A bird's-eye view of Changchun's People's Square in Northeast China's Jilin province. [Photo/Jilin Daily]

After 22 years, Changchun's iconic People's Square reopened to the public on July 21, bringing back cherished memories while introducing new amenities that blend history, modern life, and cultural innovation.

Spanning 36,000 square meters in the heart of the city, the square had been closed since 2003 due to traffic concerns. Now fully renovated, it reclaims its place as a key transportation hub, civic gathering space, and symbol of Changchun's urban evolution.

At 8 am on the reopening day, the square's new underground transit corridor officially began operation, offering citizens and visitors direct access to the square.

"I've been looking forward to this day for years," said local resident Wang Xiaoru, who brought her child to experience the reopened square. "It holds so many childhood memories for me. Now I'm here with my own child."

The square's historical soul remains intact. At its center stands the Soviet Red Army Martyrs Memorial Tower, a landmark since 1945. In honor of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–1945) and the World Anti-Fascist War, the monument underwent a full restoration, including structural repairs and enhanced protective measures.

The renewed square now features over 100,000 flowers and more than 5,000 sq m of freshly planted lawns. Mature evergreens such as spruce and oil pine provide year-round greenery.

Young people drink coffee at the People's Coffee flagship store. [Photo/Jilin Daily]

A new highlight is the People's Coffee flagship store – the first of its kind in Jilin province. The café blends commerce with social care and culture, offering light meals, local souvenirs, and cultural products in a refreshing urban setting.