Shenyang (Shényáng, 沈阳), the capital of China's northeastern Liaoning Province, is as famous in the 21st century for its overly aggressive drivers as it was in the 17th century for its overly aggressive Manchu cavalry. At that time it was known as "Mukden" and was the capital of a Manchu state that first broke away from Ming Dynasty China, then conquered it, taking Beijing in 1644 and establishing China's last imperial dynasty, the Qing. Today, historical Shenyang is largely lost beneath the familiar organized chaos of China's post-Mao economic boom times. Still, the patient and persistent traveler will be rewarded. Amidst the flyovers and highways, office towers and neon signs, smog and famously awful Shenyang traffic, remnants of Manchu glory remain.  First among Shenyang attractions is the Shenyang Imperial Palace (Mukden Palace). Begun in 16... more >>

For anyone who wants to get as close to North Korea as possible without actually going in, Dandong is the place to go. China's largest border city sees very large numbers of Chinese travelers who swing through to make the crossing into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the stark, barren land just across the Yalu River (Yalu Jiang), but Western tourists are far less common. Trade with North Korea, both legal and otherwise, defines much the city and explains the strong Korean influence the prevails here. Though Isreali and South Korean citizens cannot obtain visas to visit the DPRK, and Americans face a mountain of red tape, they can get a pretty good idea of life in the isolated state from vendors selling North Korean stamps and propaganda posters, and North Korean shows on TV. You could also try going on a boat cruise (guangguang chuang) along the river, o... more >>

China Daily has called Dalian "China's most livable city," and though the state paper may print much that one would be well advised to take with a grain of salt, in this case they're right on the money. In a country where breakneck economic growth all too often seems to result in heavy-duty environmental degradation, Dalian shines as an exception. That's not to say it doesn't share in China's industrial growth, but it has managed to balance city planning, green space and economic development in a way that has eluded other cities of simliar size. Known for its beaches, mountains and pleasant summertime climate, Dalian is a popular resort destination, and its allure is enhanced by its cosmopolitan nature: The city is known for its Russian, Japanese and Korean influences, which extend from the layout of the the streets to the availablity of kimchi and b... more >>