Changchun, capital city of Northeast China’s Jilin province, is continuing to thrive in the progress of making towards becoming a regional center in Northeast Asia, following seven decades of development since 1949, according to local officials.

The city has long been hailed as being the cradle of China’s automobile industry and the movie industry. It boasts carmaker FAW Group, established in 1953, CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles -- a key project during the country’s first Five-year Plan period (1953-1957) -- as well as the Changchun Film Studio, the first film studio ever established in China.

It is a city with plenty of green, having focused on improving the environment during its economic development. At present, 41.5 percent of the city’s urban area is covered with green plants, and the amount of park land per capita stands at 11 square meters.

It is also famous for sculptures. People can spot various sculptures in the streets, parks and at squares. The top tip is that two places –– Changchun World Sculpture Park and Beihu Wetland Park –– are the best choices to view sculptures in Changchun.

Changchun World Sculpture Park hosts a collection of 453 pieces of sculptures created by 402 sculptors from 216 countries and regions. Beihu Wetland Park also displays 107 sculptures by world-famous sculptors.

Nanhu Park, Changchun International Automotive Park and Jingyuetan National Forest Park also house a large number of sculptures.

The science and technology sector also thrives in the city. Recent data revealed that Changchun is now home to more than 60 universities and colleges, around 100 research institutions and 15 national key laboratories, with more than 400,000 professional technology staff.

The tourism sector also flourishes there. Changchun is now promoting its winter tourism, night-time tourism, as well as rural tourism, in a combination of local cultures.

Officials said the city is moving towards being the perfect place for more balanced living that is also a great place to start a business.

Once a wetland, Beihu Park in Changchun, Jilin province, is now a perfect place for visitors to come and chill. [Photo/Jilin Daily]

A well-developed transportation system is now in place in Changchun. [Photo/Jilin Daily]

The Changchun New Area [Photo/Jilin Daily]