Shenyang Highlights

As the southernmost of Dongbei's three provinces, Liaoning boasts a superior geographical location; situated on the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Gulf, this province is China’s gateway to the Korean Peninsula and faces Japan over the sea. Shenyang, which lies in the center of the province, is the Liaoning's capital. Shenyang is an ancient city inhabited by Chinese ancestors as early as 7200 years ago. The name of the city originates from its geographic setting on the northern side of the Hun River, also known as the Shen River. In ancient China, 'Yang' was a geographic term for the northern side of a river or the southern side of a mountain. Now Shenyang is the biggest city in northeast China as well as an industrial center and important transportation junction.

Shenyang, a leading industrial city, is rich in various natural resources including coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, and many others. Two nearby coalfields are thought to contain a total storage of 1800 billion tons. Seven neighboring cities are also rich in steel, coal and food supplies, establishing Shenyang as the center of one of China’s most important industrial areas.

There are several important tombs located in Shengyang, including the North tomb and the East Tomb. The North Tomb is the largest, covering an area of 330 million square meters. This edifice was built to house the remains of the Qing dynasty’s founder, Huangtaiji, and his empress. The East Tomb is so called because it lies in the east of Shenyang. In it is buried Huangtaiji's father, Nurhachi, and his empress.

In today's China there are only two remaining imperial palace complexes. The most famous and important one is the Forbidden City in Beijing. The other is its miniature replica: the Imperial Palace in Shenyang. Its construction was begun when Nurhachi was in power and completed in 1636 by his son, Huangtaiji. Although it closely resembles the Forbidden City in its layout, the Imperial Palace is distinctive for its Manchu style architecture blended with Han and Mongolian influences.

Throughout history, Han, Hui and Manchu successively governed Shenyang. This blend of cultures also influenced the local food. Mouthwatering Laobian Dumplings at the Laobian Eating House and the traditional Laoshanji-Haicheng pies are the most famous local dishes. Close to the North Korean border, Shenyang cuisine includes numerous Korean dishes; barbecued beef, cold noodles and kimchi are served at various snack bars throughout the city.

In Shenyang most shopping malls are concentrated on Walking Street and Taiyuan Street. Local specialties including tea and ginseng, gems and amber as well as carvings and paintings can be found in stores lining the streets. Another shopping area is the Zhong Jie, a newly paved street dotted with flowers and neon lights. Retail shops, department stores, a bookstore and some eateries can be found there. Antiques and curio lovers should try the Shenyang Eastern Folk Art Exchange City on Youhao Street, which features a wide range of traditional Chinese Folk Arts and crafts products, such as teapots, porcelain, carvings and jewelry.

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