects its serene appearance.
  • Popular for hiking and boating in summer, and skiing and ice activities in winter.
  • Consider renting a bike, taking a sightseeing bus, or using the gondola to efficiently explore its vastness.

Visitor Information: Jingyuetan

  • Hours: Generally 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with shorter hours in winter.
  • Fees: An admission fee applies, generally ¥30-50. Additional fees apply for specific activities.
  • Tour Options: Self-exploration is common, but you can hire local guides for specific activities.
  • Insider Tip: This park is very large. Renting a bike or using internal transport is highly recommended.

Jingyuetan delivers a tranquil natural escape, contrasting with the city's urban landscape.

Changchun World Sculpture Park

  • An expansive open-air sculpture museum featuring a diverse collection of modern and contemporary sculptures from artists worldwide.
  • This park embodies the city's "City of Sculpture" nickname, showing an international artistic dialogue within a natural setting.
  • Hours: Typically 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, generally closed on Mondays.
  • Insider Tip: This park beautifully combines art and nature. It makes a great choice for a leisurely walk, offering many unique photo opportunities. Allow 2-3 hours to stroll through the various sections.

Changchun Film Studio Museum

  • Historical Context:

    This museum preserves the original site of China's first film studio, founded in 1945.

  • Cinematic Legacy:

    It showcases the rich history of Chinese cinema, especially the studio's pioneering contributions to the nation's film industry.

  • Hollywood of the East:

    It represents Changchun's "Hollywood of the East" identity, a significant cultural landmark.

  • Visitor Information:

    Hours: Typically 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, generally closed on Mondays. Fees: An admission fee applies, usually around ¥90.

  • Film Enthusiast's Delight:

    This museum proves specifically interesting for film enthusiasts. It features original props, costumes, historical equipment, and interactive exhibits that trace the evolution of Chinese filmmaking.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Changchun has a number of museums that give insights into the region's history, culture, and art, offering diverse perspectives.

Museums and Galleries

  • Jilin Provincial Museum

    A comprehensive museum demonstrating the history, culture, and natural history of Jilin Province. Its collections include archaeological finds, traditional naive art, and historical artifacts that span various dynasties and periods. Entry is free, but you may need to present your passport for registration. Typically closed on Mondays.

  • Changchun Museum

    This museum focuses specifically on the history and development of Changchun city. It offers a more localized perspective, detailing the city's growth from its early days to its industrial and cultural prominence.

  • Important Note

    Check the opening hours of museums prior to visiting. Many museums in China close on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

  • Art Galleries and Exhibition Spaces

    While not as numerous as in major art capitals, independent galleries might be found around university areas or within cultural centers. These often showcase local artists or contemporary Chinese art. Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions during your visit.

  • Local Artistic Scene

    These spaces provide a platform for local artists and offer a glimpse into Changchun's contemporary artistic expressions and cultural trends.

  • Discover Local Talent

    Discover these smaller venues for an unique cultural experience away from larger, more traditional museums.

Jilin Provincial Museum

Comprehensive history, culture, and natural history of Jilin Province. Entry is free, passport for registration.

Changchun Museum

Focuses on Changchun city's history and development, offering a localized perspective from its early days.

Art Galleries

Small art galleries near universities or cultural centers showcase local artists and contemporary Chinese art.

Historical Sites

  • Baiguoxing Longquan Temple: A modern, large Buddhist temple complex. It offers a serene escape from the urban bustle, having striking halls and statues. It functions as an active place of worship and meditation.
  • Confucius Temple (长春文庙): A well-preserved traditional Confucius temple, giving insight into ancient Chinese education and philosophy. Its traditional architecture and tranquil courtyards deliver a contrast to the city's more modern developments.
  • Eight Ministries of Manchukuo (伪满八大部): This cluster of grand, Western-style buildings served as government ministries during the Manchukuo era. Many of these imposing structures remain in use today by local government bodies or universities. They signify a distinct architectural style from the 1930s.

Natural Attractions

Changchun, known as the "Forest City," boasts several beautiful parks and green spaces for relaxation and recreation, offering a peaceful escape from urban life.

South Lake Park 南湖公园

The largest park in Changchun, featuring a large lake, extensive walking paths, beautifully landscaped gardens, and various recreational facilities.

Children's Park 儿童公园

A smaller, charming park located closer to downtown. It has recreational facilities specifically for children, along with pleasant walking areas and green spaces.

Botanical Garden 长春市植物园

This garden features various plant collections and greenhouses, delivering a peaceful environment for nature lovers. It showcases both local and exotic flora.

Seasonal Activities in Parks

Summer Activities on South Lake

South Lake Park becomes a popular spot for boating in summer. Visitors rent various watercraft to enjoy the serene lake and surrounding greenery.

Find boating experiences

Winter Wonderland at South Lake

In winter, South Lake Park changes into a vast ice skating rink, offering a favorite seasonal activity for locals and visitors alike.

Explore winter sports

Hiking and Picnics

Every parks provide excellent environments for leisurely walks, jogging, and picnics, with extensive paths and beautifully landscaped areas.

Discover nature walks

Children's Play Areas

Children's Park and dedicated sections in larger parks accommodate families with playgrounds and child-friendly recreational facilities.

Fun for kids

Geological Features Beyond City Limits

While Changchun city itself does not feature prominent geological formations, the surrounding Jilin Province delivers more geological diversity, especially towards the Changbai Mountain region.

Excursions to Changbai Mountain

Insider Tip: Enjoy South Lake

Rent a boat on South The body of water in summer or go skating on ice there in winter. These pursuits present fun experiences by season, popular among locals.

Seasonal Delights

  • Summer boating on the tranquil lake.
  • Winter ice skating across the expansive frozen surface.
  • A favorite recreational spot for both locals and visitors throughout the year.

Hidden Gems: Zhongshan Park

Visit Zhongshan Park in the morning. You can observe locals practicing tai chi or dancing, giving a genuine slice of Changchun life.

Authentic Local Experience

  • Observe morning exercise routines like tai chi.
  • Witness local groups dancing and socializing.
  • See residents playing chess or relaxing in a tranquil setting.
  • An older park offering a less tourist-centric view of the daily routine.

Tip: Visiting Museums on Weekdays

Plan your visit to the Puppet Emperor's Royal residence and Changchun Film Studio Museum on weekdays to avoid larger crowds.

Weekdays generally offer a calmer experience, permitting a immersion into the exhibits and historical context.

Hidden Gems & Local Insights

For those seeking experiences beyond the main tourist circuit, Changchun has a few less-known but equally interesting spots that reveal more about local life and culture.

Cultural & Artistic Finds

Explore these unique locations for a understanding of Changchun's lesser-known cultural side, revealing artistic expressions and local heritage.

Highlights

  • Changchun International Ceramics Gallery: Features contemporary and traditional ceramics from various artists. It offers a quiet artistic retreat.
  • Dongbei Folk Culture Museum: Focuses on the folk customs, traditions, plus the daily routine of the Northeast region. It provides an understanding of local heritage.
  • Jilin University Campus: Explore the sprawling campus of Jilin University. Its architecture and student life offer insights into modern Chinese higher education and youth culture.

Local Life & Tranquility

Discover places where you can observe daily life and enjoy peaceful surroundings away from the main tourist flow, offering authentic experiences.

Highlights

  • Zhongshan Park: One of the city's older parks, Zhongshan Park offers a glimpse into local life, with residents practicing tai chi, playing chess, or simply relaxing.
  • Urban Exploration: Utilize bicycle-sharing apps for urban exploration and discover local neighborhoods at your own pace.
  • Local Cafes: Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of local cafes, especially in areas surrounding university campuses.

Dongbei Folk Culture Museum

This museum focuses on the folk customs, traditions, and everyday life of the Northeast part region. It provides a understanding of local heritage, offering a different cultural perspective than the larger provincial museum.

Aspects

  • In-depth look at regional traditions.
  • Exhibits on classic crafts and daily objects.
  • Insights into local community life.

A valuable site for cultural enthusiasts seeking an authentic regional experience.

Changchun International Ceramics Gallery

This gallery is less known but features an assortment of contemporary and traditional ceramics from various artists. It offers a quiet artistic retreat, demonstrating diverse ceramic artistry.

Artistic Features

  • Contemporary and traditional ceramic collections.
  • A peaceful environment for art appreciation.

Discover unique ceramic works from both local and international artists.

Jilin University Campus

Explore the sprawling campus of Jilin University. Its architecture and student life offer insights into modern Chinese higher education and youth culture, providing a atmosphere.

Campus Experience

  • Impressive campus architecture.
  • Observe student life and activities.
  • Glimpse into Chinese higher education.

A dynamic environment where tradition meets modern academic pursuits.

Summary of Hidden Gems

Ceramics Gallery

A quiet artistic retreat with contemporary and traditional ceramic collections, perfect for art lovers.

Zhongshan Park

An older park, great for viewing local daily life and activities, providing a genuine slice of Changchun life.

Tip: Morning Visit to Zhongshan Park

Visit Zhongshan Park in the morning. You can observe locals practicing tai chi or dancing, giving a genuine slice of Changchun life and a peaceful start to your day.
Famous Landmarks in Changchun. Attractions, Monuments, Sightseeing