A 5-Day Winter Adventure in Changchun
Introduction
Changchun, known as the “Spring City in the North,” boasts a profound modern urban cultural heritage. It’s an early automotive and film – making base in New China. Although the tourism industry has been hit hard by the pandemic in recent years, Changchun’s tourism culture has still thrived. I’ve visited Changchun several times in winter and summer, and this five – day trip in December was truly unforgettable. I explored many new and old attractions, documenting every moment through aerial photography and videos.
Day 1
Tiandingshan Ski Resort: A Dreamland for Ski Lovers
If you’re new to Changchun and eager for a snow adventure, Tiandingshan Ski Resort is a must – visit. It’s the closest ski training ground to Changchun city center. This resort caters to both professional skiers and beginners. With 11 snow – covered trails (about 7 kilometers in total), 1 snowmobile trail, 1 snowboard chasing trail, 2 fun snow trails, 2 cableways, and 3 magic carpets, it offers a diverse skiing experience.
The large ski resort service center provides rental services for ski suits and equipment. You can complete all the pre – skiing preparations here, and also enjoy delicious food and various entertainment activities. There’s even a night – skiing program, so you don’t have to worry if you arrive late. The special off – road and obstacle snow trails, like the snowmobile lane and fun snow trails, offer an exciting skiing experience.
What’s more, Tiandingshan Ski Resort is just across the street from Changchun Ice and Snow World. When you take the cable car up the mountain, you can see the magnificent Changchun Ice and Snow World in the distance. At night, the illuminated ice and snow world turns into a dreamy wonderland.
– Address: The intersection of Quanyan Street and Bingxue Avenue, Lianhuashan District, Changchun City
Changchun Ice and Snow World: Celebrating a Century of Snow and Welcoming the Winter Olympics
This year, Changchun Ice and Snow World grandly opened on the evening of December 12th, and I was lucky enough to attend the opening ceremony. The night view of the ice and snow world was truly spectacular.
Set against the backdrop of mountains and lakes, this ice and snow park combines ice and snow culture with local culture. It features ice and snow sculptures, as well as a variety of activities such as ice and snow playgrounds, interactive shows, ice discos, fireworks displays, and aurora shows.
As you enter through the ticket gate, you’ll be greeted by the “Thousand – Meter Scroll” snow sculpture themed on the Party’s history, which is extremely impressive. There are also an ice building group with an Olympic theme, a “Carrier – like” snow building full of grandeur, and a 512.6 – meter – long exciting ice slide, all worth visiting.
The park also has a four – season ice and snow science museum, a “Santorini in Changchun” called the Snow City, a unique ice and snow cultural street, and a wonderful northern lights display. Remember to come early before it gets dark to take better photos, and bundle up well as it gets very cold at night.
– Address: The north gate of Changchun Ice and Snow World, Bingxue Avenue, Lianhuashan District, Changchun City
Tiandingshan B&B: A Wilderness – Luxury Accommodation in Northeast China
This wild – luxury B&B is built with natural materials, being environmentally friendly and rustic. The courtyard walls and the ground are made of volcanic rocks from Changbai Mountain in Jilin, granite from Huinan in Jilin, and local yellow rust stone. The roof frames and indoor furniture are mostly made of wood. Some of the furniture is crafted from trees left over from mountain construction, and even the chandeliers are hand – woven from branches on Tiandingshan, fully demonstrating ecological charm.
The ice and snow – themed guest rooms are decorated with winter ice and snow elements, creating a unique snow – house experience all year round. The wooden – house – themed courtyard inherits the essence of traditional Chinese architecture, with a unique artistic style that combines elegance, simplicity, and richness. The two – story wooden – house B&B in the independent courtyard is made of solid wood with mortise and tenon joints, paying tribute to the wisdom of our ancestors. The faint fragrance of wood restores the idyllic life close to nature. The “Remembering Northeast China” theme perfectly presents the rural charm of the Northeast, with checkered cloth, heated kang beds, mahjong tables, antique wedding beds, and tatami mats, instantly taking you back to your childhood memories.
– Address: The south gate of Tiandingshan B&B, Lianhuashan Road, Lianhuashan District, Changchun City
Day 2
Changchun World Sculpture Park: An Artistic Hall of World Sculptures
If you’re a fan of sculpture and art, Changchun World Sculpture Park is a must – see. It consists of the Changchun Sculpture Art Museum, the Songshan Hanrong African Art Collection Museum, the Wei Xiaoming Art Museum, the Changchun Sculpture Museum, and the Sculpture Experience Hall. These five museums perfectly integrate sculpture art with architectural art, with unique shapes and rich connotations.
The park has gathered over ten thousand artworks from 216 countries and regions around the world, ranking among the best in the world in terms of the number and international nature of the sculptures. It also houses 5 original works by the world – famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, making it the sculpture park with the most Rodin’s original works in China. It’s not only a place for the public to learn about sculpture art but also a holy land for international sculpture art exchange.
Yuanshengju Hot Pot Restaurant (Ecological Street): A Century – Old Brand Hot Pot
When in the Northeast, you can’t miss Yuanshengju Hot Pot, a century – old brand. We went to the branch on Ecological Street. The restaurant was crowded, just like a bustling market. Thanks to a friend who queued up for us in advance, we didn’t have to wait long.
The restaurant uses copper pots and charcoal fires. When the water boils, you can cook fresh mutton and dip it in the special sesame sauce. The mutton is delicious without any muttony smell. It truly lives up to its reputation as a time – honored brand.
Changying Film Studio (Changying Old Site Museum): The Cradle of Chinese Cinema
I visited the Changying Old Site Museum. It was renovated on the basis of the original “Manchukuo Film Association” building from 1937, following the principle of “restoring it to its original state.” The museum showcases the origin, development, prosperity, and transformation of Changying through art exhibitions, cultural relic preservation, and film – related interactive activities.
Here, you can discover the behind – the – scenes stories of many movies, as well as precious video, picture materials, and historical artifacts. It’s a great place for Chinese film lovers.
This Mountain: An Indoor Hill – Town Scenic Area
This Mountain is a unique indoor scenic area. In this 70,000 – square – meter space, the designers used slopes and caves in the design, creating multiple architectural scenic spots. It has become a modern hill – town scenic area with a strong sense of history.
There are coffee shops, bookstores, dessert shops, milk tea shops, and grocery stores. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll and experience different things. At the top, there’s a theater – themed street with a cinema and immersive experience shops.
The highest point is the Wencan Pavilion. Through it, you can overlook the whole area. The “Wencanzhe” sculpture is a well – recognized symbol of This Mountain. At night, the projection lights create a cool and otherworldly atmosphere, like taking you to the metaverse. Opposite the Wencan Pavilion is the Wangshan Pavilion, a resting area where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the slope.
Cha’achong Restaurant: A Representative of Traditional Northeast Cuisine
I’ve visited the Northeast many times and have grown fond of Northeast cuisine. After playing at This Mountain, I had dinner at Cha’achong Restaurant. The restaurant has a retro – style decoration. You can watch old – fashioned movies and listen to classic songs. Each private room plays historical events related to its themed era, and the reservation cards also feature pictures of Changchun’s history.
I learned that “Cha’achong” was the earliest name of Changchun, and it was also a blessing word used by the Sushen people (ancestors of the Manchu) in sacrifices 7000 years ago, meaning “May God bless us!” This restaurant specializes in classic Changchun dishes. I particularly loved the sweet and sour pork slices. The blood sausage and stewed eggplant were also delicious.
This Mountain Inn: Sleeping in a Mall
As someone in the hotel media industry, I’ve stayed in many good hotels. But This Mountain Inn in This Mountain is truly unique. It’s the first time I’ve seen an inn in a mall. This Mountain is more like a mountain town rather than a traditional commercial street.
The inn is located on the third floor on the right side as you enter This Mountain. The red lanterns hanging on the wall and the Peking Opera headdresses in the street add a strong Chinese flavor. If you stay here, I recommend booking a mountain – view suite facing the street. You can enjoy the view of This Mountain from the window and relax on the balcony.
– Address: No. 1005, Hongqi Street, Changchun City
Day 3
Changchun Confucian Temple Museum: A Place to Experience Traditional Etiquette
The main buildings of Changchun Confucian Temple are symmetrically arranged along the central axis, showing a typical Chinese traditional architectural style. It’s an important place to promote traditional Chinese culture. If you’re interested in traditional Chinese culture, this is a great place to visit. There are also traditional etiquette activities held here every year and various public – welfare activities during traditional festivals.
– Address: No. 2, Nanchang Road, Wenmiao Hutong, Changyi District, Jilin City
Puppet Manchukuo Palace Museum: A Window into History
The Puppet Manchukuo Palace Museum is the former residence of Puyi, the last emperor of China, when he was the puppet emperor of “Manchukuo.” It witnessed Puyi’s ups and downs from an emperor to a citizen and is also a historical witness of Japanese imperialist aggression in Northeast China.
The main buildings include the Tongde Hall, the Qinmin Building, an air – raid shelter, a rockery, the Jiale Hall, and the Founding Shrine. The architecture combines European Gothic – style small buildings with traditional Chinese tiled houses with corridors. It’s advisable to hire a tour guide to learn about the historical stories behind each building and room.
– Address: No. 5, Guangfu North Road, Kuancheng District, Changchun City
Zantunzi Pot – Style Fish Restaurant: Taste Authentic Northeast Iron – Pot Stew
In the Northeast, an iron – pot stew is a must – try. We went to Zantunzi Pot – Style Fish Restaurant and ordered two pot series, including stewed native chicken, stewed goose, and stewed ribs.
As someone living in Shanghai for a long time, I’ve always missed the food cooked in a big pot with firewood in my childhood. Here, I finally satisfied my longing. The private rooms in the restaurant are decorated like a Northeast rural home. There are two or three big pots on the wide stove (which also serves as a dining table). The firewood crackles in the stove, and the soup in the pot bubbles. The aroma of the meat fills the room, making you eager to start eating. The restaurant’s decoration also restores the Northeast folk – custom dining environment, allowing you to experience the local culture while enjoying the delicious food.
– Address: Datang Dongfang Shengshi, Hefei Road, Erdao District, Changchun City
Changchun Urban Planning Museum: Changchun’s Past and Future
The Changchun Urban Planning Museum looks like a blooming flower from the outside. The main building is in the shape of a petal, with a simple and clear image, which reflects Changchun’s development path of “ecology and innovation.”
The exhibition space in the museum is divided into three floors, showing the city’s development history, scientific urban planning, and future exploration. It’s a great place for families with children.
– Address: The intersection of Huaxin Street and Yimin Road, Nanguan District, Changchun City
Guilin Road Hutong Food Street: A Foodie’s Paradise
For foodies, Guilin Road Hutong Food Street is a must – visit. I learned from a local friend that the name “Guilin Road” is not related to Guilin in Guangxi, but to commemorate the anti – Japanese hero Jia Guilin.
This food street is full of various Northeast snacks, such as octopus balls, crispy rice cakes, stuffed sheep stomach, grilled cold noodles, and candied haws. There are also popular snacks from all over the country, like Xinjiang barbecue, old – Beijing boiled tripe, and Changsha stinky tofu. You’ll be drooling while taking pictures and can’t wait to queue up and buy them.
– Address: No. 673 – 7, Xikang Road, Guilin Street, Chaoyang District, Changchun City
Sixi Tavern: A Northeast – Style National – Trend Bar
After enjoying the snacks on Guilin Road, we walked to Sixi National – Trend Tavern at the intersection of Baihui Street and Longli Hutong. The outside of the tavern is decorated with various visual display boards, and there are many interesting installations and photo – taking spots inside, creating a strong atmosphere.
On the first floor, there are scattered tables, and on the second floor, there are small private rooms and elegant seats. If you’re with friends, I recommend going to the second floor. You can order some special cocktails, fruits, melon seeds, and small barbecues, and have a great time chatting with friends. I recommend the Sixi Maze and Peach Blossom Ode cocktails. They look beautiful and taste great.
There’s a live band performance after 8:30 p.m. We were lucky to see a beautiful Douyin influencer singing there. It was a wonderful night.
Changchun Huayou New Century Grand Hotel: A Luxury Business Hotel in Changchun
This hotel is located in the Ecological Square of Jingyue District, Changchun. It was invested by Changchun Huayou Real Estate Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Ningbo Huaxiang Group, and managed by New Century Hotel Group.
The hotel has a magnificent appearance, with 22 floors. It integrates accommodation, dining, entertainment, and business functions. It offers 281 luxury guest rooms, including New Century suites, and has a non – smoking floor. The rooms are well – equipped and luxuriously decorated. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the southeast of Changchun from the window.
The Mediterranean Coffee Shop offers a variety of fine coffees, and the buffet and a la carte Western food are both excellent. The Sijixuan Chinese Restaurant is a high – end dining place that combines noble elegance with modern fashion. It specializes in Jiangnan and Cantonese cuisine, as well as popular local dishes.
There are also 12 private rooms in the Guofeng Hall, suitable for small gatherings and high – end business banquets. The Parisa Health Club in the hotel combines fitness, health preservation, leisure, and business social activities. It has a gym, billiard room, table – tennis room, indoor swimming pool, and hair – dressing center, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate.
– Address: No. 7777, South Ring Road, Nanguan District, Changchun City
Day 4
Lianhuashan Ski Resort: Enjoy Skiing in the Northeast
Lianhuashan Shimao Ski Resort is a medium – sized ski resort, suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. It has 13 ski trails, including 4 beginner trails, 2 intermediate trails, and 7 advanced trails. There are also ski fields designed according to international standards for “freestyle aerial skills” and “snowboard U – shaped grooves.”
This resort has hosted 7 “Freestyle Skiing Aerial Skills World Cup” competitions organized by the International Ski Federation. It’s currently the largest comprehensive ski resort in Changchun. Moreover, the national ski team is training here for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the Freestyle Skiing Aerial Skills International Points Race.
– Address: Qingshan Village, Sijia Township, Erdao District, Changchun City
Changchun Guoxin Hot Spring Hotel: Experience the Characteristics of Northern Hot Springs
This was my second visit to Changchun Guoxin Nanshan Hot Spring Hotel. Both times, I arrived at night after dinner.
The hotel has various hot – spring venues, such as the Asian Hall, Children’s Hall, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hall, hot – spring wooden houses, and hot – spring villas. There’s also a large indoor swimming pool for those who like swimming. I prefer the outdoor hot – spring pools. Lying in the hot – spring pool in the freezing cold, looking at the moon and stars in the sky, is really relaxing.
The hot – spring leisure area is equipped with lounge chairs and small beds, which are very convenient for family gatherings or friends to chat. I like lying on the comfortable chairs, watching the rotating globe and the “starry sky” above, which is very romantic.
The hotel’s exterior and interior public areas and guest rooms are designed in the French style, full of French romantic charm. The guest rooms are well – decorated, with large beds, soft bedding, sofas, and desks, suitable for both vacationers and business travelers. The dry – wet separated bathrooms are simple and elegant. If you come to Changchun, it’s worth a visit to experience the northern hot – spring culture.
– Address: 16 kilometers south of Jingyue Street, Changchun City
In conclusion, this winter, come to Changchun to ski, admire ice sculptures, savor Northeast cuisine, and soak in hot springs. It’s an unforgettable winter adventure!
