Shenyang Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 沈阳 (shěn yáng)
Population: 8,322,000
Area: 12,948 square kilometers (4,999 square miles)
Location: in the central area of Liaoning Province, northeast China
Administrative Division: 10 districts (Heping, Shenhe, Huanggu, Dadong, Tiexi, Hunnan, Yuhong, Shenbei New Area, Sujiatun, Liaozhong); 2 counties (Kangping, Faku); 1 county-level city (Xinmin)
Area Code: 024
Zip Code: 110000
GDP (2019): CNY 647.03 billion (USD 93.79 billion)

Located in the central part of Liaoning Province, Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning Province, famous for heavy industry equipment manufacturing. This city, bordered by the Liaodong Peninsula on the south side and Changbai Mountains on the north side, belongs to Bohai economic circle. With dense high speed railways, expressways and intercity networks, Shenyang has developed a transportation system.

With a history of over 2,000 years, Shenyang saw its most prosperous periods when Huang Taiji established the Qing Dynasty (1636 - 1912) in 1636. The Shenyang Imperial Palace, former royal residences and other valuable historical sites including imperial tombs, temples, pagodas and former residences of celebrities. Besides, the city witnessed the darkest moment of China during the Sino-Japan wars and today you can visit ''9.18'' History Museum to learn about the history.

As the largest city in Northeast China, it is the capital as well as political, economic and cultural center of Liaoning Province. It is also an important industrial base and a famous historical city. Giving birth to the ancient Qing Dynasty, it has one of the country's two best preserved imperial palace complexes. The major attractions include International Ice and Snow Festival, September 18th Historical Museum and Xinglong Indoor Park & Glacier Zoological Paradise.

Top 10 Things to Do in Shenyang

Nowadays, Shenyang becomes a popular tourist destination equipped with convenience in transportation system and public facilities, making it accessible for tourists from China and abroad. A wide range of transportation can facilitate trips to/from the city, such as direct flights, high-speed trains and long-distance buses. The urban transportation is also well developed because of the convenient public buses, taxis and subways.

 Since Jan. 1, 2018, the 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Liaoning scheme has been implemented in Liaoning for citizens from 53 countries and regions including USA, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, etc., and Shenyang Taoxian Airport is one of the entry / exit ports.

Shenyang weather is relatively dry most of the year with spikes in precipitation during the summer months due to the influence of monsoons. Temperatures vary as much as 10 degrees Celsius from daytime to night, and in winter they can drop below 0 degrees Celsius, so the smart traveler will plan to dress in layers. The best time to visit Shenyang is in spring, autumn and winter. In spring, Shenyang enjoys a warm climate, suitable for climbing to enjoy bloomy flowers. A noise and joyful temple fair and Lantern Festival is expected to be held in January. The cool and dry autumn is for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Although cold in winter, visitors can ski, appreciate ice sculptures and experience various activities by International Ice and Snow Festival.

 History: Shenyang is a celebrated old city with more than 2,000 years of history which can be traced back to Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC). It is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and has many cultural relics which symbolize the prosperity and subsequent decline of China's last feudal dynasty... The most famous of these is the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is of great historic and artistic significance and second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing in the extent of its preservation Fuling Mausoleum and Zhaoling Tomb are two other famous imperial structures of the Qing Dynasty.

 Physical Features: Among the natural wonders, the most impressive and unusual is Strange Slope (Guaipo), an 'anti-gravity'slope more than eighty meters (about 87.5 yards) long. Cars and bikes must accelerate to go down the hill but easily roll upward toward the top. Walkers experience a similar reversal in energy required to walk up and down.

 Local Highlights: As a significant city in Northeast China with abundant resources, it has made great efforts to provide good lodging, dining, transportation and recreation for visitors from all over the world. Altogether there are five five-star hotels here, and the service and facilities of the other star-rated hotels in the city are all good enough to make you feel at home. In addition, you can find less expensive accommodations at local universities and hostels.

 Local Food: Famous traditional dishes and snacks here will definitely make your mouth water. There are plenty of pubs, KTVs (karaoke bars), cafes, and tea houses available to meet your food and entertainment needs. A visit to this city can be both entertaining and relaxing.

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 Further Reading:

10 Best Cities in China for Budget Travelers

Top 10 China Main Cities for Nature Lovers