Cheap Flights To Changchun

Famed for its film making and automobile industry, Changchun is also a vibrant and modern city which is situated in the Jilin Province in the northeast of China. The city's skyline is dominated by imposing skyscrapers yet the region is also a National Garden City due its beautiful public gardens and rate of greening. The inhabitants of the city, of which there are more than three million, are predominantly Han but other minority groups do reside there.

The city was founded during the Qing Dynasty as a trading post with furs being the most sought after commodity. By the 18th Century, peasants from the surrounding area flooded to the region and by 1889, the area was named. Although the city boasts a wealth of attractions, the surrounding areas also have much to offer. The Diaoshuihu Scenic Area, for example, lies just outside the city and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. In addition to the tranquil lake and majestic mountain range, the area also contains a number of caves. The city also hosts a selection of festivals each year, celebrating events from ballet to film. Visit during the month of October when the Film Festival is held. The event features established and upcoming actors and their productions.

Things To Do

Like most major cities, Changchun boasts a wealth of attractions and activities. Whether your interests centre around history, nature or dining at the best restaurants, the region offers something for everyone.

• For nature lovers

The Diaoshuihu Scenic Area is a breathtaking national park featuring forests, lakes, caves and a plethora of fauna and flora. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the park, however, is the karst cave, which is more than a 1,000 feet long and 230 feet high.

• For the culture lovers

Visit the impressive Bo Re Temple with its striking architecture and array of statues and representations of deities. The temple was built in the 1920s and is the largest temple in the country.

• For the thrill seekers

Spend the day at Changchun Lianhuashan Ski Slope: the largest in the city spanning six square kilometres. The various slopes are rated in terms of difficulty and during the summer months, in the absence of snow, visitors can go grass skiing instead.

Calendar Of Events

Numerous events and festivals are held in the city of Changchun each year, ranging from film festivals to celebrating the region's contribution to sculpture and art.

• The Changchun Film Festival. The Film Festival has been hosted every October since 1992. The event celebrates the country's contribution to film and each year a host of famous and up-and-coming actors are invited to the event.

• The Ice and Snow Festival. The Ice and Snow Festival has been hosted every January since 1998. The event features snow sports competitions, snow art and there are snow sculptures dotted all around the venue.

• Changchun International Sculpture Exposition. Hosted in September at the World Sculpture Garden, the International Sculpture Exposition is a celebration of the country's contribution to the art of -- that's right -- sculpture. The event features competitions, and famous artists from around the world attend.