Changchun is a very compact city planned by the Japanese with a layout of open avenues and public squares (guǎngchǎng). It is pretty easy to travel from one place to another; however, with the increase in private car ownership, traffic is getting worse by the day.

 

On Foot

From May to October, Changchun is a decent walking city; the weather is fine and there are no hills. The city does tend to be spread out, so travelers should plan on using other forms of transportation. During the winter months temperatures are too cold to walk longer distances in Changchun, so other forms of transport should be considered.

 

Bicycle

Travelers should be cautious of bicycling in Changchun. For half the year it's generally too cold and during the summer months, too dangerous. Unlike most big cities in China, Changchun doesn't separate its cycle lanes from the main traffic, which leads to buses, taxis, cars, and motorcycles sharing the same space as the cyclists. The whole situation is dangerous and this is perhaps the reason why by Chinese standards there are few people who regularly cycle here. The other problem is that because of the city's layout, there are plenty of large roundabouts where 4 or 5 busy roads converge on one another, making it extremely difficult to cycle without having to continually dismount.

 

Bus

Changchun has an extensive bus network and most of the buses cost only ￥1. However if those who can't read Chinese will find it nearly impossible to use the network as the signage is all in Chinese characters. Most buses go to the bus station outside the train station, and other central areas such as Guilin Lu ,Chongqing Lu and Hongqi Jie . Be aware that the buses are often extremely crowded and especially uncomfortable during the hot summers as there is no air conditioning.

 

Important Bus Numbers

362 6am-8.30pm. From the Train Station to Hongqi Jie (红旗街) Chongqing Lu (重庆路) and Guilin Lu (桂林路).

306 5.50am-11.30pm. Busy route that goes north/south along Renmin Dajie (人民大街) from the Train Station to Changchun University (长春大学).

80 6am-8pm. Circular route around Changchun that goes pretty much everywhere including Hongqi Jie (红旗街) Chongqing Lu (重庆路) Guilin Lu (桂林路) the Train Station and the Zoo.

240 6am-7.30pm. Satellite Square (卫星广场)to Culture square (文化广场) via Guilin Lu(桂林路)

 

Minibus

If you are in need of an adrenaline rush, look no further than one of the minibuses that tear around the city streets. Some places out in the suburbs are only serviced by such buses, and the fare is usually ￥1-2, but the drivers seem to think that they are on a giant racetrack most of the time and you will get thrown around - so hold on tight!

 

Tram

Despite the city once having the most complex tram system in Northern China, there is now only one remaining route still open. The number 54 Runs down Hongqi Street (红旗街) to the far west of the city (where there really isn't much). Many of the trams still in use today are the original cars from 1940, so it is worth the 1元 ride just for the authentic experience. travel for you.

 

Light Rail

The Light Rail (Qīngguǐ 轻轨) runs from 6am until 9pm 7 days a week. It currently goes from the west side of the train station to to the Jingyuetan (净月潭) tourist zone. It travels past Changchun University (长春大学) approximately half-way along the route, and takes 50 minutes to complete the entire journey. A ticket, purchased at any light rail station, costs 2-4元 each way, based upon the distance traveled.

 

Three-Wheeler

There are brightly coloured three wheel plastic taxis, available from near Changchun University (长春大学), which only operate for short distances in the south of the city. If you are in the Jingyuetan (净月潭) part of town, this is the easiest mode of transport as there are few taxis operating there. They are cheaper and slower than regular taxis. There is no meter, so expect to negotiate with the driver. A typical ride shouldn't exceed ￥3.

 

Motorcycle

If you need to get somewhere fast then jump on one of these. The generally hang around in the south of the city and out the suburbs. They are unlicenced to carry fare paying passengers, so bear in mind that if there is an accident, you might find yourself in trouble. However, they tend to drive in the cycle lanes at quite low speeds and so are safer than you might expect. Expect to pay as little as ￥ 1 for a short trip.

 

Taxi

Taxis are cheaper than most in other Chinese cities and the fare starts at ￥ 5 up to 2.5km, then ￥ 2 for every 500m. Several taxi companys are serving the city - the most newest one uses Sanata 3000 cars and hey are colored white/green. they are often in from of the five star star hotels like the ShangriLa.

 

Beware

Watch out for drivers taking you in circles or trying to extort more money from you for one reason or another. Make sure you know the names of places you are going to in Chinese and speak to the driver (or prepare the destination in chinese by the hotel reception); if you just give him a piece of paper with the name of the location on it, you're sure to get screwed over.

 

Special Touring Regions:

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