Changchun (长春)

1. Introduction

Changchun City, abbreviated as Chang and also known as the Spring City of the North, is the capital of Jilin Province, a sub-provincial city of the People's Republic of China. Located between 43°05′–45°15′ north latitude and 124°18′–127°05′ east longitude, it serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Jilin Province, a national regional central city, and a significant national equipment manufacturing base. Situated in the heart of the Songliao Plain in the Northeast China Plain, Changchun borders Songyuan City to the northwest, Siping City to the southwest, Jilin City to the southeast, and Harbin City of Heilongjiang Province to the northeast. It is the "geographical center" of Northeast China and an important node city on the northern route of the "Belt and Road," a key city in the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and a strategic hinterland city of the Changchun-Jilin-Tumen Development and Opening Pilot Zone. Institutions such as the Changchun Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Jilin University, and Northeast Normal University are located in Changchun. From March 1932 to August 1945, it served as the capital of Manchukuo.

Changchun covers a total area of 24,662 square kilometers. Its registered residents include 38 ethnic groups, such as Han, Manchu, Korean, Hui, Mongolian, and Xibe. Within the city, there are over 300,000 foreign residents from various countries worldwide, including Japanese, Koreans, Europeans, and Arabs. Changchun is the largest automobile industrial city and the earliest film industry base in the People's Republic of China. It is also one of China's border open cities and among the earliest treaty ports in Northeast China.

Changchun is a national historical and cultural city with numerous historical relics and industrial heritage sites. It is one of China's four major garden cities and a concentrated witness to the complete history of modern political and military conflicts in Northeast Asia. The city's greening rate ranks among the highest among major Asian cities. Changchun is a pilot city for "Made in China 2025" and one of the "first batch of national urban design pilot cities." In 2003, the World Bank rated Changchun as the second-best city in China for infrastructure, the city with the lowest level of local protectionism, the tenth in terms of internationalization and international integration, and the tenth in government administrative efficiency and integrity.

2. Origin of the Name

There are several theories regarding the historical origin of the place name "Changchun":

1. One theory suggests that Changchun was named after the alternative name for roses, "Changchun Flower" (meaning "Everlasting Spring Flower"). For example, Manchuria Place Names mentions: "The meaning of Changchun is an alternative name for roses." However, it further clarifies that this theory "cannot be definitively asserted as the origin of the name Changchun." Similar records are found in History of Liao and General Annals of Jilin. "The flower is named Changchun, with soft branches spreading out, hence the place was named after it." Additionally, modern researchers have investigated this claim and concluded: "The place name Changchun was named after a flower. As far back as the Liao and Jin dynasties, this area of Changchun was abundant with 'Changchun' flowers—wild roses of the Rosaceae family, with sprawling branches and clusters of blossoms. The rose has been called Changchun Flower from ancient times to the present, named for blooming every month..."

2. Another theory, according to Changchun County Annals, records: "The location of the administrative seat of Changchun Ting (Hall) was originally several miles east of Changchun Fort, and the naming originated from this. The place where it was established was renamed by locals as Xinli City (Newly Established City)." Thus, it is concluded that the name Changchun came about because the administrative hall was established near Changchun Fort. However, regarding the origin of the name Changchun Fort, historical materials from Changchun Place Names (1982) indicate: Changchun Fort was named by Han Chinese who had newly migrated to the area, carrying an auspicious meaning. Alternatively, Changchun Fort沿用 (continued using) the old name of Changchun Zhou (Prefecture) from the Liao and Jin periods. Although this area originally did not belong to the jurisdiction of Changchun Zhou, the displacement of place names is not uncommon in Chinese history. Moreover, both Jilin Gazetteer (1913 edition) and Revised Geographical Summary of Jilin (1931 edition) hold that the name Changchun originated from Changchun Ting, which in turn inherited its name from Changchun Zhou of the Liao and Jin dynasties.

3. History

3.1 Ancient Era

The Changchun region during the Stone Age roughly belonged to the Yushu culture sphere.

During the Three Dynasties period, it was part of the Sushen territory. In the Eastern Zhou period, it became a major settlement area for the Huimo people. After the Qin and Han dynasties, it fell under the rule of Buyeo. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, it was incorporated into the gradually rising Goguryeo. During the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, Goguryeo was destroyed, and this area became part of the Tang's Andong Protectorate. After the Kaiyuan era, it came under the jurisdiction of the Buyeo Prefecture of the Balhae Kingdom. In 926 AD, after the Khitan Liao destroyed Balhae, the area belonged to the Huanglong Prefecture (present-day Nong'an County) of the Tokyo Circuit. The Jin Dynasty changed Huanglong Prefecture to Jizhou, under the Shangjing Circuit, and later Jizhou was renamed Longzhou. In the early Yuan Dynasty, it was renamed the Liaodong Circuit, and later, with the establishment of the Liaoyang Province, it was renamed the Kaiyuan Circuit. In the early Ming Dynasty, the Nurgan Regional Military Commission established the Yitong River Guard, and later the area became a contested strategic point between the Uriankhai and various Jurchen tribes. In the late Ming and early Qing periods, it became the territory of the Khorchin Mongol princes and was later under the jurisdiction of the Front Gorlos Banner of the Southern Mongols.

After the Qing Dynasty established its rule, to prevent Han and Mongol people from entering the Manchu homeland without authorization, it implemented a closure policy for the Manchurian region. However, in 1791, the Front Gorlos Banner's Duke began 'recruiting settlers to open up wasteland,' secretly encouraging Han immigrants from within the Shanhai Pass to move to Manchuria. The number of settlers increased, especially along the Changchun-Jilin line.

On the Wuxu day of the fifth month in the fifth year of the Jiaqing reign (July 8, 1800), an Administrative Assistant Magistrate (理事通判) and a Patrol Inspector (巡检) were established, subordinate to the Jilin General. The Jilin General began an on-site investigation and found that the area of cultivated land had reached 265,500 mu, with 3,330 households. The settlers had already signed long-term land leases with the Duke, making forced expulsion impossible. Additionally, considering the Duke's economic interests, the Qing government incorporated this region into the administrative divisions. The Administrative Assistant Magistrate's office was initially set up at Xinlicheng, east of the Changchun Fort by the Yitong River. Because the area belonged to the Changchun Fort jurisdiction, the name of the place was prefixed to the administrative office, calling it the Changchun Subprefecture (长春厅). The name 'Changchun' was officially used from this point.

In the fifth year of the Daoguang reign (1825), the Changchun Subprefecture office was relocated to Kuanchengzi (the name of old Changchun city, whose city walls were located within the area bounded by present-day Minkang Road to the east, Yitong River to the west, Changchun Street to the south, and Jiefang Road to the north in Nanguan District, Changchun City). The office was built at what is now Sidao Street. The subprefecture name remained unchanged, and the location's name, Kuanchengzi, was used alongside Changchun.

In the fourth year of the Tongzhi reign (1865), to defend against bandits, local merchants spontaneously raised funds to dig moats and build city walls. The initially built walls were 1.5 zhang high (approx. 5 meters), with a total length of 20 li (approx. 10 km), featuring 9 city gates.

In the seventh year of the Guangxu reign (1881), the Administrative Assistant Magistrate was changed to a Pacification Assistant Magistrate (抚民通判). On August 14, 1888, Jilin General Changshun petitioned to elevate Changchun Subprefecture to Changchun Prefecture. In the spring of the fifteenth year of Guangxu (1889), approval was granted to change Changchun Subprefecture to Changchun Prefecture, and the Pacification Assistant Magistrate was promoted to Prefect. In the twenty-third year of Guangxu (1897), the Changchun city walls were rebuilt with bricks, and three more gates were added. In the thirty-third year of Guangxu (1907), the Jilin General was changed to Jilin Province.

3.2 Modern Era

In 1896, Tsarist Russia invaded Northeast China. After 1898, Russia built the southern branch of the Siberian Railway (today's Beijing-Harbin Railway). Changchun, as an important station along the route, established the Kuanchengzi Railway Station at Erdaogou northwest of the old city in 1899, and built the Russian railway concession near the station.

The Russo-Japanese War began in 1904, with both nations fiercely fighting over colonial interests in Northeast China. On September 5, 1905, the two sides signed the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the war. Japan and Russia re-delineated their spheres of influence with Kuanchengzi Station as the boundary. Japan seized the railway from Lüshun to Kuanchengzi and all its rights and interests from Russia, renaming it the South Manchuria Railway. In 1907, Japan began constructing Changchun Railway Station and the Changchun South Manchuria Railway concession area in the Toudaogou area north of the old city.

In 1907, Changchun officially opened a commercial port at the demand of foreign powers, establishing a Port Opening Bureau and developing the commercial port area between the north of the old city (present-day Changchun Street) and the South Manchuria Railway concession (present-day Shanghai Road).

On January 8, 1913, Provisional President of the Republic of China Yuan Shikai issued Order No. 24: "All prefectures, independent subprefectures, departments, and counties shall uniformly be renamed 'county,' still prefixed with the original place name. The chief official shall uniformly be called County Magistrate. The yamen of each county shall be reorganized into a County Public Office, with administrative regions unchanged." On March 2, 1913, the Jilin Provincial Civil Affairs Office issued a General Order announcing the change of all prefectures, subprefectures, and departments into counties, including Jilin Prefecture, Changchun Prefecture, Yanji Prefecture, Xincheng Prefecture, and 7 other prefectures, along with all subprefectures and departments. The jurisdiction and duties of each county "shall all continue to be handled according to the current system"; "all places shall temporarily use old seals; new seals will be issued and put into use upon arrival." Changchun Prefecture complied with the order and was renamed "Changchun County." The county yamen was called the County Public Office, and the county official was called the Magistrate.

In June 1914, Northeast China implemented a three-tier management system of province, circuit, and county. Changchun County was placed under the jurisdiction of the Jilin-Changchun Circuit of Jilin Province. In August of the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920), the establishment of municipal administration began. Jilin-Changchun Circuit Intendant Cai Yunsheng advocated for the establishment of the Changchun Municipal Public Office. On August 26, Jilin-Changchun Circuit Intendant and concurrently Supervisor of the Changchun Municipal Public Office Cai Yunsheng issued Instruction No. 23, notifying the Magistrate of Changchun County. Thus, the Changchun Municipal Public Office was formally established, subordinate to the Jilin-Changchun Circuit. In 1929, the circuit system was abolished. County Public Offices were renamed County Governments, and Magistrates were renamed County Heads. In September 1929, the Changchun Municipal Public Office merged with the Port Opening Bureau, becoming the Changchun Municipal Preparatory Office, with a Director. The municipal administrative organ stood parallel to Changchun County. Changchun County was subordinate to Jilin Province as a first-class county.

After the overthrow of the Qing government, from 1912 to 1928, the actual ruler of this region was the Fengtian Clique warlords led by Zhang Zuolin. As Zhang could not satisfy Japan's demands for aggression in Northeast China, he was assassinated in the Huanggutun Incident in 1928. His son Zhang Xueliang announced the Northeast Flag Replacement, and the Changchun region formally came under the jurisdiction of the Nationalist Government.

3.3 Manchukuo Period

On September 18, 1931, Japan launched the Mukden Incident. The next day, Changchun fell. On January 1, 1932, Changchun County was reorganized into "Changchun City," marking the beginning of the city system. On March 1, 1932, Manchukuo was established. On March 14, it was announced that the capital would be Changchun. On March 15, it was renamed "Hsinking," becoming the political, military, economic, and cultural center of Manchukuo. In August 1932, it was changed to "Hsinking Special City," subordinate to the State Council of Manchukuo.

During the 14-year Manchukuo period, Japan and Manchukuo systematically planned and constructed the city using Western industrialization experience. Hsinking's urban construction and population grew significantly. By 1944, the urban area had expanded from 21 square kilometers to 80 square kilometers, with a population reaching 1.217 million, of which about 140,000 were Japanese. In August 1945, the Soviet Red Army invaded Manchukuo. On August 15, Japan surrendered. On August 17, Manchukuo collapsed. On August 20, Soviet airborne troops occupied Hsinking and implemented martial law. On December 20, the Soviet Army changed Hsinking back to its old name, Changchun, and the Nationalist forces took over Changchun.

3.4 Contemporary Era

On December 20, 1945, the Nationalist Government of the Republic of China established the Changchun City Government in Changchun City, subordinate to Jilin Province. On the morning of April 14, 1946, Soviet troops withdrew from Changchun and returned to their country, handing over Changchun City entirely to the Nationalist Government. At 2 p.m. that day, the Jilin Military District troops of the Northeast Democratic联军, under the command of Zhou Baozhong, launched the siege of Changchun, referred to by the Nationalist Government as the "April 14th" Campaign. On April 18, Communist forces annihilated the defending Manchukuo railway garrison forces in Changchun, and Mayor Zhao Junmai and others were captured. On May 23, 1946, due to the Nationalist forces' victory in the Second Battle of Siping, the Communist organs stationed in Changchun evacuated, and the Nationalist Government regained control of Changchun.

On June 5, 1947, the government officially announced the new provincial district plan for Northeast China, abolishing Hsinking Special City and formally approving the separation of Changchun County to establish Changchun City as a city under the jurisdiction of Jilin Province. Both Changchun City and Changchun County were subordinate to Jilin Province.

On May 23, 1948, the Northeast Field Army forces under Xiao Jinguang surrounded Changchun, blockaded the city's external transportation, and prohibited entry and exit. On October 19, the People's Liberation Army occupied Changchun. The Siege of Changchun lasted 150 days, with some data claiming it caused the deaths of approximately over a hundred thousand (some say several hundred thousand) civilians within the city. Later, Changchun City was changed to "Changchun Special City," subordinate to the Northeast People's Government. The city government was called the "Changchun Special City Government."

On March 11, 1949, the Changchun Special City Government was renamed the Changchun City Government. On April 21, 1949, the Changchun City Government was transferred from being directly under the Northeast Administrative Committee to being directly under the Jilin Provincial Government. On May 9, 1949, the Changchun City Government was renamed the Changchun Municipal People's Government. In 1952, Changchun County was abolished and changed to the Changchun City Suburbs. On August 1, 1953, Changchun City was changed to a municipality directly under the central government, administered by the Northeast Administrative Committee on its behalf. On August 1, 1954, the Northeast Administrative Committee decided to change Changchun City to a city under the jurisdiction of Jilin Province. On September 27, the Jilin Provincial People's Government moved from Jilin City to Changchun City. Changchun City became the capital city of Jilin Province, its political, economic, and cultural center. On February 22, 1955, the Jilin Provincial People's Committee instructed that, according to the 1954 Constitution, the Changchun Municipal People's Government be renamed the Changchun Municipal People's Committee. On February 23, 1968, the Changchun Municipal Revolutionary Committee was established. In 1979, it was listed as one of the nation's fifteen major economic center cities. On June 1, 1980, the Jilin Provincial People's Government notified that the Changchun Municipal Revolutionary Committee be renamed the Changchun Municipal People's Government.

4. Geography

4.1 Topography

Changchun is located in the central part of the Northeast China Plain, at the junction of the Songnen Plain and the Songliao Divide. The Changchun-Siping Deep Fault is a major structural line separating mountains and plains. The area east of it is an uplift zone (primarily the Dahei Mountains), while the area west is a subsidence zone. The Changchun region lies between the uplift and subsidence zones. The transitional nature of its geological structure determines the diversity of Changchun's landform types, resulting in a topographic feature of high east and low west. Changchun is situated in the transitional belt from the eastern low mountains and hills to the western tableland plains, with the urban area's elevation ranging between 250 and 350 meters. The eastern part of the Changchun region features a small area of low mountains and hills, while a larger portion consists of tablelands. The Second Songhua River, Yinma River, and Yitong River flow through the area, with flat alluvial plains along their banks. Mountains account for approximately 9% of the total land area in the Changchun region: low mountains constitute 2.56%, and hills constitute 6.44%. The main ranges are the Dahei Mountains and the Jilin Hadaling. Tablelands account for about 41% of the total land area. Among these, gentle tablelands make up 35.23%, and high tablelands make up 5.77%. The main tablelands are the Yushu Tableland, Changchun Tableland, Shuangyang Tableland, and Youlongquan Tableland. Plains account for approximately 50% of the total land area. Among these, river valley plains constitute 39.4%, low terraces constitute 7.5%, and lacustrine plains constitute 3.1%. The main plains are the Shuangyang Basin, Songhua River Valley Plain, Lalin River Valley Plain, Yinma River Valley Plain, and Nong'an Lacustrine Plain.

The Changchun region can be summarized as having three geological characteristics: First, the surface relief is small, with relative height differences not exceeding 40 to 50 meters and ground slopes not exceeding 4 to 5 degrees, which is conducive to developing urban transportation. Second, the geological foundation is relatively stable, with a bearing capacity of 15 to 20 tons per square meter, which is favorable for urban infrastructure construction. Third, most of the area is located in the tableland and hilly region, where groundwater is relatively deeper compared to most parts of the Songliao Plain, making it less suitable for utilization.

The highest point in Changchun's urban area is Dadingzi Mountain, which serves as the boundary point for Nanguan District, Jingyuetan Development Zone, and Shuangyang District, with an elevation of 406 meters.

4.2 Climate

Changchun City belongs to a continental monsoon climate zone. Within China's dry-humid climate division, it is situated in the transitional belt from the humid zone to the sub-arid zone. Temperatures increase from east to west, while precipitation decreases from east to west. Spring is short, dry, and windy. In summer, the Western Pacific Subtropical High often converges here with cold air masses moving southeast from Lake Baikal. Southeasterly winds prevail, and moist air supplemented from the Bohai Sea passes through, making the season warm, humid, and rainy, with precipitation accounting for over 60% of the annual total. Autumn features clear, crisp skies, potentially forming several consecutive days of sunny and warm weather, with significant temperature variations and lower wind speeds compared to spring. Winter is long, and under the control of the powerful Mongolian High, the climate is cold and dry. The climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, simultaneous occurrence of rain and heat, and moderate dryness and humidity.

The annual average temperature is 6.5°C. The coldest month (January) has an average temperature of -14.7°C, with an extreme minimum temperature of -36.5°C (January 4, 1970). The hottest month (July) has an average temperature of 23.7°C, with an extreme maximum temperature of 38.0°C (July 9, 1951). Annual precipitation is 593.3 mm, the average annual sunshine duration is 2,596.8 hours, and the frost-free period lasts 140-150 days.

Changchun City (Average Data 1991-2020, Extreme Data 1951-2018)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | Record high °C (°F) | 4.6 (40.3) | 14.5 (58.1) | 23.4 (74.1) | 31.9 (89.4) | 35.2 (95.4) | 36.7 (98.1) | 38.0 (100.4) | 35.6 (96.1) | 30.6 (87.1) | 27.8 (82.0) | 20.7 (69.3) | 11.7 (53.1) | 38.0 (100.4) | | Average high °C (°F) | -9.3 (15.3) | -3.9 (25.0) | 4.5 (40.1) | 14.8 (58.6) | 22.0 (71.6) | 26.5 (79.7) | 28.1 (82.6) | 26.9 (80.4) | 22.3 (72.1) | 13.7 (66.7) | 2.0 (35.6) | -7.1 (19.2) | 11.7 (53.1) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | -14.3 (6.3) | -9.3 (15.3) | -1.0 (30.0) | 8.8 (47.8) | 16.2 (61.2) | 21.3 (70.3) | 23.7 (74.7) | 22.3 (72.1) | 16.5 (61.7) | 7.9 (46.2) | -2.8 (27.0) | -11.8 (10.8) | 6.5 (43.6) | | Average low °C (°F) | -18.6 (-1.5) | -14.3 (6.3) | -6.1 (21.0) | 3.0 (37.4) | 10.5 (50.9) | 16.3 (61.3) | 19.7 (67.5) | 18.2 (64.8) | 11.2 (52.2) | 2.8 (37.0) | -7.1 (19.2) | -15.9 (3.4) | 1.6 (35.0) | | Record low °C (°F) | -36.5 (-33.7) | -31.9 (-25.4) | -27.7 (-17.9) | -12.2 (10.0) | -3.4 (25.9) | 4.5 (40.1) | 11.1 (52.0) | 3.9 (39.0) | -3.7 (25.3) | -13.4 (7.9) | -24.7 (-12.5) | -33.2 (-27.8) | -36.5 (-33.7) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 4.4 (0.17) | 6.1 (0.24) | 13.4 (0.53) | 22.0 (0.87) | 62.6 (2.46) | 102.1 (4.02) | 147.5 (5.81) | 131.6 (5.18) | 53.9 (2.12) | 24.6 (0.97) | 16.9 (0.67) | 8.2 (0.32) | 593.3 (23.36) | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 5.1 | 4.4 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 11.0 | 13.5 | 13.4 | 12.3 | 8.1 | 6.8 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 99.3 | | Average snowy days | 7.5 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.9 | 6.1 | 8.2 | 38.5 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 66 | 57 | 51 | 44 | 50 | 63 | 75 | 76 | 65 | 59 | 62 | 67 | 61 | | Mean monthly sunshine hours | 180.9 | 203.7 | 236.9 | 238.1 | 253.5 | 245.4 | 229.0 | 235.3 | 236.8 | 210.4 | 167.7 | 159.1 | 2,596.8 |8 | | Percentage of Possible Sunshine | 62 | 69 | 64 | 59 | 55 | 53 | 49 | 55 | 64 | 62 | 59 | 58 | 59 | | Average UV Index | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 4 | - |

5. Administrative Divisions

Changchun City currently administers 7 municipal districts, 1 county, and oversees 3 county-level cities on behalf of the province.

• Municipal Districts: Nanguan District, Kuancheng District, Chaoyang District, Erdao District, Luyuan District, Shuangyang District, Jiutai District
• County-level Cities: Yushu City, Dehui City, Gongzhuling City
• County: Nong'an County

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Of which: Ethnic Townships | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 220100 | Changchun City | Changchun Shi | 24,734.13 | 9,066,906 | Nanguan District | 130000 | 102 | 75 | 32 | 5 | | 220102 | Nanguan District | Nanguan Qu | 515.46 | 1,224,928 | Nanling Subdistrict | 130000 | 21 | 3 | 1 | | | 220103 | Kuancheng District | Kuancheng Qu | 882.58 | 857,245 | Xinfa Subdistrict | 130000 | 12 | 5 | | | | 220104 | Chaoyang District | Chaoyang Qu | 278.25 | 962,099 | Qianjin Subdistrict | 130000 | 10 | 2 | | | | 220105 | Erdao District | Erdao Qu | 573.82 | 755,279 | Dongsheng Subdistrict | 130000 | 9 | 3 | | | | 220106 | Luyuan District | Luyuan Qu | 329.33 | 1,032,897 | Chuncheng Subdistrict | 130000 | 9 | 3 | | | | 220112 | Shuangyang District | Shuangyang Qu | 1,677.04 | 335,723 | Yunshan Subdistrict | 130600 | 4 | 3 | | | | 220113 | Jiutai District | Jiutai Qu | 3,371.52 | 613,836 | Jiutai Subdistrict | 130500 | 15 | 2 | | | | 220122 | Nong'an County | Nong'an Xian | 5,235.46 | 867,274 | Baota Subdistrict | 130200 | 4 | 11 | 10 | | | 220182 | Yushu City | Yushu Shi | 4,712.49 | 836,098 | Huachang Subdistrict | 130400 | 4 | 15 | 9 | | | 220183 | Dehui City | Dehui Shi | 3,017.58 | 719,214 | Shengli Subdistrict | 130300 | 4 | 10 | | | | 220184 | Gongzhuling City | Gongzhuling Shi | 4,140.60 | 862,313 | Henan Subdistrict | 136100 | 10 | 18 | 2 | 1 |

6. Economy

During the period of Manchukuo, Changchun primarily had a consumption-based economy with a well-developed tertiary sector; the primary sector also saw significant growth due to the influx of immigrants from within the Shanhaiguan Pass. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Changchun gradually transformed into a manufacturing-based economy and remains an important industrial city in the country to this day.

6.1 Primary Industry

The Changchun region is a significant grain-producing area in China. In the 2004 national ranking of the top ten grain-producing counties, three were from the Changchun region, with Yushu City taking the top spot with a grain output of 2.32 billion kilograms. Notable related enterprises include the Dacheng Group, Dedagroup, Jiliang Group, and Haoyue Group.

6.2 Secondary Industry

Industry remains the dominant force in Changchun's economy. Major industries include: automotive manufacturing, agricultural and sideline food processing, optoelectronic information, biopharmaceuticals, energy, construction, and materials manufacturing.

The automotive industry accounts for over 70% of the industrial output value, making it the unequivocal leading sector. FAW Group, established in 1953 and producing its first vehicle in 1956, was the first automobile factory in the People's Republic of China. It produced the country's first automobile and first passenger car, and has now become the largest, most comprehensive, and most technologically advanced modern automotive production and research base in China's automotive industry. Most of the world's top 100 automotive parts manufacturers have factories in Changchun. Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. produced the first rail passenger car, the first tram, the first subway train, and the first maglev train in the People's Republic of China. Its products include subway systems for Beijing, Wuhan Light Rail, Chongqing Light Rail, Guangzhou Metro, Pyongyang Metro, Tehran Metro, and Sydney Metro, as well as numerous railway passenger cars for China.

6.3 Tertiary Industry

Changchun has six bustling commercial districts: Chongqing Road Commercial District, Hongqi Street Commercial District, Tongzhi Street Commercial District, Changchun Railway Station Commercial District, Guilin Road Commercial District, and Yatai Commercial District.

• Chongqing Road: Features a semi-pedestrian commercial street, Wanda Plaza, Zhuozhan Shopping Center, Changchun Department Store, Yatai Fuyuan, Vitality City, and numerous brand stores. It is Changchun's most traditional commercial district.
• Hongqi Street: Primarily includes Ouya Mall, Zheyoushan, Wanda Plaza, and Buynow.
• Guilin Road: A commercial district popular with young people, featuring various unique small shops and small clothing markets, with distinctive spots like Yilin Xiaozhen.

Additionally, following the establishment of the New World Shopping Park near Guangfu Road, a commercial district has gradually formed. Yatai Street has become increasingly prosperous, attracting more and more shopping malls and restaurants.

Changchun boasts a large number of star-rated hotels. There are sixteen five-star hotels (some under construction), including Shangri-La Hotel, Bauhinia Hotel, Mingmen Hotel, Jinjiang Garden Hotel, Jin'an Grand Hotel, Huatian Hotel, Zhuozhan Tiantian Hotel, Nanhu Hotel, Songyuan Hotel, New Century Grand Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Zhaolong Hotel (under construction), Guangze Grand Hotel (under construction), Hyatt Hotel, Changchun International Finance Center Hotel (under construction), Longhu Hotel, Wuhuan International Hotel, and Jingyue Hotel. There are also over a dozen four-star hotels, such as Jilin Provincial Hotel, Changchun City Hotel, Changbai Mountain Hotel, Convention and Exhibition Center Hotel, and Jixiang Hotel. In terms of both quantity and quality, there is still some distance to go to achieve Changchun's goal of becoming a tourism and convention center in Northeast Asia. Regarding Changchun's film industry, the Northeast Film Company was established in Changchun in October 1945, relocated to Jiamusi in May 1946, and the Northeast Film Studio moved back to its current location in Changchun in April 1949. Here, the first feature film, "The Bridge" (May 1949), was produced. In 1955, the Northeast Film Studio was renamed the Changchun Film Studio, as it is known today.

7. Transportation

7.1 Railway

Jilin Province ranks third in China in terms of railway density, with the Changchun region occupying a core position. Situated on the vital Beijing-Harbin Railway artery, it is the convergence point of four major railway lines: Changchun to Dalian, Harbin, Baicheng, and Tumen. The Changchun-Hunchun Intercity Railway, which runs roughly parallel to the Changchun-Tumen line, also originates at Changchun Station. Direct express and through trains to cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Shanghai are now in operation. The old Changchun Railway Station building was constructed in 1913 and was demolished by controlled explosion for reconstruction in 1992. Currently, it handles over 70,000 passenger departures daily. Additionally, a new Changchun West Station has been built in the western part of the city, serving as a key station on the Harbin-Dalian High-Speed Railway.

7.2 Aviation

For many years, Changchun's civilian airport was Dafangshen Airport. However, due to its proximity to the urban area and lack of space for expansion, it could no longer meet the demands of increasing passenger traffic. In August 2005, Changchun began operating Longjia International Airport, located at the border of Longjiabao Town and Donghu Town in Jiutai City. It currently operates over 50 domestic and international routes. Domestic routes include flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Xi'an, and Guilin. International routes have been opened to destinations including Seoul, Sendai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Novosibirsk.

7.3 Public Transit

As of May 2007, there were a total of 255 public bus routes, including state-owned bus lines, minibuses, special minibus lines, and suburban buses. Among these, the No. 54 tram line was retained and renovated, and the No. 55 tram line was newly built, making Changchun one of the few cities in China that still preserves tram systems.

7.4 Changchun Rail Transit

Changchun plans to construct a total of 10 urban rail transit lines. Among them, Lines 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 are subway lines; Lines 3, 4, and 8 are light rail; the Airport/Jiutai Line (Line 9) and Shuangyang Line (Line 10) are regional railways. These 10 lines together form a dual-mode rail transit network spanning 459.7 kilometers, structured as three main lines and seven auxiliary lines. Currently, Line 3 commenced operation in 2002, and Line 4 began service in 2011. From 2012 to 2018, construction focused on the urban sections of Metro Lines 1 and 2, the eastern extension of Line 3, and Line 8. Among these, Metro Line 1 opened on June 30, 2017; Metro Line 2 opened on August 30, 2018; Light Rail Line 8 began operation on October 30, 2018; and Metro Line 6 opened on March 28, 2024.

7.5 Taxi

Changchun's taxi industry is well-developed, ranking among the top nationally in terms of total number of taxis, per capita taxi availability, and the industry's contribution to the economy. According to the announced taxi fare adjustments and the establishment of a linkage mechanism between fares and fuel (gas) prices in Changchun, the proposed flag-fall fare is to be adjusted from 5 yuan for the first 2.5 kilometers to 8 yuan for the first 2.5 kilometers (9 yuan during night hours from 22:00 to 04:00 the next day), and the 1-yuan fuel surcharge per trip is to be eliminated. The base fare for the initial 2.5 kilometers is adjusted from 5 yuan to 8 yuan (9 yuan at night). For distances from the base 2.5 kilometers up to 15 kilometers, the basic unit fare is adjusted from 1.95 yuan/kilometer to 2.2 yuan/kilometer, charged based on the actual distance traveled, with the meter increasing by 0.22 yuan per 100 meters. For the return trip (empty run) fee: for distances between 15 kilometers (exclusive) and 30 kilometers, a 50% empty-run surcharge is added to the basic unit fare; for distances exceeding 30 kilometers, a 75% empty-run surcharge is added. The low-speed waiting fee threshold is adjusted from below 5 km/h to below 12 km/h, starting the accumulation of the low-speed waiting fee. The charging method is adjusted from 1 yuan per 2.5 minutes to 0.4 yuan per minute. Premium cruise taxis implement tiered pricing: for Class B vehicles (e.g., Hongqi H5), the base distance fare and basic unit fare are increased by 50%; for Class C vehicles (e.g., Hongqi H7), they are increased by 100%. The meter's accumulated distance fee and low-speed waiting fee are rounded to the nearest whole yuan. One-way toll and bridge fees (a round trip by taxi is considered two one-way trips) are borne by the passenger.

7.6 Highways

The city has a total of 569 highways, with a combined length of 7,094.8 kilometers. This includes: 5 expressways, totaling 279.3 kilometers; 6 national highways, totaling 672.5 kilometers; 7 provincial highways, totaling 398.9 kilometers; 28 county roads, totaling 1,420.5 kilometers; 515 township roads, totaling 4,288.1 kilometers; and 8 dedicated lanes, totaling 35.5 kilometers. Additionally, Changchun's "Two Horizontal, Three Vertical" expressway system spans 84.5 kilometers, alleviating traffic pressure across urban districts.

• National Highways 102, 229, 302, 334, and Expressways G1 (Beijing-Harbin), G12 (Hunchun-Ulanhot), G25 (Changchun-Shenzhen) pass through the area.

7.7 Ring Roads

Changchun City is constructing a closed urban transportation network, including:

• First Ring Road: Total length 15.13 kilometers.
• Second Ring Road (Old Middle Ring): Total length 33.21 kilometers.
• Third Ring Road (Old Ring Road): Total length 47.88 kilometers.
• Fourth Ring Road: Total length 68 kilometers.
• Fifth Ring Road (G2501 Changchun Ring Expressway): Total length 89.8 kilometers.
• Sixth Ring Road: Total length approximately 198 kilometers (planned).
• Changchun Metropolitan Area Ring Expressway (Seventh Ring): Total length approximately 372 kilometers (Phase I project completed in 2022).

8. Education

8.1 Research Institutions

List of Institutions under the Changchun Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences:

• Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics
• Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry
• Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology
• Agricultural Technology Center of the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology (formerly the Heilongjiang Institute of Agricultural Modernization, Chinese Academy of Sciences)
• Changchun Observatory, National Astronomical Observatories
• Changchun China-Russia Science and Technology Park

8.2 Regular Institutions of Higher Education

Regular Institutions of Higher Education in Changchun:

• Jilin University
• Northeast Normal University
• Changchun University of Science and Technology
• Jilin University of Finance and Economics
• Changchun University of Chinese Medicine
• Changchun University of Technology
• Changchun University
• Jilin Agricultural University
• Changchun Institute of Technology
• Changchun Normal University
• Jilin University of the Arts
• Jilin Police College

8.3 Military Academies

• Aviation University of Air Force, People's Liberation Army
• Non-Commissioned Officer School of the Army Armored Forces Academy, People's Liberation Army

8.4 Secondary Schools

8.4.1 Regular Senior High Schools:

• The High School Attached to Northeast Normal University
• Jilin Provincial Experimental High School
• Changchun Experimental High School
• Changchun No. 11 High School
• Changchun No. 2 High School
• The High School Attached to Jilin University
• Changchun Foreign Languages School
• Changchun Automobile Industry Development Zone No. 3 High School, Changchun Automobile Industry Development Zone No. 6 High School

8.4.2 Junior High Schools:

• The Junior High School Attached to Northeast Normal University
• Jilin Provincial Experimental Junior High School
• The Junior High School Attached to Jilin University
• Changchun Experimental Junior High School

9. Population

A brief list of population data for Changchun in selected years.

• In 1811, the Changchun Subprefecture governed 1,178 households with a population of 61,755.
• In 1907, the population of Changchun Prefecture was 466,858, with approximately 70,000 people in the prefectural city.
• In 1911, Changchun Prefecture had 591,240 people; Yushu County had 423,677; Nong'an County had 431,999; Dehui County had 328,491; and Shuangyang County had 233,734.
• Before the September 18 Incident in 1931, Changchun County had 478,539 people; Yushu County had 502,822; Nong'an County had 318,190; Dehui County had 376,034; and Shuangyang County had 247,982. The South Manchuria Railway Zone had 37,802 people.
• In 1943, the Xinjing Special City had 754,210 people. Changchun County had 538,659; Yushu County had 653,790; Nong'an County had 391,800; Dehui County had 329,882; Shuangyang County had 260,586; and Jiutai County had 415,110.
• In the first national census of 1953, the Changchun area had a population of 3,163,226, with a sex ratio of 110.67 males per 100 females. The urban districts had 722,334 people.
• In 1958, the Changchun area covered 20,369 square kilometers with a population of 3,572,496. The four city districts covered 146.76 square kilometers with a population of 988,000.
• In the second national census of 1964, the Changchun area had a population of 4,282,117, with a sex ratio of 105.89:100. The urban districts had 1,307,056 people.
• In the third national census of 1982, the Changchun area had a population of 5,754,166, with a sex ratio of 103.94:100. The urban districts had 1,737,768 people.
• In the fourth national census of 1990, the Changchun area had a population of 6,421,956, with a sex ratio of 104.71:100. The urban area had 2,192,320 people, including 2,096,991 Han Chinese, 39,942 Manchu, 27,241 Korean, 22,938 Hui, 3,526 Mongol, 594 Xibe, and 1,088 people from other ethnic minorities.
• In 1994, the Changchun area covered 20,369 square kilometers with 1,700,389 households and 6,574,999 people. The urban area covered 544 square kilometers with 630,679 households and 2,237,074 people.
• In 1998, the Changchun area had 1,828,540 households and 6,868,673 people, of which 3,494,777 were male, accounting for 50.9%. The population of the city districts was 2,826,890, with 22,151 births and 15,241 deaths that year, resulting in a natural population growth rate of 2.4‰. The city had 37 ethnic minorities totaling 278,000 people, mainly including 146,817 Manchu, 49,964 Korean, 42,697 Hui, 6,060 Mongol, and 754 Xibe.
• In the fifth national census of 2000, the total population of the Changchun area was 7,135,439, with a sex ratio of 104.72:100. This included an urban population of 3.553 million and a rural population of 3.582 million.
• By the end of 2006, the city covered an area of 20,571 square kilometers with a total population of 7.4458 million.
• In May 2008, the total population of Changchun's six main urban districts and four development zones (within the Fourth Ring Road) was 4.876 million, with a registered population of 3.68 million within the Third Ring Road. The total population of the Changchun area was 8.6872 million (registered population of 7.5 million), with the actual resident population within the Fourth Ring Road exceeding 5 million, including approximately 1.2 million migrants and floating population. The built-up area covered 660.19 square kilometers (within the Fifth Ring Road/ring expressway), with the core built-up area within the Fourth Ring Road covering 379.94 square kilometers.

According to the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the city's resident population was 7,674,439. Compared with the Fifth National Population Census, this was an increase of 541,650 people over ten years, a growth of 7.59%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.73%. Among them, males numbered 3,878,513, accounting for 50.52% of the total population; females numbered 3,798,576, accounting for 49.48%. The overall sex ratio (female=100) was 102.10. The population aged 0-14 was 921,367, accounting for 12.00%; the population aged 15-64 was 6,137,509, accounting for 79.95%; and the population aged 65 and over was 618,213, accounting for 8.05%.

According to the 2020 Seventh National Population Census, the city's resident population was 9,066,906. Compared with the 8,767,375 people from the Sixth National Population Census, this was an increase of 299,531 people over ten years, a growth of 3.42%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.34%. Among them, the male population was 4,538,382, accounting for 50.05% of the total population; the female population was 4,528,524, accounting for 49.95%. The overall sex ratio (female=100) was 100.22. The population aged 0-14 was 1,100,957, accounting for 12.14% of the total population; the population aged 15-59 was 6,075,939, accounting for 67.01%; and the population aged 60 and over was 1,890,010, accounting for 20.85%, of which the population aged 65 and over was 1,282,886, accounting for 14.15%. The population living in urban areas was 5,979,069, accounting for 65.94% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 3,087,837, accounting for 34.06%.

By the end of 2022, the city's total population was 9.0654 million, of which the permanent urban population was 6.0868 million, accounting for 67.1% of the total population (urbanization rate of permanent residents), an increase of 0.3 percentage points.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's resident population, the Han ethnic group numbered 8,666,496, accounting for 95.58%; various ethnic minorities numbered 400,410, accounting for 4.42%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population increased by 194,747, a growth of 2.3%, but its share of the total population decreased by 1.04 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 104,784, a growth of 35.44%, and their share of the total population increased by 1.04 percentage points. Among them, the Manchu population increased by 37,190, a growth of 21.77%, and its share of the total population increased by 0.35 percentage points; the Korean population increased by 37,446, a growth of 67.04%, and its share of the total population increased by 0.39 percentage points.

10. Religion

The largest Buddhist temple in Changchun is the Huguo Bore Temple (Bore meaning wisdom), located at the northeast corner of People's Square. The temple was first built in 1922 and was named "Huguo Bore Temple" by the Manchukuo regime in 1934. Covering an area of 15,000 square meters, the temple features a simple yet elegant architectural style and attracts a continuous stream of worshippers. It currently serves as the location for the Buddhist Associations of Jilin Province and Changchun City. Other well-known temples include the Baiguo Xinglong Temple, Guanyin Temple, and Dafo Temple. Actress Chen Xiaoxu, who played Lin Daiyu in the TV series Dream of the Red Chamber, was ordained as a nun at Baiguo Xinglong Temple in early 2007.

In terms of Confucianism, the Changchun Confucian Temple is one of the fourteen existing Confucian temples in China that hold ceremonies to honor Confucius. Grand ceremonies are held every February and August to commemorate the ancient sage. These ceremonies recreate the magnificent scenes from over two thousand years ago, described as "bells and chimes resonating in harmony, with elegant music lingering in the air." Their significance extends beyond religious devotion, emphasizing the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage.

Although the Muslim population in Changchun is small, the city's two mosques are both grand and magnificent. Their overall layout and architectural artistry are consistent with Islamic architecture in mainland China while also incorporating features of traditional residential buildings in northern Jilin. Among them, the Changtong Road Mosque, built in 1824, has witnessed most of Changchun's urban history and is the largest mosque in the city. To meet the growing needs of Changchun's Muslim population, the Erdao Mosque was recently reconstructed at a new location.

Christian groups in Changchun are mainly divided into Protestantism and Catholicism. The largest Protestant church is the Changchun Christian Church, located on West Wuma Road. It has two chapels and serves as the headquarters of the Changchun Christian Church. The largest Catholic church is the Changchun Catholic Church on East Sidao Street, also known as the St. Thérèse Church, as it is dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Other churches include the Chuncheng Christian Church, Kuancheng Christian Church, and Korean Christian Church. Changchun once had an Orthodox church, which was demolished due to the decline of Russian influence in the city. Currently, there is an Orthodox church in Dehui City under Changchun's jurisdiction, though it has fallen into disrepair over the years.

Northeast China is the homeland of the Manchu people, and Shamanism, which the Manchus practiced over a long historical period, is gradually fading away. As a result, its religious characteristics have become an important cultural heritage of the region. Currently, Changchun is home to the only specialized research institution for Shamanic culture in Northeast China—the Shamanic Culture Research Institute at Changchun Normal University.

11. Culture

11.1 Language

The Changchun dialect belongs to the Chang-Ha sub-dialect of the Jichang dialect within the Northeastern Mandarin branch. It originated from a mixture of languages spoken by large numbers of immigrants from Hebei and Shandong, along with the original Han Chinese and Manchu people living outside the Shanhai Pass. After the founding of the People's Republic, Changchun absorbed a large influx of immigrants from various regions, leading to the formation of an accent lighter than that of most parts of Northeast China—closer to Standard Mandarin. Nationally, Changchun ranks among the top cities in terms of Mandarin proficiency.

The Changchun dialect naturally possesses many characteristics of Northeastern speech, such as a high frequency of rhotacization (adding an "r" sound), confusion between the sounds (r) and (y), and frequent mixing of flat and retroflex consonants. Additionally, it features a wealth of unique vocabulary, especially adjectives, for example: 埋汰 (máitai, meaning dirty), 膈应 (gèying, meaning annoying or causing discomfort), 隔路 (gélù, meaning strange or unconventional), 得瑟 (dèse, meaning showy or ostentatious), 砢碜 (kēchen, meaning ugly in appearance), and so on. There are also nouns, such as: 嘎拉哈 (gǎlahà, a common children's toy usually made from sheep ankle bones). Some words even defy representation using existing Hanyu Pinyin, like "pia4-ji" (a game played by boys involving slapping paper discs, usually round). With the nationwide popularity of certain skits and film/TV works, many local colloquialisms have become known across the country.

Compared to the situation in many southern regions where "dialects change every ten miles," accents across the vast Northeast region are relatively consistent. In Changchun's case, it's generally difficult to distinguish between people from the city proper and those from surrounding counties and cities in conversation. Of course, each county and city also has its own unique linguistic features. For instance, there's a saying: "Nong'an County, three major tirednesses: 'en na ga ha bu yuan xia'," which refers to the local characteristic expressions.

Within Changchun's urban area, there are specific dialect terms, such as 大回 (dà huí, meaning left turn), 小回 (xiǎo huí, meaning right turn), 踩一脚 (cǎi yì jiǎo, used by bus or taxi passengers to indicate they want to get off), and 得儿 (dēr, a rhotacized first-tone syllable; unlike its uniformly derogatory meaning elsewhere in Jilin province, it can be either derogatory or complimentary depending on the context).

11.2 Urban Development

In 1825, the administrative office of Changchun moved from Xinlicheng to Kuanchengzi (the old city of Changchun). Kuanchengzi became the first urban district of Changchun, marking the beginning of the city's construction.

In 1899, with the construction of the Russian Kuanchengzi Railway Station at Erdaogou northwest of the old city, Russia established a railway concession near the station, forming the second urban district of Changchun.

In 1907, Japan began constructing Changchun Railway Station and the South Manchuria Railway (Mantetsu) concession in the Toudaogou area north of the old city, forming the third urban district of Changchun. In the same year, Changchun officially opened a commercial port, developing a commercial district between the old city and the Mantetsu concession to the north, which became the fourth urban district.

The basic layout of present-day Changchun was largely formed during the period of Xinjing (Hsinking), the capital of Manchukuo. At that time, Manchukuo implemented a "Capital Construction" plan. A group of top engineering experts, primarily from Japan, drew upon the 19th-century Paris renovation plan and Ebenezer Howard's "Garden City" theory to formulate the "Greater Xinjing Urban Plan." This plan was based on the Mantetsu concession area and emphasized the organic integration of old and new urban districts. Considering potential directions for urban expansion, the new urban district was placed south of the old city. The urban greening, municipal engineering facilities, and transportation road planning of the new district represented advanced standards of the time, creating large new neighborhoods with a garden city character, exemplified by the "Eight Major Ministries" complex. The road system adopted a multi-center form combining radial, ring, and grid patterns. Important intersections featured roundabout squares (e.g., Datong Square with a diameter of 300 meters, Anmin Square with a diameter of 244 meters). Roads were designed wider, and green belts combined with parks to form a green space system.

After the founding of the People's Republic, the main change in Changchun's urban area was a significant increase in the built-up area. Large urban districts were developed west and north of the Beijing-Harbin Railway, and south of Nanhu Lake and east of the Yitong River. However, the old city center long retained its original appearance. Genuine urban renovation and construction only began in the 1980s. On May 4, 1985, the "Changchun City Master Plan" was approved by the State Council. In its approval, the State Council pointed out: "Changchun's urban construction should adhere to a sustainable development strategy coordinating population, economy, society, environment, and resources, continuously improve urban functions, and build Changchun into a modern city with strong economic strength, progressive social civilization, rational urban layout, well-developed infrastructure, and a good ecological environment. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of cultural relics protection units at all levels, historical districts, and their surrounding environments. Attention should be paid to urban design, giving full play to Changchun's advantages in landscaping and greening. Following the principles of respecting nature and history, meticulously shape the image of a garden city with distinctive architecture, unique streetscapes, and a beautiful environment." Subsequently, several rounds of adjustments and revisions were made to the "Master Plan." Changchun's urban planning and construction have continued and developed its fine traditions, forming a style characterized by openness, spaciousness, grandeur, and expansiveness, with the built-up area continuously expanding outward. Against the backdrop of the overall decline of the old industrial base, Changchun has also been actively pursuing urban transformation. At that time, the government and experts referred to some successful models from Germany's Ruhr region, such as Düsseldorf's successful transformation from a heavy industry city into a cultural, educational, and exhibition center, which also provided lessons for Changchun's future development. Changchun has a vast urban area, allowing for diversification in urban functions. While retaining most heavy industrial zones, developing new urban functions in other areas is also a goal of urban development.

11.3 Architecture

Due to historical Russian and Japanese influences, and the legacy of the Manchukuo Xinjing period, Changchun's architecture is characterized by a blend of Chinese and Western styles and a mixture of multiple cultures, forming the main feature of the city's architectural landscape.

11.4 Cuisine

Changchun cuisine is representative of the Jilin branch under the Northeastern Chinese cuisine system. Its characteristics include strong flavors (leaning towards salty), generous portions, and a prevalence of meat dishes. Also, due to its nature as a city of immigrants, major culinary traditions converge here, with Sichuan, Shandong, and Beijing cuisines being common. Ethnic flavors include characteristic foods of the Manchu, Mongolian, and Korean ethnic groups. Additionally, people in Changchun enjoy hot pot (shuan guozi), and restaurants offering various styles of hot pot can be found throughout the city's streets and alleys.

Signature dishes and snacks include Northeastern-style stewed fish, braised meatballs, Manchu "Eight Big Bowls," ginseng steamed chicken in a special pot, braised deer tail, lamb with kidney beans, Korean cold noodles, stir-fried dried tofu with green peppers, "di san xian" (stir-fried eggplant, potato, and green pepper), Hui Baozhen dumplings, Li Liangui smoked meat pancakes, and sour cabbage and pork hot pot. In some lesser-known alleys, one can find many local snacks, such as stewed pork in a jar, soy sauce-braised bones, mala tang (spicy hot pot ingredients), sour and spicy rice noodles, stir-fried rice noodles, grilled garlic, tofu skewers, grilled mantou (steamed buns), Korean rice cakes, Korean pickles, dog meat, and pollock. However, the most locally characteristic dishes are probably pork ribs stewed with beans and "sha zhu cai" (a feast dish made from various parts of a freshly slaughtered pig).

Changchun's bars are mainly distributed along Tongzhi Street, Chongqing Road, Longli Road, and other areas. Establishments like Mayflower, Happy Hour Corona, Romantic Night, and Deep Among Flowers are quite distinctive.

11.5 Film, Television, and Media

Changchun has a long and profound history in film culture. As early as 1937, Manchukuo established the Manchuria Film Association (Man'ei) in Xinjing. During its eight-year existence, Man'ei produced 108 feature films and 189 educational and documentary films. Famous actors included Li Xianglan (Yamaguchi Yoshiko), Liu Enjia, Pu Ke, Zhang Yi, Yu Yang, and Ling Yuan. Directors included Uchida Tomu and Zhu Wenshun. During the eight-year War of Resistance against Japan, while half of China was engulfed in war, Changchun's film world became a carefree paradise. After liberation, Man'ei was taken over and renamed Changchun Film Studio. Films like "Heroic Sons and Daughters," "Third Sister Liu," "Five Golden Flowers," and "The White-Haired Girl" became classics of the republic. Today, Changchun Film Studio no longer holds the supreme position it once did in Chinese cinema but remains the largest film production center in Northeast China.

Changchun is home to Jilin Television and Changchun Television. The 218-meter-high Jilin TV Tower has become a city landmark. Currently, the provincial station has 7 channels, and the city station has 5 channels. Additionally, subordinate cities, counties, Shuangyang District, and FAW have their own television stations. Programs are generally broadcast in Standard Mandarin, but a considerable number of programs, especially variety shows, use the local dialect.

Similarly, both Jilin Provincial Radio Station and Changchun City Radio Station are located in Changchun. Channels like Changchun Radio's Traffic Sound and Arts Channel have large audiences.

Changchun's newspaper industry features a hundred schools of thought contending, without monopoly by giants. The most influential are two: "City Evening News" under the Jilin Daily system and "New Culture News" under the Provincial Department of Culture. Additionally, "Jilin Daily" and "Changchun Evening News" also have significant circulation.

11.6 Festivals and ExhibitionsChangchun Film Festival: The full name is "China Changchun Film Festival," established in 1992. It has now become one of the "Four Major Film Festivals" in the Chinese film industry.

Changchun International Sculpture Invitational Exhibition: First held in 1997, it had been held nine times by 2008. Each exhibition featured artworks from over a hundred countries, with many outstanding pieces collected and displayed by the Changchun World Sculpture Park.
Changchun Ice and Snow Festival: The full name is "China Changchun Jingyuetan Ice and Snow Tourism Festival and Vasaloppet China," which began in 1998. It is held annually in winter at Jingyuetan and includes various cultural activities and sports events.
Changchun International Automobile Expo: A major auto show in China, established in 1999 and held at the Changchun International Conference and Exhibition Center. As an automotive industry hub, Changchun hosts many related exhibitions annually. The first "Changchun Automobile Festival" was held in 2007.
China Changchun International Agriculture and Food Expo (Trade Fair): The Agriculture Expo is an important exhibition in Jilin Province. As of September 2, 2008, it had been held seven times.
China Jilin Northeast Asia Investment and Trade Expo (abbreviated as Northeast Asia Expo): The China Jilin Northeast Asia Investment and Trade Expo is a national-level large-scale international regional comprehensive expo approved by the State Council and jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce, the Office of Revitalizing Northeast China of the State Council, and the People's Government of Jilin Province. It is an active initiative by the Chinese government to promote economic and trade exchanges and regional cooperation between China and Northeast Asian countries, aiming to build a long-term cooperation platform for mutual benefit, exchange, cooperation, competition, and openness between China and Northeast Asian countries.

11.7 Sports

Changchun is an important sports city in Northeast China, with notable achievements in recent years in team sports such as football and basketball.

Changchun Yatai Football Club has been a strong team in Chinese football in recent years. In 2006, they finished fourth in their first season in the top league. In the 2007 season, they won the Chinese Super League championship for the first time. In 2008, they represented China in the AFC Champions League for the first time.

Jilin Jiutai Rural Commercial Bank Team has competed in the CBA for multiple seasons. They reached the semifinals of the playoffs in the 2004-2005 season but lost to the eventual champions, the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

The Northeast Normal University men's basketball team is a strong contender in the Chinese University Basketball Association (CUBA), having reached the quarterfinals for three consecutive years and winning the championship once.

Additionally, Changchun has contributed many talents to the country in winter sports, table tennis, shooting, and other events. Among them, Changchun's short-track speed skaters once made up the majority of the national team. At the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, 19-year-old Changchun native Zhou Yang won the gold medal in the women's 1500m short-track speed skating event, earning Changchun its first Olympic gold medal in an individual event.

In 2007, Changchun successfully hosted the 2007 Asian Winter Games, becoming the second Chinese city after Harbin to host this event.

Sports Venues

• Nanling Stadium is primarily used for track and field and football events. It is currently the home stadium of Changchun Yatai Football Team and can accommodate 50,000 spectators.
• Jingkai Stadium served as the home stadium of Changchun Yatai Team from 2009 to 2017 and can accommodate 25,000 spectators.
• Wuhuan Gymnasium was the main venue for the Sixth Winter Asian Games and can be used for ice sports, basketball, volleyball, and other events. It can accommodate 12,000 spectators.
• Changchun City Gymnasium is currently the home stadium of the Jilin Northeast Tigers Basketball Team and can accommodate 4,400 spectators.
• Jilin Province Skating Rink was a competition venue for the Sixth Winter Asian Games and can accommodate 2,664 spectators.
• Jilin Province Speed Skating Rink was a competition venue for the Sixth Winter Asian Games and can accommodate 2,000 spectators.
• Fu'ao Ice Hockey Arena was a competition venue for the Sixth Winter Asian Games and can accommodate 800 spectators.
• Changchun City Skating Rink was a competition venue for the Sixth Winter Asian Games and can accommodate 300 spectators.

11.8 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Wujiazi Site
• Lantouwopu Site
• Nong'an Liao Pagoda
• Site of the Former Jichang Circuit Intendant's Office
• Site of the Puppet Manchukuo Imperial Palace and Japanese Military and Political Institutions
• Site of the Former Central Bank of Manchukuo
• Early Buildings of Changchun Film Studio
• Early Buildings of Changchun First Automobile Works
• Site of the Japanese Army Unit 100
• Site of the Former Manchukuo Loyalty Shrine

12. Sister Cities

| City Name | Country | |----------------|----------------------------------| | Sendai | Japan | | Novi Sad | Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia) | | Birmingham | United Kingdom | | Flint | United States | | Minsk | Belarus | | Windsor | Canada | | Žilina | Slovakia | | Ulsan | South Korea | | Little Rock | United States | | Masterton | New Zealand | | Ulan-Ude | Russia | | Chongjin | North Korea | | Mora | Sweden | | Wolfsburg | Germany |

nix

nix

nix

nix

Nanguan District

Nanguan District

Han Chinese account for 95.58% of the population; ethnic minorities account for 4.42%.

Pinus tabuliformis

Clivia