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Shenyang

Shenyang (沈阳, Shěnyáng) is a provincial capital on the rise. Its sleek metro hums beneath wide boulevards and contemporary glass monoliths, while an underrated Imperial Palace and tomb complex – sadly overlooked by all bar the history buffs – lies at either end of its park-lined urban centre.

Liaoning's largest city also has a proudly cosmopolitan dining scene (think Korean and Hui Muslim for starters) and a post-industrial wealth and sensibility befitting the more established cities further south. Easily accessible from Beijing and beyond, visitors to Shenyang may also enjoy the shopping, museums and a stroll around Zhongshan Lu, a picturesque neighbourhood with well-preserved, early-20th-century architecture, another pleasant Dongbei surprise.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Shenyang.

  • Historic Site

    Shenyang Imperial Palace

    This impressive palace complex resembles a small-scale Forbidden City. Constructed between 1625 and 1636 by Manchu emperor Nurhachi (1559–1626) and his son, Huang Taiji, the palace served as the residence of the Qing dynasty rulers until 1644. The central courtyard buildings include ornate ceremonial halls and imperial living quarters, including a royal baby cradle. In all, there are 114 buildings, not all of which are open to the public. Zhong Jie metro station (exit B) is a few minutes north.

  • Historic Site

    Tomb of Huang Taiji

    One of Shenyang's highlights is this extensive tomb complex, the burial place of Huang Taiji (1592–1643), founder of the Qing dynasty. The tomb’s animal statues lead up to the central mound known as the Luminous Tomb (Zhāo Líng). In many ways a better-preserved complex than Shenyang's Imperial Palace, the tomb site is worth a few hours examining the dozens of buildings with their traditional architecture and ornamentation. The Tomb of Huang Taiji sits a few kilometres north of town inside expansive Beiling Park.

  • Park

    Beiling Park

    With its pine trees and large lake, this park is an excellent place to escape Shenyang’s hubbub. Locals come here to promenade, sing or just kick back with their families. Beiling Gongyuan metro station is directly outside the park.

  • Museum

    18 September History Museum

    There’s an obvious propagandic purpose to this museum, but the hundreds of photographs, sculptures, paintings and dioramas re-create a picture of China under Japanese rule. English captions are limited. Bus 325 from the North Train Station stops across the street. The museum is about 2km northeast from the town centre.

  • Museum

    Liaoning Provincial Museum

    Three floors of exhibits highlight the region’s art and history, from prehistoric times through the late Qing dynasty. English explanations accompany most displays.