The Eight Departments of Manchukuo (伪满八大部) were the primary governing bodies of the puppet state of Manchukuo, established in 1932 when the last Chinese emperor, Aisin-Gioro Puyi, declared Changchun as the capital, renaming it Xinjing. These departments were created to administer various aspects of the state under Japanese supervision and were collectively known as the “Eight Departments.” The departments included the Security Department, Judicial Department, Economic Department, Transportation Department, Agriculture Department, Education and Culture Department, Foreign Affairs Department, and Public Welfare Department.
Each department operated from its own dedicated office building located on Anmin Street (now Xinmin Street) between Shuntian Square (currently Wenhua Square) and Anmin Square (now Xinmin Square) in Changchun. On the western side of Anmin Street, from north to south, the buildings housed the Military Department, Economic Department, and Transportation Department. Opposite the Economic Department on the eastern side stood the Judicial Department. These institutions were integral to maintaining Japanese imperial control over Northeast China, serving as the administrative backbone that enforced colonial policies and oppressed the local population.
The architectural style of the Eight Departments was characterized by the “Asia Rising” aesthetic, which blended Western and Asian architectural elements. This style reflected the broader architectural trends of the Japanese-controlled regions in Asia during that period. The Military Department, constructed in 1935, was notable for its triangular layout covering over 50,000 square meters and featured a green glazed-tile roof. Similarly, the Judicial Department, also built in 1935, spanned the same area and was a four-story structure adorned with a green-tile roof.
Other departments displayed unique architectural features tailored to their specific functions. The Public Welfare Department, Transportation Department, Agriculture Department, and Economic Department primarily utilized red glazed tiles for their roofs, adding vibrant color contrasts to the overall streetscape. The Transportation Department, built in 1935, was a four-story building with two wings each rising to three stories, topped with deep red glazed tiles. The Agriculture Department, established the same year, had an arch-shaped floor plan with a two-story main building and a deep red glazed-tile roof. The Economic Department occupied over 40,000 square meters with a five-story main building and four-story wings, also featuring red glazed tiles. The Education and Culture Department, built in 1935 and later expanded in 1986 after a fire, was a grey, rectangular building originally two stories high and later increased to three.
The Foreign Affairs Department, constructed earlier in 1932, stood out with its Western-style fortress architecture, differentiating it from the other seven departments. This building was designed to project strength and authority, aligning with its role in managing international relations and diplomatic affairs.
Today, the historical buildings of the Eight Departments have been repurposed and integrated into modern institutions. Many of these structures are now part of Jilin University’s Bethune Medical School, housing the first and third clinical hospitals as well as related medical research facilities. These buildings serve as a reminder of the region’s complex history and architectural heritage, blending historical significance with contemporary functionality.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0431-82287551 |
Location and Transportation
The Eight Departments of Manchukuo are located near No. 126 Xinmin Street, Chaoyang District, Changchun City, Jilin Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 152, 156, 229, G362, G62, Z255 or Z276 and get off at Jiefang Avenue stop (解放大路站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the scenic area is Culture Square on line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit C1, you will see the historic buildings right in front of you.
