Shenyang

Shenyang (沈阳 Shěnyáng), historically Mukden, is the capital of Liaoning Province in China.

Capital of Liaoning Province and the largest city in the northeast of China, Shenyang is a city steeped in history. Nuhaci built his imperial palace and was laid to rest in one of the first two imperial tombs of the Qing Dynasty, Fuling Tomb. His son is buried in Zhaoling tomb, which is the second of the first two imperial tombs. The imperial palace and the two tombs are all listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. 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 1920s. In the 20th century, Shenyang developed as a major industrial centre. Today the city is rapidly losing its older structures with large scale construction throughout the city, like all cities in China.

Shenyang has a monsooon-influenced continental climate with large seasonal variation. Winters are very cold, but dry, and can easily feature nights of −20 °C or below. Summers are hot and humid, with daytime temperatures near 30 °C, rarely pushing above into the high 30s °C, though.

Shenyang consists of the following districts:

• Heping (和平区; Hépíngqū)
• Dadong (大东区; Dàdōngqū)
• Huanggu (皇姑区; Huánggūqū)
• Shenhe (沈河区; Shěnhéqū)
• Tiexi (铁西区;Tiěxīqū)
• Hunnan (浑南新区;Húnnánxīnqū)
• Dongling (东陵区;Dōnglíngqū)
• Yuhong (于洪区;Yúhóngqū)
• Sujiatun (苏家屯区;Sūjiātúnqū)
• Shenbeixinqu (沈北新区;Shěnběixīnqū)

Heping (和平区; Hépíngqū)

Dadong (大东区; Dàdōngqū)

Huanggu (皇姑区; Huánggūqū)

Shenhe (沈河区; Shěnhéqū)

Tiexi (铁西区;Tiěxīqū)

Hunnan (浑南新区;Húnnánxīnqū)

Dongling (东陵区;Dōnglíngqū)

Yuhong (于洪区;Yúhóngqū)

Sujiatun (苏家屯区;Sūjiātúnqū)

Shenbeixinqu (沈北新区;Shěnběixīnqū)

• City walls, Shenyang Lu. 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.
  • Huaiyuanmen.
  • Fujinmen.
• Former residence of Zhang Xueliang, S Shuaifu Ln, 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 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, Dongling Rd, Dongling District (Buses 148 and 168 go here from the north station in about 1 hour. 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.
• Mukden Palace, Shenyang Rd, Shenhe District (Bus 222 or 213 can take you there for ¥1, +86 24 24843001. 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 extent 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.
• The old Longkou Wine Museum, 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.
• Shengjing Ancient Cultural Street, Shenyang Rd (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 variety of tourist orientated shops operate. Free.
• Xinle Site Museum, Huanggu District (Just off of Huanghenan Da Jie on the W 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. A subway station is built nearby and the site is closed (Sept 2010) with construction work going on. It might not reopen in the near future. The provincial museum, however, has a large section on local stone age cultures that also contains relics from this site.
• Zhaoling, Beiling Jie, Huanggu District (in the center of Beiling Park, about 1 km from the S entrance of the Park; Beiyuan Gongyuan Metro Station, Line 2. 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.

City walls, Shenyang Lu. 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.

• Huaiyuanmen.
• Fujinmen.

City walls, Shenyang Lu. 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.

• Huaiyuanmen.
• Fujinmen.

City walls, Shenyang Lu. 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.

• Huaiyuanmen.
• Fujinmen.

Former residence of Zhang Xueliang, S Shuaifu Ln, 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 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, Dongling Rd, Dongling District (Buses 148 and 168 go here from the north station in about 1 hour. 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.

Mukden Palace, Shenyang Rd, Shenhe District (Bus 222 or 213 can take you there for ¥1, +86 24 24843001. 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 extent 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#China|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.

The old Longkou Wine Museum, 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.

Shengjing Ancient Cultural Street, Shenyang Rd (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 variety of tourist orientated shops operate. Free.

Xinle Site Museum, Huanggu District (Just off of Huanghenan Da Jie on the W 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. A subway station is built nearby and the site is closed (Sept 2010) with construction work going on. It might not reopen in the near future. The provincial museum, however, has a large section on local stone age cultures that also contains relics from this site.

Zhaoling, Beiling Jie, Huanggu District (in the center of Beiling Park, about 1 km from the S entrance of the Park; Beiyuan Gongyuan Metro Station, Line 2. 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.

• 9.18 Memorial 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 '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 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. Free.
• China Foundry Museum, 14 Weigong Street North, Tiexi District (铁西区卫工北街14号) (near Olympic Stadium; bus routes 175 and 176 stop near the museum, bus 175 may caught from just outside the Qigong Street Station on Metro Line 1, +86 24 25719599. Tu-Su 09:00-16:00. Free.
• Liaoning Provincial Museum, 26 Shiwei Rd, Shenhe district (on the E side of Government Square beside Liaoning Theatre, +86 24 22821903. Tu-Su until 16:00. 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. Mondays. Free.
• Shen-air Museum, Lingdong Jie, Huanggu District (at NE corner of Beiling Park next to Beiling Airport, +86 24 86599602. 08:30-16:30 daily. Beiling airport is the site where China produced its first modern jet aircraft in the early 1950s. These were initially copies of Soviet MIG fighters but gradually Chinese designs 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 the recent Chinese space flights. This is an AAAA-rated site on China's national tourist scale. ¥25.
• 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.

9.18 Memorial 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 '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 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. Free.

China Foundry Museum, 14 Weigong Street North, Tiexi District (铁西区卫工北街14号) (near Olympic Stadium; bus routes 175 and 176 stop near the museum, bus 175 may caught from just outside the Qigong Street Station on Metro Line 1, +86 24 25719599. Tu-Su 09:00-16:00. Free.

Liaoning Provincial Museum, 26 Shiwei Rd, Shenhe district (on the E side of Government Square beside Liaoning Theatre, +86 24 22821903. Tu-Su until 16:00. 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. Mondays. Free.

Shen-air Museum, Lingdong Jie, Huanggu District (at NE corner of Beiling Park next to Beiling Airport, +86 24 86599602. 08:30-16:30 daily. Beiling airport is the site where China produced its first modern jet aircraft in the early 1950s. These were initially copies of Soviet MIG fighters but gradually Chinese designs 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 the recent Chinese space flights. This is an AAAA-rated site on China's national tourist scale. ¥25.

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.

• Royal Ocean World, Wanghua District (抚顺高湾(沈吉高速抚顺西出口)) (Off the Shenfu Hwy midway between Shenyang and Fushun. From Fushun take bus No.811. A taxi from Fushun city will cost ¥30-40 (negotiable). Bus No.2 from Shenyang South railway station or No.3 from Shenyang North railway station on route to Fushun stop on the Expressway near the park. The bus fare is ¥10, +86 41 3611 8888 or +86 24 8271 1236. 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.
• Shenyang Horticultural Exposition Garden, Dongling District (18 km E of the north train station, about 5 km further E than Dongling Park, buses from the south bus station going to Fushun City will stop outside the park, bus 168 takes you to the park for ¥5 from Maluwan. 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.

Royal Ocean World, Wanghua District (抚顺高湾(沈吉高速抚顺西出口)) (Off the Shenfu Hwy midway between Shenyang and Fushun. From Fushun take bus No.811. A taxi from Fushun city will cost ¥30-40 (negotiable). Bus No.2 from Shenyang South railway station or No.3 from Shenyang North railway station on route to Fushun stop on the Expressway near the park. The bus fare is ¥10, +86 41 3611 8888 or +86 24 8271 1236. 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.

Shenyang Horticultural Exposition Garden, Dongling District (18 km E of the north train station, about 5 km further E than Dongling Park, buses from the south bus station going to Fushun City will stop outside the park, bus 168 takes you to the park for ¥5 from Maluwan. 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.

• North, East, South and West Pagodas. Built in the 1640s and now restored to close to original, these four pagodas stand each about 4 km 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. Free.

North, East, South and West Pagodas. Built in the 1640s and now restored to close to original, these four pagodas stand each about 4 km 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. Free.

• Mao Zedong's Statue, Zhongshan Sq, Heping District (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. Also called 'Taxi Square' by the locals. Free.

Mao Zedong's Statue, Zhongshan Sq, Heping District (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. Also called 'Taxi Square' by the locals. Free.

• Happy Family (兴隆大家庭 xīng lóng dà jiā ting). The Happy Family Malls (one in Tiexi and the one on Zhongjie) have indoor ice rinks with skates you can rent an occasional specials on teachers.

There are three ski resort areas within Shenyang prefecture.

Northeast Asia Ski Resort, Magang, Xingchengzi District (28 km /17 mi outside of Shenyang. With 700,000 m² of skiing area, this is the biggest ski resort. Daytime skiing ¥135 for two hours and night skiing is ¥125. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available..

Baiqingzhai Ski Field, Sujiatun District (40 km/25 mi out. 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..

Qipanshan Ice and Snow World, +86 24 88050020, +86 24 22723117. 09:00-22:00 daily, winter only. Within Qipanshan Scenic Area and covering an area of 500,000 m². Daytime skiing ¥150 for two hours and night skiing is ¥130. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available.

Northeast Asia Ski Resort, Magang, Xingchengzi District (28 km /17 mi outside of Shenyang. With 700,000 m² of skiing area, this is the biggest ski resort. Daytime skiing ¥135 for two hours and night skiing is ¥125. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available..

Baiqingzhai Ski Field, Sujiatun District (40 km/25 mi out. 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..

Qipanshan Ice and Snow World, +86 24 88050020, +86 24 22723117. 09:00-22:00 daily, winter only. Within Qipanshan Scenic Area and covering an area of 500,000 m². Daytime skiing ¥150 for two hours and night skiing is ¥130. Discounts for groups of 15 or more are available.

Happy Family (兴隆大家庭 xīng lóng dà jiā ting). The Happy Family Malls (one in Tiexi and the one on Zhongjie) have indoor ice rinks with skates you can rent an occasional specials on teachers.

Shenyang has three main shopping areas.

• Zhong Jie. has a number of 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.
• Taiyuan Jie. 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!
• Beishichang. 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.

Zhong Jie. has a number of 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.

Taiyuan Jie. 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!

Beishichang. 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.

• Wu'ai Market. 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!

A good place to check for electronics and repairs is 三好街 San Hao Jie, which boasts a "music city" near the music academy on the north end, and an extensive selection of electronics malls on the southern end.

For foreign expats looking for the comforts of home, there are numerous import grocery stores, including Olé in the MixC at 工业展览馆 Gongye Zhanlanguan station and at Palace 66, Yoo-Hoo by 金融中心 Jinrong Zhongxin station, and METRO and Ikea out in 铁西区 Tiexi district. Many of these stores will offer free membership cards for foreign workers.

As a possible souvenir, by incorporating traditional Chinese painting techniques, artists of Shenyang have turned feather patchwork scrolls into something as refined and appealing as Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Wu'ai Market. 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!

Liaoning is home to Liaocai (辽菜), a distinctive cuisine named after the area. Liaocai tends to be strong in flavour with plenty garlic, ginger and other spices but not hot. Shenyang has a large Korean and Mongolian population, who operate a lot of barbecue stands on the street corners of the city. Some of the city's best types of cuisine include 火锅 hot pot, 麻辣烫 mala tang, or spicy pay-by-weight soup, and 串儿 chua'r barbeque. There are many Muslim hand-pulled noodle places, and also a number of very good Korean restaurants. All of Shenyang's top hotels feature fancy restaurants serving Cantonese, Japanese and Western food. Mexican food has become especially popular in the last year, with at least two different places offering Mexican specials. There are also some decent noodle shops, as well as the national chain California Beef Noodle, on some of the small roads near the train station. Fast food and coffee shops are plentiful. The imported, western style food tends to be at the higher end of the price market. By going after local cuisine you will save money. One of the absolute best places to try cheap and savoury local foods is at the 彩电塔 Cai Dian Ta night market near the Liaoning Radio Tower, located just west of the Kempinski hotel and 青年公园 Qingnian Gongyuan Station. This market is full of cheap barbeque 串儿 chuan'r, with selections as various as chicken necks, pig feet, or tofu rolls. There are also various noodle dishes, potato dishes, soft-serve ice cream and fruit jelly desserts, and a Liaoning starch specialty known as 闷子 Menzi. It stretches across several streets, and is generally open from the end of March until late October as crowds die down over the winter months.

• Lao Bian Jiaozi Restaurant 老边饺子, No.208 Zhong Jie, Shenhe District (Zhongjie Metro Station B1 Exit; next to the Imperial Palace. 10:00-20:00. Dumplings restaurant. Lao Bian Jiaozi, founded in 1829, is one of the most famous dumpling restaurants.Guinness World Records 2000 for the World's Oldest Dumpling Restaurant.
• BaoFaYuan 宝发园, No.1 Tianyuan, Xiaoshizi Street, Dadong District, Shenyang 沈阳市大东区小什字街天源巷1号 (Dong Zhong Jie Metro Line 1 A exit, across the street, +86 24 24314173. 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.
• Cafe Lido, Qingnian St. 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.
• La Bellevue. For bigger budget there is also a fine dining French restaurant, "La Bellevue".
• Xita Korea Town, Tita, Shifu Da Jie (from the South train station head due N up Taiyuan Jie or take bus 249, 611, 255, or 252. Not one restaurant but an area with many good restaurants. The streets around the Western Pagoda (Xita) are home to many Korean people giving the area the name Korea Town.

Lao Bian Jiaozi Restaurant 老边饺子, No.208 Zhong Jie, Shenhe District (Zhongjie Metro Station B1 Exit; next to the Imperial Palace. 10:00-20:00. Dumplings restaurant. Lao Bian Jiaozi, founded in 1829, is one of the most famous dumpling restaurants.Guinness World Records 2000 for the World's Oldest Dumpling Restaurant.

BaoFaYuan 宝发园, No.1 Tianyuan, Xiaoshizi Street, Dadong District, Shenyang 沈阳市大东区小什字街天源巷1号 (Dong Zhong Jie Metro Line 1 A exit, across the street, +86 24 24314173. 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.

Cafe Lido, Qingnian St. 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.

La Bellevue. For bigger budget there is also a fine dining French restaurant, "La Bellevue".

Xita Korea Town, Tita, Shifu Da Jie (from the South train station head due N up Taiyuan Jie or take bus 249, 611, 255, or 252. Not one restaurant but an area with many good restaurants. The streets around the Western Pagoda (Xita) are home to many Korean people giving the area the name Korea Town.

• Buddha Bar and Restaurant, Xi Bin He Lu 58 (next to the Kempinski hotel, Qing Nian Gong Yuan subway station exit A, +86 13998138144 (English). 17:30-02:00 daily. Cocktail and wine bar with large selection of imported beers, Also serves sushi.
• Party 98 -2, Shi San Wei Road (十三纬路 near Heidis and the U.S. Embassy, walking distance to the Kempinsky Hotel). One of the most popular clubs for foreigners. The first floor plays HipHop and R&B (mainly foreigners), the second floor (mainly Chinese) has singers and electronic music.
• Pure Colours, 6-328 Fengtian Street (奉天街), +86 24-24125678. The second popular club for foreigners and rich Chinese. They have an informal special for foreigners: buy one get two (for longdrinks only).
• Don't Tell Mama, Xita St (西塔街), in Korea town. 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.
• Sunny's Night Club. A popular spot for foreigners but staff and service are low quality.
• Party 98, Xita St (西塔街), in Korea town. Noisy Chinese music, close to the 24/24h barbecue restaurants.
• Club 97, No 97 Zhongshan Lu, 100 m W of Zhongshan Sq and its Mao statue (中山路97号，中山广场西100米), +86 24 2341 9997. 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.
• Sophie's World Bar, Er Jing St, Bawei Rd (二经街 八伟路, +86 24 2282 6691. The oldest foreigner bar in town is like an institution for both expats and locals. Cheap alcohol, darts, soccer games on TV.
• heidis Restaurant & Bar, 37, South sanjing street (Near US embassy, 138. 11:00-24:00. "Heidis rest. & bar" is a unique and comfortable restaurant & lounge bar. Typical Swiss & west food, cheese specialities, Pizzas and steaks, chocolate and homemade dessert. ideal for a romantic dinner or memorable business diner. Live music from Tuesday to Sunday, half price for Chinese and imported draught beer from 17:00-23:00. Italian Monday half price for pizza and spaghetti. ¥15-150.
• Shamrock Irish Pub, 134/11 Changjiang Street (located near Liao Da Old University at Appreciate Europe, +86 24 86085856. Serving probably the best draught Guinness in Shenyang and more in a clean, laid-back pub. They also have a great selection of foods including Irish stew and onion rings. Great place to go for a pint and a meal and of course the craic. Call for directions. Open from 16:00 till late 7 days a week.
• Green Mile, No. 3-1 Bei San Jing Jie (just west of Government Square, and just southeast of North Market on Yi Wei Lu (一纬路). To find it, first go to the intersection of San Jing Jie (三经街) and Shi Fu Da Lu (市府大路). Yi Wei Lu is a small road just south of Shi Fu Lu. The Green Mile is 100 meters to the east of San Jing Jie., +86 24 8231 0581. A smoky, grungy sports-bar style bar, which gets especially busy and smoky late on the weekends. A good place to go for shots and cocktails. Some claim that the Green Mile has the best American style pizza in Northeast China, and they deliver. Very popular with expats.

Buddha Bar and Restaurant, Xi Bin He Lu 58 (next to the Kempinski hotel, Qing Nian Gong Yuan subway station exit A, +86 13998138144 (English). 17:30-02:00 daily. Cocktail and wine bar with large selection of imported beers, Also serves sushi.

Party 98 -2, Shi San Wei Road (十三纬路 near Heidis and the U.S. Embassy, walking distance to the Kempinsky Hotel). One of the most popular clubs for foreigners. The first floor plays HipHop and R&B (mainly foreigners), the second floor (mainly Chinese) has singers and electronic music.

Pure Colours, 6-328 Fengtian Street (奉天街), +86 24-24125678. The second popular club for foreigners and rich Chinese. They have an informal special for foreigners: buy one get two (for longdrinks only).

Don't Tell Mama, Xita St (西塔街), in Korea town. 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.

Sunny's Night Club. A popular spot for foreigners but staff and service are low quality.

Party 98, Xita St (西塔街), in Korea town. Noisy Chinese music, close to the 24/24h barbecue restaurants.

Club 97, No 97 Zhongshan Lu, 100 m W of Zhongshan Sq and its Mao statue (中山路97号，中山广场西100米), +86 24 2341 9997. 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.

Sophie's World Bar, Er Jing St, Bawei Rd (二经街 八伟路, +86 24 2282 6691. The oldest foreigner bar in town is like an institution for both expats and locals. Cheap alcohol, darts, soccer games on TV.

heidis Restaurant & Bar, 37, South sanjing street (Near US embassy, 138. 11:00-24:00. "Heidis rest. & bar" is a unique and comfortable restaurant & lounge bar. Typical Swiss & west food, cheese specialities, Pizzas and steaks, chocolate and homemade dessert. ideal for a romantic dinner or memorable business diner. Live music from Tuesday to Sunday, half price for Chinese and imported draught beer from 17:00-23:00. Italian Monday half price for pizza and spaghetti. ¥15-150.

Shamrock Irish Pub, 134/11 Changjiang Street (located near Liao Da Old University at Appreciate Europe, +86 24 86085856. Serving probably the best draught Guinness in Shenyang and more in a clean, laid-back pub. They also have a great selection of foods including Irish stew and onion rings. Great place to go for a pint and a meal and of course the craic. Call for directions. Open from 16:00 till late 7 days a week.

Green Mile, No. 3-1 Bei San Jing Jie (just west of Government Square, and just southeast of North Market on Yi Wei Lu (一纬路). To find it, first go to the intersection of San Jing Jie (三经街) and Shi Fu Da Lu (市府大路). Yi Wei Lu is a small road just south of Shi Fu Lu. The Green Mile is 100 meters to the east of San Jing Jie., +86 24 8231 0581. A smoky, grungy sports-bar style bar, which gets especially busy and smoky late on the weekends. A good place to go for shots and cocktails. Some claim that the Green Mile has the best American style pizza in Northeast China, and they deliver. Very popular with expats.

Consulate offices listed below:

• France France, NO.34, Nan Shisanwei Road,Heping Dis., +86-2423190000.
• Japan Japan, No.50, Shisiwei Road, Heping Dis., +86-24-2322-7490.
• North Korea North Korea, Bei Ling Da Jie (Beiling Avenue), Huanggu District, +86-24-8685 2742.
• South Korea Republic of Korea, No.37, Nan Shisanwei Road, Heping District, +86-2423853388.
• Russia Russian Federation, No.31,Nan Shisanwei Road, Heping District, +86-24-23223927. Consul- General Mr. Paltov Sergey
• United States Consulate General of the United States, 52, 14th Wei Rd, Heping, +86 24 2322 1198.
• Germany Germany, 21 floor, CR Building, 286 Qingnian Dajie 和平区青年大街286号华润大厦21层, +86 24 8389 9100.

France France, NO.34, Nan Shisanwei Road,Heping Dis., +86-2423190000.

Japan Japan, No.50, Shisiwei Road, Heping Dis., +86-24-2322-7490.

North Korea North Korea, Bei Ling Da Jie (Beiling Avenue), Huanggu District, +86-24-8685 2742.

South Korea Republic of Korea, No.37, Nan Shisanwei Road, Heping District, +86-2423853388.

Russia Russian Federation, No.31,Nan Shisanwei Road, Heping District, +86-24-23223927. Consul- General Mr. Paltov Sergey

United States Consulate General of the United States, 52, 14th Wei Rd, Heping, +86 24 2322 1198.

Germany Germany, 21 floor, CR Building, 286 Qingnian Dajie 和平区青年大街286号华润大厦21层, +86 24 8389 9100.

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