Things To Do
in Longtan

A leafy urban park with ponds, traditional pavilions and walking paths—excellent for morning tai chi scenes, autumn foliage and quiet river reflections.

Riverside promenades and bridges provide panoramic shots of the water, daily fishermen and sunset light; winter ice and summer riverside life both offer compelling seasonal photo opportunities.

Vibrant markets with colorful produce, preserved foods and busy vendors—great for street photography capturing local food culture and everyday commerce.

Short drives out of town lead to reservoirs and forested hills with misty mornings, migrating birds and long vistas—ideal for landscape and nature photography.

Handmade dumplings filled with pork and cabbage or lamb and green onion—available at breakfast stalls and family restaurants throughout Longtan; try them steamed or boiled at a local jiaozi shop.

Must-Try!

Pickled cabbage (suan cai) is used in soups and braised dishes for a tangy, warming flavor—try it in a pork and suan cai stew at neighborhood eateries.

A northeastern take on sweet-and-sour pork featuring a crisp coating and savory glaze; find it in mid-range restaurants serving Dongbei favorites.

Seasonal street-style skewers of meat and vegetables, popular in evening markets—order with cumin and chili for a true regional taste.

A bustling market where locals buy fresh vegetables, preserved goods and snacks—great for observing regional ingredients and trying quick bites like steamed buns, dumplings and local pickles.

Evening vendors near the river selling skewers, fried dough, sweet pancakes and warm soups; lively in summer and a good place to sample street food specialties.

A polite nod or handshake is common when meeting; addressing elders respectfully and offering seats to older people is appreciated. Use formal tones in first meetings and accept hospitality with thanks.

Meals are often shared family-style—wait to be invited to sit and for the host to start serving. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a rice bowl (it resembles funeral incense).

Queuing behavior can be relaxed in busy places; maintain polite persistence and a calm attitude. Public displays of anger are frowned upon—stay composed and patient.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets and traditional neighborhoods. Avoid intrusive shots in religious or private settings.

Tipping is not commonly expected in everyday situations in mainland China and is minimal in most restaurants; larger hotels or tour guides may accept or appreciate a small tip. In tourist-focused establishments or for private guides, a modest tip is fine but not obligatory.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate for local purchases, markets and taxis (where supported). Cash is still useful for small vendors; international credit cards are accepted at bigger hotels and restaurants but less so at street stalls.

Cool to mild with gradually warming temperatures; flowers and budding trees appear. Early spring may still be chilly—layers are recommended. Rain increases later in spring, so pack a light waterproof layer.

Warm and humid with long daylight hours—ideal for riverside walks and outdoor dining. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible; bring light clothing, insect repellent and sun protection. Night markets and lingering sunsets are highlights.

Crisp, clear air and fall foliage make this one of the most pleasant times to visit. Temperatures are moderate but drop quickly in the evenings—bring layers. Good season for hiking and photography.

Long, cold winters with snow and ice; daytime temperatures often well below freezing. Dress in warm layers, a good coat, hat, gloves and sturdy boots for icy sidewalks. Winter offers ice-focused activities and atmospheric snowy landscapes.

The local airport serving Jilin City with domestic flights to major Chinese hubs—reachable by taxi or airport shuttle; travel time to central Longtan is typically under an hour depending on traffic.

A larger international airport near Changchun (about 1.5–2 hours by car or intercity bus) offering more domestic and some international connections; a practical option if flying internationally or connecting through major hubs.