Shenyang

9.18 Memorial Museum

“九•一八”历史博物馆, 9.18 History Museum

At 22:30 on 18 September 1931, a bomb exploded beside the Japanese-run railway line near Shenyang. Though instigated by the Japanese, the Chinese were blamed for the event giving the Japanese an excuse to invade and occupy the whole of the northeast of China. Shenyang was the epicenter of that invasion, so it is most appropriate that the museum for the Mukden Incident, known in China as the '9.18 Incident', is in Shenyang next to the spot where the explosion occurred. The museum, as one would expect, depicts the incident from a Chinese perspective. It is not for the faint of heart because it unflinchingly displays the atrocities of war. Only the main descriptions are available in English, but it's enough to follow the course of events. The pictures and exhibits speak for themselves, anyway.

Summer: 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. Winter: 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00, closed on Mondays·Free

Beishichang

北市场

One of the oldest shopping areas in Shenyang. There is an important Lama temple (Huang Shi, founded in 1636), which was worshiped by all the Manchu emperors during their regular trips to Shenyang.

China Museum of Industry

中国工业博物馆. Formerly known as the China Foundry Museum 中国铸造博物馆 and previously as the Shenyang Foundry Museum 沈阳铸造博物馆

Tells the story of the industrialisation of China. The museum is built on the site of an old foundry, which has been largely preserved in its original state.

Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00·Free

Former Site of Shenyang Military Tribunal for the Trial of Japanese War Criminals

中国审判日本战犯法庭旧址陈列馆

36 Japanese war criminals were publicly tried and prosecuted at this site between June 9th and July 20th, 1956. The site is now a museum.

09:00-17:00 (summer), 09:00-16:30 (winter), no entry in last 30 minutes, closed on Mondays·Free

Former residence of Zhang Xueliang

Marshal Zhang's Mansion 张氏篩府

This was the home of Zhang Zuolin and his son Zhang Xueliang during the end years of the Qing dynasty and the beginning of the Republic. Zhang became, with the fall of the Qing Emperor, the warlord in control of the northeast of China, and for a short time was proclaimed president of China.

¥50 as of December 2014 and also includes entries to Zhao Yi Di House next door and the Financial Museum

Fuling

福陵

This is the first tomb of the Qing Dynasty in which Nu'erhachi, the founder of the dynasty, is laid to rest. It dates to the early 17th century and is constructed in traditional Manchu style along lines of Chinese fengshui. The area is listed, along with the other imperial tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasty, as a UNESCO world heritage site and a AAAA-rated tourist site on the Chinese national scale. It is one of only 3 imperial tombs north of the Great Wall of China. To the east of the tomb site a large area of park land forms Dongling Park.

¥30

Liaoning Provincial Museum

辽宁省博物馆

A high-quality museum featuring Liaoning history from the stone age to the Qing dynasty, with many relics of China's past found in the area (3rd floor). Also houses large collections of Chinese traditional art and calligraphy, plus temporary exhibitions. There may be queues to enter during main public holidays.

April to October: Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:00. November to March: Tue-Sun 09:30-16:30, no entry after 15:30·Free

Mao Zedong's Statue

毛泽东塑像

This is the largest statue of Mao Zedong in China. Around the base of the statue are images of workers, peasants and soldiers in heroic poses. The square is a popular place for locals to relax. Also called 'Taxi Square' by the locals.

Free

Mukden Palace

故宫 Gugong

Former Imperial Palace - built in 1625 for Nurhachi, and inherited by his son Abahai (Huang Taiji), the Former Imperial Palace of Shenyang is one of two royal complexes extant in China today. The splendid and distinctly ethnic Manchu architectural style of the palace, which includes Dazheng (Grand Politics) Hall, the Ten Princes' Pavilion, Chongzhen (Golden Chimes), Phoenix Chamber and Qingning (Pure Tranquility) Pavilion, are still in perfect shape. On Saturday afternoons during the summer, the palace is the venue for a grand Imperial procession. This is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the palace in Beijing. It is also an AAAA-rated tourist site on the Chinese national scale. A guidebook is available in English at the ticket office, priced ¥25, which provides a detailed explanation of the exhibits. This fascinating palace contains finer details compared to the one in Beijing, such as the exquisitely handcrafted detailed carving and painting, which are still clear after four centuries. The throne room in Chongzheng Hall has incredibly detailed scrollwork -even the columns circled by the watchful dragons and on the throne. The palace also shows a significant influence from the nomadic heritage of its builders in the cold Manchuria.

¥60 as of January 2011

Paleontological Museum of Liaoning

辽宁古生物博物馆

Claims to be the largest paleontological museum in China. Maintains a huge collection of fossils.

09:30-16:00, no entry after 15:30, closed on Mondays and Thursdays·Free

Royal Ocean World

皇家极地海洋世界; Huángjiājídehǎiyángshìjiè

Opened in 2008 and still being expanded, this claims to be the biggest aquarium in Asia. There are four displays open. The Ocean World display contains sea and fresh water aquariums filled with all manor of aquatic life. The Century Forest display focuses on reptiles. There is also the Narnian Castle which is a theatre where animal shows are performed several times throughout the day (show times may vary throughout the year). Lastly there is Susu world, a soft play centre for children. Each of these displays can be purchased separately or on a combined ticket. Beside this site, Asia's largest water park features swimming pools, water flumes and other water activities.

¥70-140

Shen-Air Museum

沈飞航空博览园

Beiling Airport is the site where China produced its first modern jet aircraft in the early 1950s. The first ones were copies of Soviet MIG fighters but gradually Chinese designs were developed. A strong focus is placed on comparing Chinese and American aircraft, in particular those involved in the Korean War of the 1950s. They also tell the history of Chinese missile development and other technologies. Civilian aircraft were also produced here and feature in the exhibits. The tour finishes with the modern J-11 fighter, China's new passenger aircraft (ACAC ARJ21 Xiangfeng or Flying Phoenix) and Chinese space flights. This is an AAAA-rated site on China's national tourist scale.

08:30-16:30, closed on Mondays·¥30

Shenyang Horticultural Exposition Garden

2006中国沈阳世界园艺博览会

This is the site of the 2006 International Horticultural Exposition. One of Shenyang's main tourist attractions, it continues to operate though the expo has officially ended. It features international gardens reminiscent of Epcot Center in Disney World in the U.S, (the amusement park is really awesome compared to the gardens, which includes a roller coaster and many other fun activities!). It also features gardens for different provinces and cities within China and the expo's most recognizable feature, the Lily Tower, a massive structure inspired by its namesake flower (for ¥30, you can take an elevator to the top of this magnificent structure). Before its transformation to the Expo Gardens, this was once the much humbler Botanical Gardens. It opens in the spring and closes in October. Most of the signs are in English and Chinese.

¥35

Shenyang Railway Museum

沈阳铁路陈列馆

Housing 15 historical locomotives and 3 duplicated historical locomotives. It is the biggest steam locomotive museum in China.

09:00-16:00, closed on Mondays·¥80

Shenyang World War II Allied Prisoners Camp Site Museum

二战盟军战俘集中营旧址陈列馆

From 1942 to 1945, around 1500 soldiers from six different countries were interned by the Japanese at this POW camp in Shenyang. The site is now a museum. Information is provided in both Chinese and English.

08:30-16:30, closed on Mondays·Free

Taiyuan Jie

太原街

This area has an English language bookstore and main post office nearby, as well as food, clothing from international brands, and electronics. Don't miss the underground shopping mall under the street. Box stores common throughout China can be found here. Cheap prescription glasses and sunglasses can be found on south Taiyuan street in the 赛隆广场 Sailong Mall. Don't forget to bargain!

The old Longkou Wine Museum

老龙口 laolongkou

A small museum beside the Laolongkou distillery tells the history of Baiju production on the site which dates to the early 17th century. The display includes old maps and photographs of the area. Equipment used in the wine production and a collection of old bottles, labels and trademarks used by the company.

Free

West Tower Street

西塔街

was built in the fifth year of Chongde (1640) and completed in the second year of Shunzhi. Emperor Qianlong once wrote plaques for the four temples and hung them on the main halls of the four temples. The plaque of Yanshou Temple is "金粟祥光". Except for the different names and the Buddha statues enshrined, the four towers and four temples have almost the same architectural scale and shape. The Xita area is the largest Korean gathering area in the three northeastern provinces except for the Korean autonomous prefectures and counties, integrating the essence of Korean national culture. Xita Commercial Street has a long history of more than 120 years and has nurtured a unique ethnic style. On both sides of the main axis of Xita Street, a leisure and cultural industry belt with strong Korean characteristics and Korean style has been formed.

Wu'ai Market

五爱

The biggest wholesale market in the northeast of China, with 300,000 customers per day and annual turnover of more than ¥2 billion. It covers an area of 139,000 m² with multiple massive buildings connected by bridges and stairways. Products include dresses, shoes, caps, groceries, knitted goods, cloth materials, boxes, home appliances, gifts, daily sundry goods, beauty and hairdressing articles, small foods, bedding goods and more. Be prepared to get lost!

Xinle Ancient Ruins Museum

沈阳新乐遗址博物馆, Xinle Site Museum

On this location were found the remains of a 7000-year old, stone age, village. A museum now houses the archaeological finds and the village has been reconstructed. The site is in two sections. The ticket office is on the north side of the road. You will then be directed across to the museum on the south side to view the display before returning to the north side again to enter the reconstruction area. Displays are labelled in Chinese and English and the site is rated AAA on China's national tourist scale.

May 1st to October 14th: 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30. October 15th to April 30th: 09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00·¥20

Zhaoling

昭陵

This is the tomb of the second Qing emperor, Huang Taiji, and his consorts. It was built over a period of eight years during the mid-17th century. The site is a unique blend of traditional Manchu and Chinese architecture. The area is listed, along with the other imperial tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasty, as a UNESCO world heritage site and a AAAA-rated tourist site on the Chinese national scale. It is one of only 3 imperial tombs north of the Great Wall of China. Around the tomb is set out the extensive lands of Beiling Park which includes large areas of forest and several lakes.

¥30, ¥6 for the park only and the park is free daily before 06:00

Zhong Jie

中街

It has shops selling cell phones, computers, electronic equipment or the latest fashions and accessories. Box/department stores are within walking distance of Zhong Jie as well as the north train station. There are many western brands here, including cafes and restaurants. The Forum 66 Mall is well-travelled and full of international food and clothing brands, and its relatively empty companion, the Palace 66, is now open at 市府广场站 Shifu Guangchang station on the 2 line.

Baiqingzhai Ski Field

白清寨滑雪场

The site includes a freestyle aerial skiing and off-piste areas. Total area is 530,000 m².

Daytime skiing ¥135 for two hours and night skiing is ¥120. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available.

BaoFaYuan 宝发园

Famous for its 四绝 (Four Outstanding). While locals might not remember the name "BaFaYuan", everyone knows "Four Outstanding" given the name was giving by Zhang Xueliang.

¥60/person

Black Sheep

hei yang xi can ting

Very popular with expats. A bar and pub with frequent social events.

Buddha Bar and Restaurant

Cocktail and wine bar with large selection of imported beers, Also serves sushi.

17:30-02:00 daily

Cafe Lido

Sheraton Shenyang Lido Hotel

It is recognized as being the best Western food in Shenyang. Serving Australian beef, mashed potatoes Irish style, Guinness meat pies, fresh fish, salads and the tastiest pastries in town. Special on Friday's Seafood Night, small price for all you can eat and drink!

¥180-200

City walls

The original city walls of Shenyang were destroyed in the 1950s. Some small sections have been reconstructed to give an impression of the former city. These remains consist of two gates, Huaiyuanmen and Fujinmen, at either end of Shenyang Lu.

Club 97

97号会所

A shiny, trendy club with an outdoor patio frequented by expats, mostly Russian ones. Not too crappy music, great food before 23:00, a bit pricey though.

Don't Tell Mama

别告诉妈妈 bié gàosu mā ma

Packed even on weeknights, this large Chinese-style club offers a constant cabaret-style variety show with over-the-top dance acts and live singing. One highlight is the male performers seem compelled to chug any quantity of beer bought for them, up to two-liter pitchers, in one go, without using their hands.