Changchun, China | World’s Best Cities

Changchun, China

Changchun, known as the cradle of China’s automotive and film industries, is synonymous nationally with innovation. But while home to the China FAW Group, one of the country’s largest automobile manufacturers, and the historic Changchun Film Studio, this northeastern city isn’t confined to its industrial roots; it’s in the midst of a dynamic reinvention that underscores its role as a modern economic and cultural hub.The city’s ambition is clear in its pursuit of a high-tech future, particularly in optoelectronic technology (industrializing the science of light). Changchun’s bold initiative to establish a billion-dollar optoelectronic industry cluster within three years highlights its focus on sectors like integrated circuits, lasers, satellite applications and the industrial internet. This cutting-edge development places Changchun firmly on the map as a rising 21st-century tech hub and one of China’ s fastest-growing second cities. Not surprisingly, it ranks #58 in our overall Prosperity index. In 2023, the city reported robust 6% GDP growth, while 2024 continued this momentum with growing national and global investment and surging import-export volume and retail sales. Culturally, Changchun holds its own, too. The renowned Changchun Film Festival celebrates its cinematic heritage, while performances of Er Ren Zhuan, a vibrant folk art popular in northeastern China, connect visitors to its traditions.