Changchun is stunning, but I honestly don't recommend going in August because............

Changchun Travel Guide (Including Ticket Prices) Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province, is known as the "Spring City of the North." It boasts a rich modern historical heritage and blends the vitality of a modern metropolis. As an important industrial base and the birthplace of Chinese film culture, it has distinct four seasons, with winter ice and snow scenery being especially famous. Below is a practical guide covering classic attractions, food, transportation, and budget to help you explore Changchun. 1. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum: Adult ticket 70 RMB/person, student ticket 35 RMB/person (valid ID required), free for seniors over 65 and children under 1.2 meters. Highlights: The palace of the last emperor Puyi, restored buildings and historical scenes from the Puppet Manchukuo period, with over 20,000 cultural relics. Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours; audio guides available for rent (20 RMB/device) or join guided tours (50 RMB/person). Jingyuetan National Forest Park: Adult ticket 30 RMB/person, student ticket 15 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 20 RMB/person (unlimited rides). Highlights: Asia’s largest man-made forest sea, with different scenery each season; winter offers skiing (ski area ticket extra, about 150 RMB/3 hours). Recommended activities: Hiking around the lake, renting bicycles (tandem bike 50 RMB/hour), summer boat rides on the lake (50 RMB/person). Changchun Film Century City: Peak season (April-October) 240 RMB/person, off-season (November-March) 198 RMB/person, student tickets half price. Highlights: China’s first film theme park, featuring 3D effects, space adventures, and other tech projects, great for family trips. Must-try attractions: Huaxia Soaring (flight experience), Extraordinary Lab (4D motion cinema), Space Adventure (space simulator). Changchun World Sculpture Park: Free entry to the park, combined ticket for Sculpture Museum 30 RMB/person (includes African Art Museum, Songshan Hanrong Museum, etc.). Highlights: Over 10,000 sculptures from 216 countries and regions, a perfect blend of nature and art. Tip: Electric carts available for rent (30 RMB/hour), suitable for visitors with elderly or children. Nanhu Park: Free entry Highlights: A natural oxygen bar in the city center, summer boating (electric boats 80 RMB/hour), winter ice activities (ice carts 20 RMB/person). Hidden gem: Morning or evening lakeside walks to watch egrets and experience local life vibes. 2. Specialty Food and Average Cost Northeast cuisine recommended: Lao Chang Spring Pancakes, about 40 RMB per person, signature dishes include "Spicy Shredded Pork" and "Smoked Meat Roll," with pancake skin as thin as cicada wings. Yuanshengju: About 70 RMB per person, traditional copper pot hotpot, sesame sauce is a must-try, fresh lamb sliced on the spot. Wang Ji Sauce Bones Restaurant: About 50 RMB per person, tender and flavorful braised pork ribs, paired with sauerkraut soup to cut the grease. Street snack: Grilled cold noodles, 8-10 RMB/serving, add sausage and egg for more satisfaction, recommended at Hongqi Street night market stalls. Xueyi Red Bean Paste: 20 RMB/serving, egg whites whipped into cloud-like wraps around red bean paste, fluffy texture. Korean ethnic flavors: Cold noodles (15-20 RMB/bowl), spicy kimchi pork belly stone pot bibimbap (25 RMB). Souvenirs: Dingfeng Authentic Pastries, traditional Sachima and fried cakes, beautifully packaged for gifts (gift boxes 50-100 RMB). Changchun Songhua Inkstone: Intangible cultural heritage craft, prices range from tens to thousands of RMB. 3. Transportation Guide and Costs External transport: Airplane: Changchun Longjia International Airport, 30 km from downtown, airport shuttle bus 20 RMB/person (about 1 hour), taxi about 70 RMB. High-speed rail: Changchun Station, Changchun West Station, metro direct to downtown (fare 2-5 RMB). Self-driving: About 3 hours from nearby cities like Shenyang and Harbin. City transport: Metro: Currently 5 lines open, covering major attractions, single fare 2-7 RMB. Bus: Most attractions 1-2 RMB/ride, supports Alipay QR code payment. Taxi: Starting fare 8 RMB (3 km), then 1.9 RMB/km, convenient for short trips. 4. Accommodation Recommendations and Budget Budget hotels like Home Inn/Hanting: Around 150-200 RMB/night in city center, convenient transportation, suitable for backpackers. Youth hostels: Beds near Guilin Road 50-80 RMB/night, good for solo travelers. Comfortable hotels: Changchun Shangri-La Hotel, located at People’s Square, luxury rooms about 800 RMB/night, including breakfast and pool. Jingyuetan Yitian Sheraton Hotel: Adjacent to the park, lake view rooms about 600 RMB/night, ideal for vacations. Unique homestays: Zhe You Shan Homestay, located in the trendy commercial area "Zhe You Shan," mountain view rooms about 400 RMB/night, strong design sense. 5. Seasonal Activities and Tips Winter (December-February) Ice and Snow Wonderland: Ticket 180 RMB/person, giant ice sculptures, 500-meter ice slide, stunning night light shows. Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort: Day ski ticket 150 RMB/3 hours (including gear), suitable for beginners. Warmth tips: Down jackets, snow boots, hand warmers essential; large indoor-outdoor temperature differences require layering. Summer (June-August) Jingyuetan Forest Hiking: Average temperature 22°C, a cool retreat, camping available (advance reservation required). Changchun Film Festival: Held in August, free movie screenings and celebrity meet-and-greets. Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-October) Nanhu Park Flower Viewing: Cherry blossoms in April, maple leaves in September, perfect for photos. Agricultural Expo: Mid-August, showcasing modern agricultural technology, ticket 20 RMB/person. 6. Classic 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: History and Art Tour Morning: Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum → Afternoon: Changchun World Sculpture Park → Evening: Zhe You Shan (trendy mall, dinner + night view) Day 2: Nature and Entertainment Tour Morning: Cycling at Jingyuetan → Afternoon: Changchun Film Century City → Evening: Guilin Road Night Market (snacks + shopping) Day 3: Culture and Leisure Tour Morning: Jilin Provincial Museum (free, reservation required) → Afternoon: Boating at Nanhu Park → Evening: Hotpot at Yuanshengju 7. Budget Reference (Per Person) Budget: 800-1000 RMB (Accommodation 150 RMB/night × 2 + attraction tickets 200 RMB + meals 150 RMB/day × 3 + transportation 50 RMB) Comfort: 1500-2000 RMB (Accommodation 400 RMB/night × 2 + attraction tickets 400 RMB + meals 200 RMB/day × 3 + transportation 100 RMB + entertainment 200 RMB) 8. Notes Language: Mandarin is common; some elderly may speak Northeastern dialect, speak slowly or ask for repetition if needed. Payment: Mobile payments are widespread, but small vendors may only accept cash, keep some change handy. Safety: Winter roads can be icy, wear non-slip shoes; summer requires sun protection, beware of mosquitoes in scenic areas. Etiquette: Northeasterners are warm and straightforward; you may be offered drinks during meals, politely decline if you wish. Changchun carries the heavy history of the Puppet Manchukuo era and the joy of the ice and snow world. With about 1,000 RMB per person, you can deeply experience it all. Whether you are a culture lover, foodie, or nature adventurer, you will find your own joy here!