Changchun Cultural Square
Changchun Cultural Square
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Changchun Cultural Square
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
42 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
18
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Windixon
Toronto55 contributions
Jul 2011 • Business
Before this review begins, it should be mentioned that the functional part of Culture Square is incorrectly labeled on the map provided by Trip Advisor. The heart of the square is best defined at the cross streets of Xin Min Da Jie and Jiefang Lu. I think I have counted at least 12 (brain is rusty – might be 16) lanes of traffic in these cross streets, which are better managed by lights than when I first visited in 2003. At that time, you took your life in your hands to make the crossing. I am a confident walker in Chinese cities, but I still find this particular crossing to be a little daunting. If you need to cross here, it is best to cross with locals, take a cab, or map a route which has you crossing on the streets east or west of the square.
Without any question, if there was one thing from China I would like replicated and re-packaged for use in the west, it would be Changchun’s Culture Square. On a typical summer night, the square will have thousands (probably closer to tens of thousands) of people, engaged in all kinds of activities. It is a fine representation of community & culture. In essence, it is a simple and humble meeting of people, offering something for folks of all ages and social classes. There are throngs of grandparents, teenagers, labourers and well-to-do middle class people – basically a cross-section from every strata of China’s complex society. For travelers who want to experience “Real China,” this is it in an urban context.
In all my travels, I have never come across anything that approximates it. Whenever I visit the square, I am struck by how insular and isolated the people in my home city [Toronto] actually are. If you have sociological bent, Culture Square probably acts as a release valve for stressful urban life in the city by giving people a place to chill and escape the pressures of a competitive economy.
There is a main concert stage, which often runs Chinese-style variety shows. There will also be about 5-10 or more impromptu or more established performances scattered through the area, covering every conceivable genre from Jilin opera to break dancing. There are many small vendors selling toys for kids. There are all kind of people flying kites and playing all kinds of sports including basketball and badminton. There is a large rollerblading area and huge complex of inexpensive outdoor BBQ restaurants on the outer flank. I am probably not giving the area descriptive justice. The area is pretty fluid, and there are people engaged in every conceivable Chinese pastime.
Changchun is an incredibly safe city, and Culture Square is very safe. People are relaxed and simply escaping the stress of the city. Of course, you should practice common techniques for preventing pickpocketing (as you would in any mass gathering,) but I have been to the square well over 30 times without seeing any kind of incident.
I would also give fair warning that this square is not party central. I have crossed paths with a few wasted backpackers, and they were really out of place and frankly…embarrassing. While the square is very upbeat and energetic, it is very much a place for simple pleasures. Given that the crowds are so massive, the people are, by Chinese standards, exceedingly respectful and appreciative of the space. The outdoor BBQ restaurant complex is a little more animated as people are drinking beer and might be louder and a smidge more argumentative, but it is more of a case of people happy to be out for the night.
Unless you are well-heeled and looking for the finer things that Changchun can provide, no summer trip to Changchun is complete without a visit to Culture Square.
Without any question, if there was one thing from China I would like replicated and re-packaged for use in the west, it would be Changchun’s Culture Square. On a typical summer night, the square will have thousands (probably closer to tens of thousands) of people, engaged in all kinds of activities. It is a fine representation of community & culture. In essence, it is a simple and humble meeting of people, offering something for folks of all ages and social classes. There are throngs of grandparents, teenagers, labourers and well-to-do middle class people – basically a cross-section from every strata of China’s complex society. For travelers who want to experience “Real China,” this is it in an urban context.
In all my travels, I have never come across anything that approximates it. Whenever I visit the square, I am struck by how insular and isolated the people in my home city [Toronto] actually are. If you have sociological bent, Culture Square probably acts as a release valve for stressful urban life in the city by giving people a place to chill and escape the pressures of a competitive economy.
There is a main concert stage, which often runs Chinese-style variety shows. There will also be about 5-10 or more impromptu or more established performances scattered through the area, covering every conceivable genre from Jilin opera to break dancing. There are many small vendors selling toys for kids. There are all kind of people flying kites and playing all kinds of sports including basketball and badminton. There is a large rollerblading area and huge complex of inexpensive outdoor BBQ restaurants on the outer flank. I am probably not giving the area descriptive justice. The area is pretty fluid, and there are people engaged in every conceivable Chinese pastime.
Changchun is an incredibly safe city, and Culture Square is very safe. People are relaxed and simply escaping the stress of the city. Of course, you should practice common techniques for preventing pickpocketing (as you would in any mass gathering,) but I have been to the square well over 30 times without seeing any kind of incident.
I would also give fair warning that this square is not party central. I have crossed paths with a few wasted backpackers, and they were really out of place and frankly…embarrassing. While the square is very upbeat and energetic, it is very much a place for simple pleasures. Given that the crowds are so massive, the people are, by Chinese standards, exceedingly respectful and appreciative of the space. The outdoor BBQ restaurant complex is a little more animated as people are drinking beer and might be louder and a smidge more argumentative, but it is more of a case of people happy to be out for the night.
Unless you are well-heeled and looking for the finer things that Changchun can provide, no summer trip to Changchun is complete without a visit to Culture Square.
Written January 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MattwalesNorthWales
Chengdu, China2,129 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
I read the previous review, and agree that in China parks and public spaces are brilliant places to visit in the spring and summer when they are windows on Chinese culture and society. This place is probably a great example of this in summer, but on a February afternoon when it is -23 degrees not a great deal happens and there is not a great deal to see. There are a couple of good snow sculptures and the central statue stands out but otherwise it is just a cold windswept space.
Written February 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin H
Changchun30 contributions
Jun 2015
Always something happening from kite flying to Chinese art, from traditional dancing to traditional songs.
It's the heart of Changchun.
It's the heart of Changchun.
Written November 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra F
49 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
This is little more than a square in the daytime. Lots of space and beautiful flowers and trees. Great for picnics or flying kites. In the evening (in the summer), things change. There is music, dancing, shows, stands to buy things at, and lots of people.
Written July 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunki_kim
Changchun, China3 contributions
Aug 2016
very good place for healing yourself and time for your family.
not so big, but not so small. it is good for half-day picnic.
not so big, but not so small. it is good for half-day picnic.
Written April 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Y
Singapore, Singapore4,724 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
This is the second largest square in the world after Tiananmen. But as it is now a construction site for the subway, there is not much to see except for a big construction site. Should be interesting again after the subway is completed.
Written October 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seth L
Colorado Springs, CO138 contributions
Jul 2015 • Business
Two summers ago, I went to this place with a few expat families, and wow, what a fascinating place! Here in Changchun Culture Square 长春文化广场 you will find people partaking in all sorts of activities from kite-flying, playing music, dancing, playing soccer, exercising, and many more. If you're ever in Cahngchun, be sure to check out Culture Square!
Written June 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan H
Palmerston North, New Zealand91 contributions
May 2016 • Business
On previous visits we have spent evenings in this amazing park. There is all sorts of enjoyable night activity. Kites flying day and night which are spectacular. We didnt stop this time as a large area of the park is currently disturbed by construction of the new underground rail.
Written May 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johann h
41 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
It's one of the the biggest squares in China, in the winter it's not as good as it is in the summer. I it's a beautiful place to visit to see the local culture and society come out to enjoy the summer. There is a massive statue of a naked man in he middle of the square surrounded by plenty of green lawns and an atletic track. You can rent a kite and hang out with the locals and enjoy one of three favorite past time time activities. They love there kites and it's not as easy as it looked, because the kites are allot bigger then the ones I grew up flying back home. Take a book or just your MP3 player and enjoy a relax afternoon in this huge square.
Written January 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turdis
London, UK29 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
The 2nd largest square in China so I'm told, Culture Square or Wenhua Guangchang is a pretty large open space in the centre of the city.
It's a great opportunity to see people from all over mixing, walking their dogs, chatting, eating and generally going about their business.
In the summer evenings this place comes to life with local musicians and groups of dancers, of all ages. You can join in too.
There's some good resaurants nearby on the east side of the square if beijing duck or 'bones' is what you're after.
Just don't walk on the grass!
It's a great opportunity to see people from all over mixing, walking their dogs, chatting, eating and generally going about their business.
In the summer evenings this place comes to life with local musicians and groups of dancers, of all ages. You can join in too.
There's some good resaurants nearby on the east side of the square if beijing duck or 'bones' is what you're after.
Just don't walk on the grass!
Written August 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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