Living in Changchun can be a great way to experience China without being in a city that’s too big or too small. Changchun is a third tier city in the northeast of China. Its population is nearly 8 million, making it the 9th largest city in China and the largest city in the northeast.
Changchun has a rich history and there are many places in the city where you can still see its past. However, the city is constantly changing and modernizing. The city is a mix of old and new with the Puppet Palace of the Last Emperor Puyi, linking the city’s rich Manchurian past to a brand new subway system connecting the city from all points.
Changchun is the center of the Chinese car manufacturing industry. More cars are produced here than anywhere else in the world. First Automotive Works (FAW) has been at the core of China’s auto industry since 1956. It is now home to many of the world’s top automotive brands, like Volkswagen, Audi, and Toyota, making Changchun the “Detroit” of China.
Changchun also produces the “bullet” trains for China. These are trains that can connect the largest cities in China greatly reducing travel times. The Changchun to Beijing bullet train means you can get to Beijing from Changchun in just under 6 hours.
Changchun is home to China’s movie industry, the “Hollywood” of China, the city’s roots in making films goes back to 1940. It's home to the Changchun Film Festival, an internationally recognized event which spotlights some of the best cinema China has to offer.
There are also numerous colleges and universities throughout the city. Changchun is where the purest form of Mandarin (Putonghua) is spoken. Students come from around the world to learn how to speak the “official” Chinese spoken throughout ALL of China.
Perfect English is located in the Chaoyang District, home to just over 1 million people. While the majority of the population is Han Chinese, there are many different cultures around the city made up from a thriving expat community. This diversity is reflected in a variety of different cuisines, from all over the world to various parts of the China. Western products are available at many of the shopping centers around the city, and easily accesisble through online sources.
Changchun literally means “long spring” but that isn’t exactly accurate. While there are four distinct seasons here they are not equal in length. Summer and winter tend to be quite long while spring and fall are fleeting but very nice.
Spring comes with an explosion of new life, from trees sprouting new velvety green leaves to tulips and lilacs that bloom all around town. Fall arrives with the trees displaying a full range of colors from bright oranges to vibrant reds and golden hues. Both of these seasons may last less than a month but they are not to be missed.
The longer seasons are summer and winter. Summer can be slightly humid but comfortable, with rainy days to cool off the hotter temperatures. Winter (November to March) is where we experience the Siberian cold, bringing snow and temperatures that can dip down to -30°C.
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