Changchun Film Studio is something of a landmark in Changchun. Located on the bustling Hongqi Street, it sits next to Wanda Plaza and directly across from This Is Mountain. It also serves as the starting point for the popular Route 54 tram, making it a must-visit attraction for out-of-town tourists. If you plan to visit both here and the Puppet Imperial Palace, you can purchase a combined ticket via the mini-program; you only need to select a specific time slot for the Puppet Imperial Palace, while visiting hours for the Changchun Film Studio Site are quite flexible.
There is a free, unattended parking lot within the complex, though it often seems perpetually full. We arrived early on the day of our visit, right when the gates opened, yet visitors were already streaming in continuously. Beyond the section detailing its historical evolution, a significant portion of the museum showcases films and television productions that Changchun Film Studio has been involved in over the years. This resonates deeply with older generations, though younger visitors may find these titles entirely unfamiliar.
In 1937, the puppet state of Manchukuo established the “Manchuria Film Association Corporation” (known as “Man’ei”) in Changchun. In 1939, new facilities were completed to shoot and produce films promoting colonialist ideology. After Japan’s surrender, Man’ei was reorganized into the Northeast Film Company. During the War of Liberation, the studio relocated temporarily to Heilongjiang Province before returning to Changchun at the end of 1948. In 1955, it was officially renamed Changchun Film Studio, abbreviated as “Changying.” Toward the end of the 20th century, Changying initiated reform plans and was restructured into the Changchun Film Group Co., Ltd. in 2000. In 2011, the group decided to convert the old Man’ei factory buildings into a museum, which officially opened to the public in 2014.
The museum comprises the Changying Film Art Gallery, the Changying Soundstage Exhibition Area, a Concert Hall, and the Changying Cultural District. It also features a cinema and a shop showcasing local specialties—Changchun Gifts.
This Is Mountain is a shopping complex that opened in 2019, though officials define it as a cultural tourism hub. Unlike traditional malls, its interior features an intriguing, multi-level layout with staggered floors and winding paths. The shops themselves are mostly familiar chain brands, but this format suits Northeast China perfectly—after all, people prefer staying indoors during the harsh winters. Dining dominates the offerings here: the second floor hosts an array of snacks, coffee shops, bakeries, a cinema, and craft studios. Retail options lean toward trendy items like toys, merchandise, and creative cultural products, with notably few clothing stores. On the fourth floor sits the Toad Pavilion, the highest point in the complex.
The biggest advantage of this place is its proximity to the Changchun Film Studio Site, making it extremely convenient to visit both. The downside, however, is that Hongqi Street suffers from chronic traffic congestion year-round. Additionally, the tenant mix isn’t particularly unique—you’ll find similar stores in other malls—and the heavy tourist crowds can make it feel uncomfortably packed. As a result, long-term residents rarely visit outside of special occasions. Still, as a tourist attraction worth exploring, it’s definitely worth a stop.
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