长春市

Why this place

Changchun grew as a railway junction and then as the capital of the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo, which built broad avenues and heavy buildings. It now holds the Palace of the puppet emperor Puyi and the film studios that gave China much of its early cinema.

What to see

• The Palace of Manchukuo, where Puyi was installed as a figurehead emperor from 1932 to 1945
• Jingyuetan, a lake park within the city — the largest artificial forest park in Asia
• The Changchun Film Studio museum, and the car plant that built China's first trucks

What to eat

• Northeast stews and pickled cabbage
• Changchun is known for its cold noodles and its barbecue

How to plan

One day for the palace and the city's modern history; add a day for the film and car museums if those interest you.

Best time

May–June and September–October; winter skating and the snow-and-ice festival in January