Things To Do
in Longjia
Longjia is a small town and transport hub in Jilin province in northeast China, best known for Changchun Longjia International Airport and its mix of rural scenery and airport-related industry. The surrounding landscape combines agricultural fields, pockets of forest and low hills that change dramatically with the seasons, offering strong photo opportunities year-round. Longjia functions as a gateway for travelers heading to Changchun and nearby natural attractions, but retains a low-key, local atmosphere with modest shops, markets and family-run restaurants.
Visitors can easily pair a short stay in Longjia with day trips to larger city museums or nearby forest parks for hiking and birdwatching.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through Longjia's Historic Center, where ancient architecture meets the charm of local culture. Visit the Longjia Ancient Town and admire the traditional buildings, each telling a story of the region's rich history. Make sure to stop by a local bakery to sample fresh buns, a favorite breakfast among the locals.
After lunch at a quaint tea house, venture to the Longjia Museum to discover artifacts that showcase the area's heritage. Engage with the exhibits and learn about the craftsmanship of local artisans, which has been passed down through generations. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque streets, capturing photos of the colorful storefronts and artisan workshops.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic dishes such as spicy hotpot or flavorful dumplings. Post-dinner, explore the vibrant night market that comes alive with crafts, snacks, and lively entertainment. Cap off the evening with a traditional tea ceremony, immersing yourself in the local customs.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the Longjia Scenic Area, surrounded by lush mountains and serene landscapes. Breathe in the fresh air as you navigate through well-marked trails, taking in the breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species that inhabit this beautiful area.
After a morning of hiking, relax by one of the scenic lakes for a picnic lunch amidst nature. Spend your afternoon kayaking or paddle boating to fully appreciate the tranquility of the water. Capture the moment with stunning photographs of the surrounding mountains reflecting on the lake's surface.
Return to Longjia and enjoy a simple yet delightful dinner at a local eatery, where you can sample regional specialties. As night falls, find a cozy spot to watch the stars twinkle above, away from city lights. Reflect on the day's adventures while sipping on hot herbal tea, a soothing end to an active day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride (3–5 km) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway location with easy access to Changchun and regional transport
- Peaceful rural landscapes and strong seasonal scenery for photographers
- Authentic local markets and family-run restaurants offering Dongbei cuisine
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining within the town itself
- Harsh winter weather and occasional travel disruption from snow or ice
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？(duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "洗手间在哪里？(xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Where is the toilet?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "帮忙！(bāng máng!)" - Help!
- "劳驾/请问 (láo jià / qǐng wèn)" - Excuse me / May I ask...
Places to Visit in Longjia
Visit one of these nice places.
Good for aviation and sunset/sunrise photos; capture planes with the rural landscape backdrop and airport lighting at night. Respect restricted areas and photograph only from public viewpoints.
Vibrant street and market photography focal point — colorful produce, steamed buns, and candid shots of vendors and shoppers.
Open fields, irrigation channels and small bridges provide classic rural northeast China imagery, especially dramatic with seasonal crops or snow cover.
Forest paths, rock outcrops and ponds give opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography, particularly in autumn foliage and winter snow.
Capture everyday life, traditional homes, drying corn or chestnuts and domestic animals for authentic cultural shots.
Food in Longjia
Longjia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pan-fried or boiled dumplings with pork and cabbage or lamb fillings — ubiquitous in Dongbei and easy to find at local restaurants or markets.
Must-Try!
Crispy pork in a slightly sweet, tangy sauce; a popular comfort dish in the region and served in many family eateries.
A simple, warming stew made with potatoes and pork or beef, common in local home-style restaurants.
Crispy layered flatbread sold by street vendors, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where vendors sell fresh produce, dumplings, buns (baozi), pancakes and ready-to-eat snacks — great for sampling local flavors and photographing everyday life.
Small clusters of stalls near transport hubs selling fried skewers, pancakes, soy milk and sweet pastries; try skewered meats and hot soy milk on colder evenings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple nod or a polite “你好” (nǐ hǎo) is appropriate. Show respect to elders and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Use serving chopsticks if provided and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (it resembles funeral offerings). Finish your food as leaving a lot may be considered wasteful in some situations.
Queuing is expected for official services, but in busy local settings people may be less formal — stay patient and polite. Avoid loud phone conversations on public transport.
Ask permission before photographing people up close, especially inside private courtyards or at religious sites.
Avoid sensitive political topics or criticism of government policies in public conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Longjia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in small-town China; helpful staff in hotels or exceptional guides may accept small tips but it’s not customary. In tourist areas and higher-end hotels in nearby Changchun, tipping is becoming more common but remains discretionary.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate urban China and are commonly accepted in many shops and restaurants, though some rural vendors still prefer cash (RMB). Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but always carry some cash for markets, taxis and small establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid with temperatures typically between 20–28°C (68–82°F). This is the greenest season for fields and forests, good for hiking and birdwatching, but expect occasional thunderstorms and mosquitoes.
Crisp, pleasant weather with clear skies and colorful foliage from late September to October — one of the best times for photography and outdoor activities. Nights cool quickly, so bring layers.
Very cold and dry, with temperatures often below -10°C (14°F) and sometimes -20°C (-4°F) or colder; heavy snow is possible. Winter offers striking snowy landscapes and winter sports nearby, but dress warmly and be prepared for shortened daylight and icy roads.
Cool and wet in early spring with thawing fields; by late spring temperatures moderate and flowers begin to appear. Travel can be muddy in rural areas after snowmelt, so waterproof shoes are useful.
Longjia at Night
Hiking in Longjia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large forest park near Changchun known for its lake, pine forests and well-marked trails — excellent for day hikes, birdwatching and autumn foliage photography.
Short scenic trails along rivers and irrigation channels near Longjia, ideal for easy walks, cycling and sunrise/sunset photography.
Network of rural paths that pass through farmland, small villages and patches of woodland — good for self-guided hikes and cultural exploration, best in non-winter months.
Further afield are higher-elevation areas and ski resorts that offer hiking in summer and skiing/ice activities in winter; plan as a day trip or overnight from Longjia.
Airports
How to reach Longjia by plane.
The main airport serving Longjia, Changchun and Jilin City — conveniently located and offering domestic and some international flights. Ground transportation includes taxis, airport shuttles and some bus routes into Changchun.
A larger airport to the south (a few hours by road or rail) that offers additional domestic and international connections; useful as an alternative if flight options are limited.
Further north (several hours’ travel) and useful for travelers combining a trip to Harbin and the broader northeast — more relevant for multi-city itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in the area, forming the bulk of the population and local culture.
The broader Jilin region includes ethnic Manchu and ethnic Koreans, contributing to regional cultural diversity and some local customs and cuisines.
Like many smaller towns in northeast China, Longjia has an aging rural population with younger people often working or studying in larger cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A very popular recreational sport across China, with many pickup games in schoolyards, parks and community courts.
Widely played indoors, table tennis is a common pastime in community centers and recreational venues.
Given the cold winters in Jilin province, ice skating and skiing are popular in season, and regional facilities cater to winter-sport enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longjia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural eateries; order dishes with tofu, egg, vegetables and noodle pancakes. Use the phrase “我吃素” (wǒ chī sù) to indicate vegetarian; clarify no meat or fish by saying “不吃肉和鱼” (bù chī ròu hé yú). Larger restaurants in Changchun offer more varied vegetarian choices.
Full vegan meals can be challenging due to common use of meat-based broths and sauces — explicitly request no meat, no lard and no egg, and consider eating at vegetarian restaurants in nearby Changchun if strict vegan options are required.
Wheat is a staple (noodles, pancakes, dumplings) so gluten-free dining is difficult in smaller towns; rice-based dishes and simple stir-fried vegetables are safer bets, but always ask about sauces and wheat-containing ingredients.