Changchun
INTRO
The Spring City of Northland, The City of Automobile, The City of Film These are several of the nicknames of Changchun, the cultural, industrial and economic centre of northeastern China. Its name became popular after it hosted the 2007 Asian Winter Games.
City Profile
City: Changchun
Country: China
Area: 20,571km²
Population: 7,120,000
Districts:10
Governor:Zhu Yejing
Language: Mandarin
LOCATION
Changchun is the capital of the northeastern province of Jilin. Located in the middle of Songliao Plains, the city is the largest city in the province standing at the centre of three provinces and at the cross-section of the "Europe-Asia Continental Bridge". Changchun is well connected to other destinations both within and outside the country thanks to its nearby international airport.
TIME TO VISIT
Changchun has a semi-wet monsoon climate which causes great variation in temperatures throughout the seasons. Winters are generally cold and snowy while summers are hot and short. The corresponding average temperatures are - 10 and 28 degrees Celsius. Thus the best time to explore Changchun is either during the late summer and the beginning of the autumn or the early spring. The most prominent events that take place here are the Changchun China Film Festival held every late summer and the Changchun Jingyuetan Ice & Snow Festival held every winter.
POPULATION
According to the latest records from 2004, the number of citizens who permanently reside in the city of Changchun has increased to over 7 million, of which almost 50 percent inhabit the urban territories while the remaining 50 live in the rural regions. Changchun is a multi-ethnic city that houses around 50 percent Manchu people, 19% Koreans and the remaining minorities consist of Hui, Mongolians and other smaller groups. The official language in the city is Mandarin but it has become common for the locals to study English as their first foreign language. However, many people still communicate in their mother tongue and do not understand English.
DISTRICTS
Changchun is divided into 6 districts, three cities and one county.
- Chaoyang District is the central district of the city where one can see the People's Square and the Culture Square. Most major hotels are also situated here.
- Nanguan District is distinguished with the Changchun Mosque that is located here. It was the first and largest Muslim mosque built in the city in 1824.
- Kuancheng District
- Erdao District
- Luyuan District
- Shuangyang District
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Even though Changchun is not so distinguished with its historical monuments, there are still several places of interest that are worthwhile.
- Puppet Imperial Palace was the palace of the last Chinese emperor who acted as a puppet of the Japanese during the city's status as the capital of the Japanese state Manchukuo. It is from this palace that Pu Yi held court under the close supervision of his Japanese leaders. The museum displays all the history of the state and gives a better picture on the Chinese history. "The Last Emperor" movie was filmed here.
- South Lake Park is a large park in the middle of the city where one can unwind and enjoy the sounds of birds, the scent of freshly bloomed trees, have a picnic or take a boat along the lake. In wintertime, the park freezes and the locals use it as a natural skating rink. The park is especially crowded during the summers as it offers a beautiful view of the city skyscrapers and provides serenity and fresh air.
- Confucius Temple was built in 1827 in honour of the most famous Chinese ancient philosopher and educator. Its other name is Wen Temple but as it was dedicated to Confucius, both names are adequate.
- People's Square commemorates the Russian soldiers who died in order to save the city during the World War II. It is in the middle of Changchun and divides People's Avenue. It is even recognizable from the air.
- Changchun Film City is a suburb in Changchun that is mainly concentrated on art and culture. The "Chinese Hollywood" i.e. Film World is the most visited tourist attraction here. It has the largest indoor studios for TV series and MTV's in Asia. Film World offers a variety of entertainments and dining for its visitors.
AIRPORT
Currently, Changchun has only one airport that serve passengers' needs but a second one is under construction and will soon be ready.
- Changchun Longjia International Airportis located 20 minutes drive or 30 minutes by bus from the city centre. There are two ways of getting downtown. The first is to take a taxi that should cost no more than 40 Yuan. Beware that some taxi drivers might want 100 RMB and insist that their meter was broken. Another option is to take the bus that leaves every hour and costs 20 Yuan.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
As almost any other city in China, public transportation is cheap and convenient.
- Buses in Changchun cover almost the entire city. Fares: 1 Yuan per person.
- Trams are the other option for travelling around Changchun. Fares: 1 Yuan.
- Taxis are the most preferred means of transport for the tourists as they are readily available and inexpensive. Prices usually vary between 5-15 Yuan.
- Motorcycle taxis are very characteristic means of transportation, especially for the local people. It costs only 2-3 Yuan for a short ride within a district.
HISTORY
Compared to other Chinese provincial capitals, Changchun is a relatively young city with a history of only 200 years. What is significant in the city's past is that it was the capital of Manchukuo, a state in Manchuria that was led by the Japanese. Russian presence is also a part of the city's past. The Red Army invaded Changchun during the World War II and severely damaged its infrastructure. Finally, in 1954 when the region was incorporated into the Republic of China, the city was called Changchun and was chosen to be the capital of the Jilin province.
CITY LINKS
- Changchun News: A Local Online Newspaper in English: http://www.hellochangchun.com/MetroNews.Cfm
- Changchun Official Website: http://en.changchun.gov.cn/
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Changchun
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Jilin University: http://en.jlu.edu.cn/
- Northeast Normal University: http://en.nenu.edu.cn/
- Changchun University of Technology: http://www.ccut.edu.cn/sort.php?/77.ccut