While it is not a popular domestic tourist destination, Changchun's history in the early 20th century was quite important, being the capital of the Japanese-backed Manchukuo from 1932-1945. This puppet state was part of the Japanese plot that eventually led to a full-blown invasion of China in World War II.
In 1932, Changchun became the new capital of Manchukuo, Japan's puppet state in northeastern China. Great transport links to their Korean colony and its central location made it the perfect place to build a grand city with leafy boulevards, large roundabouts, and imposing buildings.
The grandest of the structures are known as the "8 ministries", 6 of which are still standing today.
Back at the top end of the street, the Japanese had intended to build a new royal palace on Culture Square, but the end of World War II and the Japanese retreat stopped that plan. Now the site is also part of the local university.
The Japanese tried to legitimize their colonization and subsequent invasion of China by installing a familiar face to their puppet state, Manchukuo. They brought out Aisin-Gioro Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, who was removed from power as republicans swept away the imperial system in 1912.
The palace is spread across a number of buildings with many exhibits of living quarters and offices during the Japanese colonial era. Inside the main building, the Wide Hall was used by Puyi to greet Japanese and other high-ranking officials as well as family dinners.
To impress his Japanese overlords, the Japan Room was built to demonstrate Puyi's country and Japan are inseparable.
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