Things To Do in Shenyang
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
Shenyang Attractions
The one attraction within walking distance of the downtown hotels is Zhongshan Guangchang (Sun Yat-sen Square), 4 blocks northeast of Shenyang Zhan on Zhongshan Lu. It's notable for its striking statue of Mao, which stands proudly surrounded by a teeming mass of soldiers, peasants, and workers all bearing weapons of the revolution (guns, sledgehammers, Mao's Little Red Book) and staring grim-faced at the banks and hotels that now surround the square.
In winter, from December to February, Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival is held at Qipanshan. With spectacular giant ice sculptures, skiing facilities, and winter sports events, it is not as extensive as the celebrated Harbin Snow Festival though. Bus no. 168 and 331 from Maluwan.
- Historic Site
Bei Ling
This august tomb at the center of an Eastern Eden of ponds, pavilions, twisting paths, and 300-year-old pines contains the remains of Qing dynasty founder Huang (the Manchurian Tai Zong emperor, Abahai). The eighth son of Nurhaci, the Jurchen chieftain who unified Manchuria in the… - Landmark
Gu Gong
For those who have visited its predecessor in Beijing, the first and most obvious difference will be size. Shenyang's humble imperial abode covers roughly 60,000 sq. m (645,835 sq. ft.), less than a 10th the area of the Forbidden City. This means you don't have to run a tourist… - Hiking/Biking Route
Qian Shan
Once a quiet mountain retreat, Qian Shan, one of Dongbei's most accessible getaways, is slowly being taken over by tourists scrambling over the Song dynasty temples and zipping through the park on electric shuttle buses that charge ¥10 a ride. Getting off the main road, which twists…Outside Shenyang
- Historic Site
Zhang Residence
This resurrected courtyard house south of the Gu Gong, originally known as Shuai Fu (the Commander's Palace), was the home of warlord Zhang Zuolin and his celebrated son, Marshal Zhang Xueliang. The residence provides a glimpse into the almost-imperial world inhabited by the powerful…
Shenyang Nightlife
Dongbei entertainment, errenzhuan, a mix of opera, stand-up comedy and singing, is popular in Shenyang. Liulaogen Dawutai (Liulaogen Theatre), on Zhong Jie (tel.: 0431/2484-5532), is one of the most prominent stages for the more than 300-year-old folk performance art, recognized as an intangible heritage in China. The classic lanterns, gigantic fans, red-colored Chinese surname characters, and flashy lights adorn the distinctive exterior of the Chinese-style theater. Show costs ¥200 to ¥460, starting at 7pm nightly and running for 2 1/2 hours. Conducted in Dongbei dialect, some of the gags are hard to catch even for those who understand Mandarin. But audiences are kept entertained and amused by the animated actors, roaring with laughter all night. Shows are always full; buy tickets early at the ticket office, which opens at 10am and sells tickets on the same day only.
Shenyang goes to bed at around 10pm on most Saturdays, but late nights can still be had. Mulligan's, an Irish pub inside the Holiday Inn Hotel, at Nanjing Bei Jie 206 (tel. 024/2334-1888), with its wide selection of international beers and a tolerable level of kitsch, is not a bad choice. A new bar street, Aoti Jiuba Jie, at the Olympic Stadium, Hunhe Nanan, opened Christmas of 2008, is expected to grow into another popular nightlife spot. At press time, the riverside site has eight pubs, but more are in the works. Q7, inside Times Plaza Hotel, at Beizhan Lu 99 (tel. 024-2396-6666), has one of the best club scenes. It is famous for its big video wall, impressive lighting and DJ stage, and selection of dance music.
