One of the most famous historical tourist attractions in Shenyang, the Shenyang Imperial Palace or Mukden Palace (known in Chinese as Shényáng Gùgōng, 沈阳故宫) was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its relationship to the Forbidden City in Beijing. Completed in 1636 under Abahai (Huáng Táijí, 皇太極), first emperor of the Qing Dynasty, the construction actually began under the Ming-conquering Manchu ruler Nurhaci. Covering 60,000 sq m (71,759 sq yd), the layout and structure of the Shenyang Imperial Palace is based on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Its architecture however, is quite distinct, incorporating many interesting Manchu and Tibetan characteristics, intricate carvings and colorful glazed tiles. Visitors will also find that many of the displays, such as incredibly detailed s... more >>

Qipan Shan Scenic Area (Qípán Shān Guójì Fēngjǐng Lǚyóu Kāifā Qū, 棋盘山国际风景旅游开发区) is a vast park that lies about 17 km (10.5 mi) to the northeast of Shenyang city center. Consisting of three large hills and a lake, in summertime Qipan Shan's green slopes are a shady haven of forested pathways and hot springs. In winter it transforms into a wonderland of snow and ice and pays host to the Shenyang Snow and Ice Festival. Liaoning's answer to the Harbin International Ice Festival may be less well know than its more northerly cousin but is nevertheless well worth a visit. Towering facades of castles, ships on roiling seas and statues of all creatures great and small, including some well know cartoon characters can be found along a track that runs deep into the park. Snowmobiles and sledding, bumper cars... more >>

The Zhao Mausoleum (Zhāo Líng, 昭陵) or North Tomb is situated amongst the expansive greens and lakes of Beiling Park (Běilíng Gōngyuán, 北陵公园), near the Shenyang Imperial Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Zhao Mausoleum is one of Shenyang's most popular historic and cultural attractions. Commissioned by the first Qing emperor Abahai, also known as Huang Taiji, the tombs feature masterful artistry combining Manchu and Chinese architectural elements. Wandering through the mausoleum's grand palaces and pavilions, visitors will find a number of decorated archways, ornamental columns, cloud pillars and statues of animals much loved and idolized in ancient China such as elephants, camels, lions and the mythical qilin (qílín, 麒麟) and unicorns (xièzhì, 獬豸). After touring the tombs, visitors can spend the rest of... more >>

The Fu Mausoleum (Fú Líng, 福陵) or East Tomb is the final resting place of Nurhaci, the great Manchu leader and founder of the Qing state, and his wife, Empress Xiao Ci. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Fu Mausoleum is listed as an extension of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Bejiing and Shenyang. Showcasing masterful Manchu architecture, the East Tomb incorporates elements of traditional Chinese feng shui. The tomb stands on the western edge of Dongling Park (Dōng Líng Gōngyuán, 东菱公园), near Tianzhu Mountain (Tiānzhù Shān, 天柱山). With its abundance of cedar trees, pavilions, gates, statuary and other displays, the park and tomb a great full-day activity, but travlers in a rush can also see the most important sites in just a few hours. Liaoning guide | Shenyang guide Shenyang attractions | Shenyang f... more >>

The recently restored North Pagoda (Běi Tǎ, 北塔) is one of the Four Ancient Pagodas (Sì Zuò Gǔ Tǎ, 四座古塔) built in Shenyang in the 1640s. They are placed 4 km (2.5 mi) to the east, south, west and north of the Shenyang Imperial Palace and are sensibly known as the East Pagoda, South Pagoda, West Pagoda and North Pagoda. With their perfect geometric relationships, the four pagodas are considered to be symbols of Buddhist wisdom, enhancing the beauty of the city and symbolizing the unity of its residents. In addition to the actual pagoda itself, the surrounding grounds feature the Falun Temple and the Great Hall (also known as the Shenyang Forest of Steles), home to many elaborate murals and a carnal image of twin Buddhas rarely seen in Chinese temples. Liaoning guide | Shenyang guide Shenyang attractions | Shenyang flights | Shenyang hotels S... more >>

On September 18, 1931, Japanese forces, who already occupied parts of Manchuria (present day Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces), blamed Chinese dissidents for the bombing of Japanese-owned railway. Historians are generally in agreement that Japanese militarists staged the bombing and then blamed the Chinese as a pretext for launching the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was an incident that would became forever known as the Manchurian Incident or Mukden Incident. Within the September 18th History Museum (Jiǔ Yī Bā Lìshǐ Bówù Guǎn, 九一八历史博物馆) are photographs and displays depicting the unfathomable atrocities suffered by China at the hands of Japanese soldiers. Much like the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre, it's a dark and somber atmosphere and not recommended for the faint of heart. Though some signs are in English, most disp... more >>