Facts for the Traveller
At a Glance
Changchun, the political capital of the Jilin province, is a modern industrial city that is growing by leaps and bounds. Yet it remains a city with both historic and contemporary attractions, and sets the cultural standards for the region. The city's hosting of the 2007 Sixth Asian Winter Games symbolises the city's growth and increasing stature within China.Plug Type
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LanguageMandarin ChinesePopulation6.9 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltageWashroom: 110 volts; Bedroom: 220 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 900/1800
Visas

Visas are required for all international travellers entering mainland China. Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Japan, or Singapore can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.

Visas are readily available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most Western and many other countries. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days.  You can also make visa arrangements at certain travel agencies. Visa applications generally require at least one photo.

A 30-day visa is activated on the date you enter China, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are often more difficult to obtain.

Please consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese Embassy or Consulate for further details.

Visa Requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of money itself is called the yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.RMB 1.00 equals:
.14
US Dollar (USD)
.18
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.10
Euro (EUR)
.08
British Pound (GBP)
1.08
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
6.52
Indian Rupee (INR)
14.78
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.21
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.20
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Taxes
A 15% surcharge including government tax is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies. Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours8.30am to 4.30 pm, Monday to FridayOffice Hours8.30am to 5pm, Monday to FridayShop HoursSummer: 9am - 9pm
Winter: 9am - 8pm
Public Health

Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.

Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Changchun. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every room.

Dress
Dress is generally informal in Changchun except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate. Winter requires heavy clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves as temperatures can drop to well below freezing with strong winds.
Weather
Changchun has a cool weather climate ranging from highs of 28C (82F) during the summer to winter temperatures as cold as -28C (-18F) during the winter.
Five-Day Forecast
Today
Tomorrow
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Partly Sunny with Showers

Partly Sunny with Showers

Windy and cooler with sun and clouds
High: 12C
Low: 1C
High: 54F
Low: 34F
Sunny

Sunny

A full day of sunshine
High: 14C
Low: 5C
High: 57F
Low: 41F
Sunny

Sunny

Warmer with abundant sunshine
High: 20C
Low: 8C
High: 68F
Low: 46F
Sunny

Sunny

Sunshine
High: 20C
Low: 9C
High: 68F
Low: 48F
Sunny

Sunny

Sunshine and mild
High: 21C
Low: 10C
High: 70F
Low: 50F