Things To Do
in Changchun

Thick-skinned, generously filled dumplings served boiled or pan-fried — widely available at family restaurants and street stalls across Changchun.

Must-Try!

Hearty mutton dishes and hotpots are common in winter; look for restaurants specializing in stewed lamb or spicy mutton broths.

Pickled cabbage appears in many regional stews and noodle dishes, adding tang and depth; try it in soups and stir-fries.

Thanks to a sizeable Korean community, Korean cold noodles and barbecue restaurants are popular and great on warmer days.

Neighborhood wet markets and night stall clusters near major pedestrian streets and transport hubs are best for dumplings, skewers (chuanr), pancakes and other quick bites — arrive in the evening for the liveliest selection.

Main commercial streets and near university districts often host street vendors selling jianbing-style pancakes, roasted chestnuts, fried skewers and sweet snacks.

Handshakes are common for formal introductions; address elders and officials politely. Showing deference to seniors and modest behavior in public are valued.

Queueing is expected at ticket counters and transport; be mindful of personal space, avoid loud phone conversations on public transport and keep noise moderate in residential areas.

Always ask before photographing people, especially at temples or private properties; avoid taking photos in clearly restricted areas.

Avoid political or sensitive topics in casual conversation (e.g., internal politics, ethnic disputes). Polite openness and neutral topics are safer for friendly conversation.

Tipping is not generally expected in China and is rare in everyday settings; however, you can leave a small tip in high-end restaurants or for private drivers and guides if service is exceptional. In hotels and Western-style establishments serving international guests, tipping is increasingly accepted but still discretionary.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate everyday transactions; credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at major hotels, international restaurants and big stores but less so at local markets and small vendors. Carry some cash (RMB) for taxis, street food and smaller shops.

Late and short; temperatures climb slowly and there can be windy, muddy conditions during the thaw. Bring layered clothing and a windproof jacket for early spring outings.

Warm and humid but not extreme, with comfortable daytime temperatures and occasional heavy rain. Good time for lakes, cycling and outdoor festivals.

Crisp, clear and arguably the best time to visit — foliage at Jingyuetan and city parks is colorful and temperatures are mild. Pack a light jacket for mornings and evenings.

Long and very cold (often well below freezing) with snow and ice; essential to bring insulated clothing, thermal layers, warm boots and a sturdy coat. Winter sports and ice festivals are highlights.

Main airport serving Changchun with domestic routes and some international flights; located northeast of the city between Changchun and Jilin City. Ground transport includes airport shuttle buses, long-distance buses, taxis and private transfers (about 30–50 minutes to downtown depending on traffic).

Larger regional airport in Shenyang (approximately 2–3 hours by train or coach depending on service); useful as an alternative for some international connections and low-cost flights.