Shenyang Attractions: Top Things to Do in Shenyang, China

• Type: Historical Site, Museum

• Address: Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province (辽宁省沈阳市沈河区)

• Ticket: CNY 50/person

• Opening Time: April 10th - October 10th 08:30~17:30, October 11th - next April 9th 09:00~16:30; Closed on Mondays

When it comes to must-visit places in Shenyang, Mukden Palace (沈阳故宫) can be ranked on the top of the list. It is one of the two most complete ancient palace complexes in China. Built in the 17 and 18 centuries, the Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang represents the founding stage of the Qing Dynasty before it expanded its power to central China and moved the capital to Beijing. This palace then became an auxiliary to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. It has high architectural and historical importance in providing testimony to the history of the Qing Dynasty and to the cultural traditions of the Manchu and other tribes in the north of China.

Mukden Palace is located in the historic centre of Shenyang, now one of the large industrial centres in northern China. The palace consists of 114 buildings, can be divided into three sections: the eastern, the central and the western sections. There is not only architecture of the former dynasty full of Manchu characteristics, but also a large number of precious cultural relics. In 2004, Mukden Palace was listed on the World Heritage List as a cultural heritage extension project of the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

2 Days Classic Shenyang Tour with Mukden Palace Cultural Exploration

Routes: Shenyang
Highlights: Mukden Palace, Marshal Zhang Mansion, Zhaoling (beiling Park), Shenyang Zhongshan Pedestrian Street...

• Type: Historical Site, Mausoleum

• Address: No.12 Taishan Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province (辽宁省沈阳市皇姑区泰山路12号)

• Ticket: Beiling Park CNY 6/person; Zhaoling CNY 40/person

• Opening Time: April 1st - October 31st 07:00~17:00, November 1st - next March 31st 08:00~16:00

Beiling Park (北陵公园), located in the northern part of Shenyang city, is a park centered on the Zhaoling Mausoleum of the Qing Dynasty (清昭陵), where the second Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Huang Taiji and empress Xiaozhuang, were buried. While Walking through the long footpath, ornamental columns and stone lions on both side are beautifully carved. After entering through the Zhenghong Gate, visitors may see two exquisitely carved stone horse and numerous ornamentations of Tibetan and Manchu characteristics.

Surrounded by lush trees and towering ancient pines, Beiling Lake is rippling with blue waves in spring and summer, making it a good place for a leisurely stroll. In winter, the park shows a beautiful northern snow scene. The antique park submerged in a piece of white. Travelers may also have a chance to enjoy the fun of skating on the lake.

2 Days Classic Shenyang Tour with Mukden Palace Cultural Exploration

Routes: Shenyang
Highlights: Mukden Palace, Marshal Zhang Mansion, Zhaoling (beiling Park), Shenyang Zhongshan Pedestrian Street...

• Type: Historical Site, Mansion, Museum

• Address: No.46 Shaoshuaifu Alley, Chaoyang Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province (辽宁省沈阳市沈河区朝阳街少帅府巷46号)

• Ticket: CNY 46/person

• Opening Time: May 1st - October 15th 08:30~17:30, October 16th - next April 30th 08:30~17:00; Closed on Mondays

The so-called "a marshal mansion, half of the history of the Republican Period"- Marshal Zhang Mansion (张氏帅府) is the best-preserved former residence of celebrities in northeast China. It was the official and private residence of Zhang Zuolin (张作霖), the last head of state of the Beiyang Government, and his eldest son, the great patriot General Zhang Xueliang(张学良). So far, the mansion has gone through a century of wind and rain. 

Covering a total area of 36,000 square meters, the architectural system of the mansion consists of four parts: the east courtyard, the central courtyard, the west courtyard and the buildings outside the courtyard. Each architecture style is different. There is traditional Chinese style, Chinese and Western style, Roman style, Nordic style and Japanese style. Travelers can also enjoy the stone carvings, wood carvings, brick carvings, murals, as well as the many precious Chinese calligraphy works of Zhang and his son in the luxurious mansion, and listen to the touching love story at the Miss Zhao Si Building (赵四小姐楼).

• Type: Museum

• Address: No. 157 Zhihui Third Street, Hunnan New District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province (辽宁省沈阳市浑南新区智慧三街157号)

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Time: April 1st - October 31rd 09:00~17:00, November 1st - next March 31th 09:30~16:30; Closed on Mondays

Liaoning Provincial Museum (辽宁省博物馆), located in Hunnan District, is the first museum established in New China. With so many treasures handed down from the past, it is suitable to take out half a day or a full day to savor.

The museum has three floors, with a total of more than 100,000 pieces of cultural relics on display, including the three major cultural relics in famous TV program National Treasure: Bronze Awning Gold Wood Core Stirrup (铜篷金木芯马镫), the Tang Dynasty Copying Wang Xizhi's Calligraphy (唐摹王羲之一门书翰) and the Song Dynasty Copying Gu Kaizhi's Luoshenfutu (宋人摹顾恺之《洛神赋图》卷). Besides, the world-renowned Ladies with Head-pinned Flowers (簪花仕女图) and the amazing artwork of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty - Auspiciou Cranes (瑞鹤图), etc. can also be seen in the painting exhibition hall of the museum. With so many high quality collections, Liaoning Provincial Museum is definitely a valuable highlight for your Shenyang tour.

8 Days Northeast China Tour with Harbin Ice & Snow Festival

Routes: Harbin / Jilin / Changchun / Shenyang / Dalian
Highlights: Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, St. Sophia Church, Jilin Wusong Island, Mukden Palace, Tiger Beach Scenic Park, Dalian Harbor

• Type: Architecture, Church

• Address: No.40 Nanlejiao Road, Xiaonan Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province (辽宁省沈阳市沈河区小南街南乐郊路40号)

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Time: 8:00~17:00

Xiaonan Catholic Church (小南天主教堂) is a Gothic building. Locals also call it "NanGuan Church". The church was originally built by French missionaries during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, but was later burned down during the period of social unrest of Boxer Rebellion. It was rebuilt on the original site in 1912 by France with boxer indemnity from the Peace Protocol of 1901.

The whole church is divided into two parts. The main church in the east is built of blue brick. The large rose window in the center is very beautiful. The interior of the church is broad and quiet. The four-story exquisite building in the west is the bishop’s house, which is a perfect place to take photos.

• Type: Museum, Historical Site

• Address: No.46 Wanghuanan Street, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province (辽宁省沈阳市大东区望花南街46号)

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Time: April 1st - October 31st 08:30~17:00, November 1st - next March 31st 09:00~16:30

Shenyang has always played an important role in modern Chinese history, and “September 18” Historical Museum (九·一八历史博物馆) is a witness to the ups and downs of the city's fate. In 1931, the Japanese blew up the railroad next to Willow Lake. Since then, the Second World War has begun in eastern countries. The site of the museum is where the Manchurian Incident occurred in 1931. There are 7 galleries in the museum. Stone tablets, instruments of torture, weapons and other exhibits on display reflect the city's unforgettable history. Entrance is free. The exhibition is cruel, but it reminds visitors how important peace is.

Except for the must-visit attractions mentioned above, tourists to Shenyang can also watch ice carvings and ski in Qipan Mountain Scenic Spot (棋盘山风景区) in winter; Stroll along Zhongjie (中街), China's first pedestrian street, in search of the cate of the world's oldest old dumpling house; Join a lively temple fair during the Spring Festival; Try the legendary "Northeast Bathhouse (东北澡堂文化)"; If you are interested in Errenzhuan, you can head to Liu Laogen Grand Stage (刘老根大舞台) to feel the charm of northeast local opera... Only Shenyang can bring you such sensory collision!