Shenyang Travel Guide

Shenyang Travel Guide

Shenyang Facts

Shenyang Map
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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)

The Capital City of Liaoning & Largest City in Northeast China

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.

 Dining          Shopping

 Further Reading:

10 Best Cities in China for Budget Travelers

Top 10 China Main Cities for Nature Lovers

- Last updated on Jun. 27, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Shenyang Travel
Asked by stella from SINGAPORE | Jul. 28, 2023 19:35Reply
shenyang to panjin
i would love to visit some places in shenyang and from there to visit panjin to see the red beach. is there a local tour that can tailor-made my itinerary? i intend to spend 4 days in Shenyang and 2 days in Panjin, is that possible? what is the estimate cost per person including of all the transport and hotel stay.
what is the best time to travel to shenyang and panjin?
Answers (1)
Answered by Andy | Jul. 31, 2023 01:02
00Reply


You'd better contact a local travel agency to consult the price directly. THe best time to appreciate the red beach is September to middle October, so you can go to Shenyang and Panjin during the time period.
Asked by Justin from MALAYSIA | Oct. 18, 2019 01:19Reply
Need recommendation on exploring shenyang cities
Hi, i will arrive in taoxian airport at 15:30pm.
Then i will take about half hour from airport to taiyuanjie hotel.
Since most of the tourist places close at 4pm or 5pm.
May I know what you can recommend itinerary to me for the half day? (from 5pm to 11pm?). Tomorrow i will have the flight to fly back to my home country.
thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita from CANADA | Oct. 20, 2019 23:43
00Reply


You can watch the local folk show at Shengjing Red Mill or taste various food in Xita street.
Asked by JORISROESEMS | Sep. 14, 2019 04:47Reply
Transport Shenyang - Songjiang
Dear TravelChinaGuide,

Thanks for organizing already several train tickets and a day tour for us!
Now, we're also looking for a transport (taxi) from SY to Sonjiang (near Changbai Shan).
We're a party of 5, and would leave in SY around 03:00 PM.
Do you provide services to organize this for us?

Thanks a lot,
Yours sincerely,

Joris Roesems
Answers (1)
Answered by TravelChinaGuide from CHINA | Sep. 18, 2019 01:44
00Reply


Dear JORISROESEMS,

Thanks for your attention on TravelChinaGuide.com. We are sorry for that we don't provide such service. Sorry again!

Best regards!
Asked by Vladimir from SERBIA | Sep. 02, 2019 21:41Reply
Does anyone know how to get to Vladivostok from Shenyang?
Or know of a place that has better connections than SY? I will be coming from Hangzhou, and was planning to spend a day or two in SY and to proceed to Vladivostok afterwards. If you maybe know of a city from where it might be quicker, cheaper or in any way easier to reach Vladivostok please share. Thanks in advance.
Answers (1)
Answered by Luna from CANADA | Sep. 04, 2019 20:17
00Reply


According to the Internet information, it is more convenient to start from Hunchun/Harbin city to Vladivostok. And you can take high speed train from Shenyang to them.
Asked by Tom from AUSTRALIA | Apr. 23, 2019 02:08Reply
Is it possible to take a bus from Mudanjiang to Yanji?
I would also like to visit Jingpo Lake but I don't want to head back to Mudanjiang as I am heading south to Shenyang.

Many thanks guys. I love your website!
Answers (1)
Answered by Brandon from DENMARK | Apr. 24, 2019 23:42
00Reply


You can take the direct coach from Mudanjiang Coach Station to Yanji. The bus schedules are 06:30, 11:30 and 14:30. The ticket fare is CNY79/person.
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