Eating out

Although it is the provincial capital (of Jilin province), Changchun tends to be a city that people visit en route to somewhere else. Restaurants tend to be functional rather than appealing. Dishes tend to me more of a meaty variety than in Southern and Central China.

Food stalls along the main street are very popular with the locals. The food smells delicious and looks inviting, but there have been stories of people suffering upset stomachs, so make sure the food is cooked before your eyes if you want to try anything.

Shangri-La Hotel. This is like an oasis in the desert for Western visitors. Good food, pretty much in all the hotel restaurants.
Add: 569 Xian Road.
Tel: 0431 8981818.

The French Bakery, located along the busy shopping street of Guilin Lu. The only thing French about it is its name, everything is in English. It serves a good cup of expresso coffee and as near to what one can get to European bread.

Pattaya is a Thai restaurant in the Mexcott Hotel, which is close to the Shangri-La. Serves spicy, colourful dishes, offering an alternative to Chinese food.

Bars and nightspots

Shangri-La Hotel. Unless you are into the local karaoke in a big way relax to piano music. There is no need to venture out, just relax and 'people watch': Changchun will come to you. If you do want noise and strobe lighting, the hotel houses Xanadu Karaoke and Disco. It can get very lively.

Arts & Culture

Puppet Emperor's Palace and Exhibition Hall (more recently named Jilin Provincial Museum). Centrally located. Admission charge: Yn10
Tel: 4661214.
Henry Puyi, at the age of only two, was the last person to occupy the dragon throne. In 1911, revolution forced him to abdicate at the age of eight. In 1932 the Japanese invaders set him up as the 'Puppet Emperor' of Manchukuo. He lived in Changchun for 14 years before being captured by Russian troops in 1945. It is the basis of the story of the award winning film "The Last Emperor", which is worth seeing and learning of the last piece of the jigsaw of dynastic rule in China.

"Scenic Spots" Which are the best places to visit, for a tourist?

South Lake Park. Admission charge Yn2. This is the largest and most interesting of the local parks. It is some 4km south of the city centre and needs a few hours to do it justice. The park comprises a huge lake with smaller ponds, pavilions and wooden bridges.

Jilin and further east. Although Jilin city itself has very little to offer other than its industry, the area does offer much for the adventurous, travelling tourist. Winter sports are very popular and are becoming increasingly so. The lakes, mountains and forests cover a vast area and are most picturesque.

Shopping

Don't expect too much. Woodcarvings of a wide variety are very popular, as are animal skins and furs.

Other

Changchun Film Studio. For a long time this was one of the foremost film studios in China. It was originally established to make documentaries during the civil war. It is still a very active, commercial studio. Foreigners are certainly welcome as members of a Chinese tour group (arrange with local travel agent).