Changchun is situated in the northeastern frontier. The ancient ethnic group Sushen dwelt here over 2000 years ago. From Han Dynasty to Western Jin Dynasty, it was subordinate to Fuyu Realm, and then to Koguryo. In the middle and late periods of Tang Dynasty, it was governed by Fuyu Fu of Bohai Realm, and then by Longan Fu under Shangjing Lu of Jin Dynasty, Kaiyuan Lu under Liaoyang Province of Yuan Dynasty, respectively. In Ming Dynasty, Tamu Wei, Chidonghe Wei and Muguhe Wei were established in Changchun.

　　In early Qing Dynasty, the region was still a protected area. Large-scale exploration came after Emperor Qianlong’s reign, making the population here increase dramatically. In the fifth year of Emperor Jiaqing (1800), Qing Dynasty set up Changchun Ting under Jilin Jiangjun. The Standing Committee of CPC Changchun Municipal People’s Congress ratified the Action Plan of Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Founding of Changchun City on January 17, 2000, marking July 8, 1800 was the day the city was founded. In the fifth year of Daoguang Emperor (1825), Changzhi Suo was relocated northward to Kuanchengzi. In the fourth year of Tongzhi Emperor (1865), the moat and city wall were established. In the fourteen year of Guangxu Emperor (1888), Changchun Ting was promoted to Changchun Fu. In March 1913, Changchun Fu was renamed Changchun County. The founding of the city lasted from 1925 to 1929. The second day after the “September 18 Incident”, Changchun fell to the Japanese troops. In March 1932, Changchun was declared capital of Manchu State with a name called “New Capital”, and then changed to “New Capital Municipality” under the State Council of Manchu State in August of the same year. The Japanese surrendered unconditionally on August 15, 1945, leading to an end of the puppet regime of Manchu State. On December 20, 1945, the Central Government of Kuomintang founded the Municipal Government of Changchun City, under the jurisdiction of Jilin Province.

　　On October 19, 1948, Changchun was liberated. The CPC Changchun Municipal Committee and Changchun Municipal Government marched into the city. Changchun City was changed to Changchun Special City, under the Administrative Committee of Northeast China.

　　On May 9, 1949, Changchun Municipal Government was renamed Changchun Municipal People’s Government, under the jurisdiction of Jilin Province.

　　On August 1, 1953, Changchun was promoted to a central municipality.

　　On August 1, 1954, the Administrative Committee of Northeast China decided to make Changchun the capital city of Jilin Province. The People’s Government of Jilin Province moved from Jilin City to the new capital city Changchun on September 27, 1954.

　　On February 22, 1955, the People’s Committee of Jilin Province decided to rename Changchun Municipal People’s Government Changchun Municipal People’s Committee.

　　In November 1958, with the approval of the State Council, Shuangyang County, Jiutai County, Dehui County, Nong’an County and Yushu County went under the administration of Changchun City.

　　On March 6, 1968, Changchun Municipal Revolutionary Committee was founded.

　　On June 1, 1980, Changchun Municipal Revolutionary Committee was changed to Changchun Municipal People’s Government.

　　On August 31, 1988, Jiutai County was promoted to Jiutai City (country level).

　　In February 1989, Changchun was approved by the State Council as a municipality separately listed in the state plan, and given the economic management right, equal to sub-provincial level.

　　On December 26, 1990, Yushu County was promoted by the State Council to Yushu City (county level).

　　In July 1993, the State Council decided all capital cities were no longer municipalities separately listed in the state plan. In December of the same year, Changchun was no longer a municipality separately listed in the state plan.

　　On February 25, 1994, Changchun became a sub-provincial city.

　　On July 6, 1994, Dehui County was promoted to Dehui City (county level).

　　In August 1995, the suburban area of Changchun City was changed to Lvyuan District; Shuangyang County to Shuangyang District; and Erdaohezi District to Erdao District. Till then, Changchun formed an administrative pattern covering six districts (Nanguan, Kuancheng, Chaoyang, Erdao, Lvyuan and Shuangyang), three county-level cities (Jiutai, Yushu and Dehui), and one county (Nong’an).