About Shenyang
What to see and do in Shenyang
Weather in Shenyang
Airport in Shenyang
Visa
Shenyang, or Mukden ( in Manchu), is a sub-provincial city and capital of Liaoning province in Northeast China.Along with its nearby cities, Shenyang is an important industrial center in China, and the transportation and commercial centre of China's northeastern region.The city was also known as Shengjing or Fengtian.
Shenyang is a city steeped in history which more than makes up for what it lacks in beauty. In 1625, Shenyang became Shenjing, the new capital city of Manchuria. It was here that Nuerhachi build his imperial palace and here in Yongling Tomb, that he sleeps. His son is also buried in the city in Dongling's Zhouling tomb, these being the first two imperial tombs of the Qing dynasty of China. The imperial palace and the two tombs are all listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Shenyang may lack the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Dalian, but it serves as an important transport and industrial hub for the region. It was in Shenyang that the Russian army was defeated by the Japanese in 1905. It was also here, on September 18th, 1931 that the Mukden incident ignited a war between China and Japan that would see the Japanese occupation of all of Northeast China. This city was also the home to the warlord Zhang Zuolin and his son Zhang Xueliang who ruled over the Northeast during the 1920's. The later 20th century saw Shenyang develop as a major industrial centre. Today the city is rapidly modernising with large scale construction throughout the city.
What to see and do in Shenyang
Tourism Attractions
Mukden Palace: the former imperial palace of the early Qing Dynasty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dongling: the tomb of the first Qing emperor, Nurhaci. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beiling Park and Zhaoling: the tomb of the second Qing emperor, Huang Taji. The park covers an area of 3,300,000 sq. meters, and is serviced by trams for visitors who do not wish to (or cannot) traverse the length of the park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
World Horticulture Exposition garden: hosted the International Horticultural Exposition in 2006.
Qipan Mountain, Qipanshan: a recreation resort in the east of Shenyang.
What else to see in Shenyang:
Mao Zedong's Statue, Zhongshan Square, Heping District (About 1.25 km from the south train station). 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.
Liaoning Provincial Museum, 26 Shiwei Road, Shenhe district (On the east side of Shifu Square beside the Liaoning Theatre.), +86 24 22821903. Closes at 4PM. A high-quality museum featuring many relics of China's past found mainly found in Liaoning. Also large collections of Chinese traditional art and caligraphy. There may be queues to enter during main public holidays.
Liaoning Industrial Exhibition Hall, Hunnan District (Near to the new Olympic Stadium).
9.18 Memorial Museum. On September 18, 1932, at 10:30pm, a bomb exploded beside the Japanese run railway line near Shenyang. Though instigated by the Japanese, the Chinese were blamed for 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 9.18 Incident, as it is known, 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 feint of heart because it unflinchingly displays the atrocities of war. The educational value of the experience is diminished by the lack of English signs and explanations.
North, East, South and West Pagodas (Beita, Nanta, Dongta, Xita). Built in the 1640's and now restored to close to original, these four pagodas stand each about 4km north, south, east and west of the Imperial Palace that was the centre of the old city. Each pagoda is almost identical to the others but the north and south pagodas are in the best condition today. The west pagoda may be difficult to find as it is now set within the courtyard of some other buildings where as the other three enjoy their own small parks.
Mukden Palace (Gugong), Shenyang Lu, Shenhe District. Former Imperial Palace - First 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 extent in China today. The splendid and distinctly ethnic Manchu architectural style of the palace, which includes Dazheng (Grand Politics) Hall, the Ten Princes' Pavillion, Chongzhen (Golden Chimes), Phoenix Chamber and Qingning (Pure Tranquility) Pavillion, 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 RMB 25, which provides a detailed explanation of the exhibits. RMB 60.
Shengjing Ancient Cultural Street, Shenyang Lu (Outside the Imperial Palace). Shenjing is the old name for Shenyang during the 17th century - 'jing' meaning capital city. This street tries to recreate the architectural styles of the time. It is however only a facard over the front of relatively modern 20th century structures within which a veriety of tourist orientated shops operate. Free.
Shenyang Horticultural Exposition Garden, Dongling District (18km east of the north train station, about 5 km further east than Dongling Park.). This is the site of th 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 United States. 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. 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. Buses from the south bus station going to Fushun city will stop outside the park. The bus fare is RMB 10 each way.
Zhaoling, Beiling Jie, Huanggu District (In the center of Beiling Park, about 1 km from the South entrance of the Park). 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 early 17th century. The buildings are currently covered with scafholding as renovation work is undertaken. 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. RMB 30 in addition to the park fee of RMB 8.
Fuling, Dongling Lu, Dongling District (About 13km east of the north train station.). This is the first tomb of the Qing Dynasty in which Nuerhachi, 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 funshui. 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. RMB 30.
Former residence museum of Zhang Xueliang (Marshal Zhang's Mansion), South Shuaifu Lane, Shenhe District (A short walk south from the Imperial Palace). 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 proclamed president of China.
Steam Locomotive Museum, 64 Zhonggong Bei Jie, Teixi District, +86 24 81270010. Housing 15 historical locomotives and 3 duplicated historical locomotives. It is the biggest steam locomotive museum in China.
Shen-air Museum, Lingdong Jie, Huanggu District (At the northeast corner of Beiling park next to Beiling Airport.), +86 24 86599602. Every day from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Beiling airport is the site where China produced it's first modern jet aircraft in the early 1950's. These were initially copies of Soviet Mig fighters but gradually Chinese designs developed. In the front of the museum grounds stand nine aircraft produced on this site which can be closely inspected. Inside the museum building are displays telling the history of the airport and aircraft factory as well as Chinese aviation. A strong focus is placed on comparing Chinese and American aircraft, in particular those involved in the Korean War of the 50's. 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 the recent Chinese space flights. This is an AAAA rated site on China's national tourist scale. RMB 25.
Xinle Site Museum, Huanggu District (Just off of Huanghenan Da Jie on the west side of Beiling park.). 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 both Chinese and English and the site is rated AAA on China's national tourist scale.
City walls, Shenyang Lu. The original city walls of Shenyang were distroyed in the 1950's. Some small sections have been reconstructed to give an impression of the former city. These remains consist of two gates, Hauiyuanmen and Fujinmen, at either end of Shenyang Lu.
The old Longkou Wine Museum (laolongkou), Xiao Dong Lu. 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 entry.
Royal Ocean World (Off the Shenfu highway midway between Shenyang and Fushun cities. Technically over the border into Fushun but so close to Shenyang city as to warrant inclusion here.),+86 413 6118888 or +86 24 82711236 (info@royaloc.com, fax: +86 413 6201660 or +86 24 82711239), Newly opened in 2008 and still under expansion, this claims to be the biggest aquarium in Asia. Currently there are two displays open (out of a planned four displays). The Ocean World display contains sea and fresh water aquariums filled with all manor of aquatic life. The Century Forest display focuses on reptiles, lizards, snakes and crocodiles. Each of these displays can be purchased separately or on a combined ticket. 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). Beside this site, in 2009, Asia's largest water park will open, featuring swimming pools, water flumes and other water activities. Buses on route from Shenyang (South railway station) to Fushun stop on the express way near the park. The bus fair is RMB 10. RMB 70 to RMB 140. jin Zhixian, Shenyang, 024-23914779.
Winter sports
There are three ski resort areas within Shenyang prefecture. The 2008
Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival will be held at these resorts,
as well as in Beiling park in Shenyang city, starting on January 8 and
running to 2008-February 28, 2008.
Northeast Asia Ski Resort (Dongbeiya Huaxue Chang), Magang, Xingchengzi distict (28km out of Shenyang city). With 700,000 square metres of skiing area, this is the biggest ski resort. Park entry is free. Daytime Skiing costs RMB 135 for two hours and night skiing is RMB 125. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available.
Baiqingzhai Ski Field, Sujiatun district (40km out of Shenyang city). The site includes a freestyle aerial skiing and off-piste areas. Total area is 530,000 square meters. Park entry is free. Daytime Skiing costs RMB 135 for two hours and night skiing is RMB 120. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available.
Qipanshan Ice and Snow World, (About 20km from downtown Shenyang. Take bus No. 330.),+86 24 88050020, 22723117 (fax: +86 24 22734066). Every day, 9AM-10PM winter only. Within Qipanshan Scenic Area and covering an area of 500,000 square meters. Park entry is RMB 10. Park entry is free. Daytime Skiing costs 150 RMB for two hours and night skiing is RMB 130. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available.
he lowest temperature is -28.5 C and the highest is 36.1 C. July is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 24.7 C. It is much cooler than almost all the cities in southern China. January is the month with the lowest temperature of the year and has an average of temperature of about -11 C. The seasons of spring and summer are decorated with green plants; autumn is short but is so sunny nearly everyday; winter is like a pretty girl with long and beautiful white skirt. Late summer, middle autumn and late winter are all good times to travel in Shenyang. Winter is an especially good time to visit because the Ice & Snow Festival is held then and is very entertaining and enjoyable.
If you come to Shenyang in spring or autumn, some light clothes are enough, such as knitted sweater, jackets. However, if you travel to Shenyang in winter, you must take heavy clothes to protect against the cold.
January -5 C to -17 C
February -2 C to -13 C
March 6 C to -4 C
April 16 C to 4 C
May 23 C to 11 C
June 27 C to 17 C
July 29 C to 20 C
August 28 C to 19 C
September 24 C to 12 C
October 16 C to 4 C
November 6 C to -4 C
December -2 C to -13 C
To be able to travel to Shenyang you need to have a valid China Visa, issue from your local government at the China Embassy, Chinese visa fall into four types: diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa and ordinary visa. Ordinary visa is further divided into the following 8 categories each marked with a letter:
(1) Tourist and family visit visa (L-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for tourist purpose, family visit or other personal affairs.
(2) Business Visa (F-visa ) is issued to a foreign citizen who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, exchanges in the fields of science, technology, education, culture and sports, or attending various kinds of trade fairs or exhibitions, or short-term study, intern practice for a period of no more than 6 months.
(3) Student Visa (X-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for the purpose of study or advanced study for a period of six or more months.
(4) Work Visa (Z-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China to work and his or her accompanying family members, or to give commercial performances in China.
(5) Transit Visa (G-visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is to transit through China on his or her way to a third country (or region).
(6) Crew Visa(C-visa)is issued to crew member performing his/her duties on board an international train, or on an international airliner, to a sailor on board an international ocean-liner or freighter, and also to their accompanying family members..
(7) Journalist Visa (J-visa)is issued to foreign journalists. J-visa has two categories: J-1 visa and J-2 visa. J-1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists in China and their accompanying spouses and under-age children, J-2 visa to foreign journalists who visit China for temporary news coverage.
(8) Permanent Residence Visa(D-visa)is issued to a foreign citizen who has been approved by China's public security authority to reside in China permanently.
Airport in Shenyang: Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (IATA: SHE, ICAO: ZYTX) is the airport in Shenyang, China.
Shenyang domestic airlines and destinations include:
Air China (Beijing-Capital, Chengdu)
China Eastern Airlines (Harbin, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Shanghai Pudong, Sydney via Shanghai Pudong, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Zhengzhou)
China Southern Airlines (Beijing-Capital, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Guilin, Guiyang, Haikou, Hangzhou, Harbin, Hohhot, Jinan, Kunming, Lanzhou, Manzhouli, Nanchang, Nanjing, Nanning, Ningbo, Qingdao, Sanya, Shantou, Shanghai-Pudong, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, Taiyuan, Urumqi, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Xi'an, Yanji, Yantai, Yinchuan, Zhengzhou)
China Postal Airlines (Shanghai Hongqiao, Weifang)
China United Airlines (Beijing-Nanyuan)
Hainan Airlines (Beijing-Capital, Changsha, Haikou, Hohhot, Ningbo, Tianjin, Taiyuan, Urumqi, Xiamen, Xian, Yantai)
Okay Airways (Tianjin)
Shandong Airlines (Harbin, Heihe, Jinan, Qinghai, Xian, Yantai)
Shanghai Airlines (Shanghai-Pudong)
Shenzhen Airlines (Beijing-Capital, Changzhou, Guangzhou, Guiyang, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Nanning, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, Urumqi, Wuhan, Xi'an, Zhengzhou)
Kunpeng Airlines (Shijiazhuang)
Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu, Chongqing, Tianjin, Chengdu)
Spring Airlines (Shanghai-Pudong)
Xiamen Airlines (Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Changsha, Nanchang, Zhengzhou)
Shenyang international airlines and destinations include:
Air Koryo (Pyongyang)
Airstars (Ulan-Ude)
All Nippon Airways (Osaka-Kansai, Tokyo-Narita)
Asiana Airlines (Busan, Seoul-Incheon)
China Southern Airlines (Busan, Cheongju, Daegu, Fukuoka, Hong Kong, Irkutsk, Jeju, Nagoya-Centrair, Osaka-Kansai, Sapporo-Chitose, Seoul-Incheon, Tokyo-Narita)
Dragonair (Dalian [with no traffic rights en-route to Hong Kong], Hong Kong)
Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon)
Lufthansa (Munich, Seoul-Incheon)
S7 Airlines (Irkutsk)
TESIS Aviation Enterprise (Novosibirsk)
Location: Taoxian Town, 20km (12 miles) south to the city center.
Brief Intro: The favorable location of Shenyang Taoxian International Airport makes it available to provide convenient air traffic services for not only Shenyang but such nearby cities as Fushun, Benxi, Anshan and Tieling, etc. As a key trunk line airport in China, it is connected by over 70 air routes to 58 cities, including 16 international ones. With the terminal covering an area of more than 70,000 sq m (17 acres), the airport is capable of serving 6,060,000 passengers per year.
Facilities:
Laideng Hotel: Restaurants, beauty salons, commercial center as well as fitness center
can be found in Laideng Hotel, a three-star hotel located 500m (547 yards) to the terminal.
Tel: 024-89398866
Zhongtu Cafe: Level 1 of the terminal, 024-89398367
VIP Lounges: 024-89398098/89398099
Medical Center: 024-89398645
Car Parks:
Divided into five specific car parks, the parking area totally offers 948 parking spaces.
Tel: 024-89392334
Services:
Airport Hotline: 024-89392520/89392510
Information Desks: Level 1-2
Luggage Inquiry: 024-89392050
Left Luggage/Lost&Found: 024-89392126
for Language guide please refer to: http://www.china-city-guide.com/beijing/pages/localguide.php for free download of basic survival Chinese conversation in China.