The Most Underrated Province in China – Seriously, Don't Miss Out!

The Most Underrated Province in China 😢
Changchun Adventure Guide: 3 Days & 2 Nights of Fun Without Breaking the Bank 🥤

✨ Hey guys! I recently explored Changchun, and it’s an absolute hidden gem—I just *have* to share! Here’s my ultra-detailed Changchun travel guide, packed with high-value experiences that’ll make your trip unforgettable without draining your wallet!

**Accommodation 🏨**

1️⃣ **IM Designer Hotel**: Just over 100 RMB per night—unbeatable value! The vibe is top-tier for the price, and the location is prime for easy access to everything. A no-brainer stay!
2️⃣ **Hanting Hotel (Changchun Railway Station Branch)**: Budget-friendly at around 100+ RMB per night. Super convenient near the train station, with clean, comfy rooms—perfect for stress-free stays!

**Itinerary 📝**

**Day 1: History Meets Cinema**

💖 **Morning**: Head straight to the **Puppet Emperor's Palace Museum**, the former court of Puyi, China’s last emperor. Dive deep into Northeast China’s modern history. Pro tip: Use the Book Fair discount card for a ticket at just 35 RMB—don’t miss this steal!
💖 **Noon**: Feast at **Chunfahe Restaurant**—must-orders are *Guobaorou* (crispy sweet-and-sour pork) and *Xueyi Dousha* (snowy bean paste). Authentic Northeastern flavors that’ll win your heart!
💖 **Afternoon**: Visit the **Changchun Film Studio Museum**, the cradle of Chinese cinema, featuring immersive NPC performances. Then hop on the G54 Cultural Tourism Train (88 RMB) for coffee, souvenir stamps, and a ride through filming sites of *A Lifelong Journey*—retro vibes overload! 🌆
🌇 **Evening**: Explore **This Hill Mall**, a unique hillside shopping complex. Climb to the **Moon Toad Pavilion** for a photo with the giant Buddha head, then hit the night market for trendy street snacks—pure bliss!

**Day 2: Nature & Culinary Delights**

💖 **Morning**: Hike at **Jingyuetan National Forest Park**, Asia’s largest man-made forest. Snap pics at the reservoir dam, enjoy boating or zip-lining in summer, visit Taoist temples, and soak in the lake views. Sunset here? Instagram gold!
💖 **Noon**: Pack a lakeside picnic, or treat yourself to **Yuanshengju Hotpot**—mutton dipped in sesame sauce is legendary! At 80 RMB/person, it’s a steal.
💖 **Afternoon**: Unwind at **Tiandingshan Campground**. No gear? No problem! Choose between forest pods or lawn tents for a cool 22°C summer escape. Wooden decks blend seamlessly with nature, and gear rentals are hassle-free.
🌌 **Evening**: Return to Jingyuetan for a bonfire party—dance under the stars and let the forest’s magic wash away your fatigue!

**Day 3: Wildlife & Thrills**

💖 **Morning**: Visit **Changchun Zoological and Botanical Park**. Summer highlights include the "Snow Monkey" stand-up comedy and *Journey to the West*-themed antics—laughs guaranteed!
💖 **Noon**: Stroll **Guilin Road Food Street** for street eats like chicken soup tofu skewers and Northeastern grilled cold noodles—savor the local vibe!
💖 **Afternoon**: Adventure at **Slow Valley Camp Town** with kayaking, go-karts, and flight sims—fun for families and thrill-seekers alike!
🌃 **Evening**: Wind down at **South Lake Park**, admiring the nightscape. If you’re lucky, catch an open-air concert—the perfect finale!

**Food Recs 🍜**

🎯 **Yuanshengju**: Changchun’s top halal hotpot. Premium meat boiled in clear broth, paired with their signature sesame sauce, *shaomai* (steamed buns), and sweet garlic—heaven in a bite!
🎯 **Chunfahe Restaurant**: A century-old Jilin cuisine icon. *Guobaorou* and *Xueyi Dousha* sell out fast! Also try crispy chicken and deboned pork knuckle—Northeastern flavors at their finest.
🎯 **Old Changjiang Road Soup Dumplings**: 30+ years of fame for hand-wrapped, steamed dumplings. Pair with smoked delicacies like chicken rolls—nostalgia on a plate!
🎯 **Zhuangyuan Pavilion**: Changchun’s hottest BBQ joint. Their grilled pig’s feet are legendary, alongside paper-wrapped chicken and eggplant boxes. Happiness guaranteed!
🎯 **Wangji Braised Bones**: A 30-year veteran specializing in braised pork spine and ribs. Home-style dishes so good, they’re unforgettable!

✨ Folks, Changchun is a blast! Follow this guide, and you’ll eat, play, and save like a pro 😉. Pack your bags—your epic Changchun adventure awaits! 🎉

Post by JAMES GLOVER | Jul 26, 2025

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