Over the past two years, Changchun’s cultural tourism sector has made sustained efforts to discover and develop numerous historical and cultural districts, such as Chunjingxi (Beijing Street West), the Commercial Port Area, and Xinmin Street. This includes the redevelopment of landmarks like the Fengle Theater and the Changchun Daily Office Building. Although these initiatives started a bit late, the final results have been quite impressive, ensuring that Changchun is no longer a city with nowhere to go.
Today, let’s talk about Chunjingxi. Beijing Street was established around 1909 and was originally named “Huaide Street.” It was renamed Yashima-dori in 1922, and then changed to Beijing Street in 1946, a name it retains to this day. It is the first historical and cultural district in Changchun to be completed and officially put into operation.
The district adopts a revitalization model featuring the “restoration of 17 historic buildings + construction of 9 new buildings.” Having been open for over six months now, its commercial scene is not yet fully developed. Perhaps due to certain restrictions, there are almost no restaurants; businesses are predominantly cafes, though having an entire row of nothing but cafes feels a bit excessive.
A highlight worth visiting is the Exhibition on Modern History of Jilin Province. Although not officially designated as a museum, the exhibition is meticulously curated. Admission is free across its three floors—simply scan your ID card to enter. A large number of artifacts have been transferred from the Jilin Provincial Museum, many of which are being publicly displayed for the first time. A thorough visit will take approximately over an hour.
The public areas also feature numerous art installations, making them perfect for photo ops. However, the outdoor temperatures in winter can be quite chilly, and crowds are relatively thin. I initially thought Northeast China wasn’t suited for this type of open-air district, but my actual experience was surprisingly pleasant. Winter here has its own unique charm, offering snowy landscapes rarely seen in southern China.
Overall, the district isn’t very large; a casual stroll might wrap up in under half an hour, though several distinctive boutiques inside are well worth popping into. The Investment Promotion Center offers seating for rest, and there is also a ‘Courtesy Jilin’ Cultural Tourism Product Experience Hall. The creative cultural products there feel exceptionally diverse and even more distinctive than typical ‘Changchun Gifts.’
In terms of transportation, simply take Exit B2 at Shengli Park Metro Station, and you’ll arrive right at the entrance. Parking is reportedly inconvenient, and it remains unclear whether the district has its own parking lot. Nearby, you can explore Ouya Xinfa or choose from several local restaurants. Additionally, if the weather isn’t too cold, a 500-meter walk leads to a Wanda Plaza, and an 800-meter walk brings you to the Shangbudi Historical and Cultural District.
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