Where to go in Shenyang? Experts recommend a 3-day Shenyang Industrial Tour you can't miss.
Preface
Shenyang's complex historical transformations have endowed it with diverse tourism resources and cultural heritage. Whether you're looking for historical and cultural tours, industrial heritage sites, or a refreshing exploration of art and culture, you'll find something to delight you.
Shenyangcheck the details
Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, is renowned for its heavy industrial equipment manufacturing, earning it the nickname "the Ruhr of the East." Shenyang is also one of China's most famous historical cities, boasting over 2,000 years of history dating back to its founding during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Later, Huang Taiji established the Qing Dynasty here, earning Shenyang the nickname "the birthplace of one dynasty and the capital of two generations of emperors." Today, it still boasts numerous historical sites of remarkable value. Shenyang also bears witness to a national humiliation: the September 18th Incident, where the Japanese army launched the incident. The city now houses the September 18th History Museum. Every year at 9:18 a.m. on September 18th, the city's sirens sound, and the museum's alarm bell, inscribed with the words "Never Forget National Humiliation," is rung, its mournful peal echoing through the sky.
Recommended month: All seasons
4927 recommendations, 2136 visits
Starting from the century-old Forbidden City, I journeyed through the historical relics of the industrial age and passed by the latest trendy online stores. I was captivated by its cultural connotations and historical heritage. My mind and body seemed to have crossed the barriers of time from the ancient capital of thousands of years ago to the throngs of this modern city.
My trip to Shenyang started from the BMW factory, which best embodies the essence of this industrial age.
Recommendation 1: BMW Brilliance Tiexi Plant
The first place I recommend to you is the BMW factory in Shenyang. As a driver, many people, like me, would like to get close to it and learn about its past and present.
Previously quite mysterious, this place is now attracting more and more tourists. Just how impressive is this world-class automobile factory? It boasts 93% automation, 90% water recycling, and production processes comparable to Rolls-Royce.
Several classic models are on display in the exhibition hall at the entrance. A professional guide explained that BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke stands for Bavarian Motor Company. BMW's blue and white logo symbolizes a spinning propeller, much like the Bavarian state flag. BMW represents Bavarian industry and Germany's most sophisticated engine technology.
The naming of car models also follows a certain pattern. The first digit represents the series, 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series. The second and third digits represent the displacement. Of course, there is sometimes an L before the number, indicating an extended version. Sometimes there is an X before the number, which indicates an SUV model, a high-performance sports car.
In an artistic building, there are welding workshops, stamping workshops, painting workshops, logistics workshops, etc. Here we can see most of the assembly process.
As a well-established factory, the cafeteria here is also quite exciting. Not only does it offer Chinese cuisine, but it also features Southeast Asian dishes and Western fast food. BMW employees are truly blessed.
Opposite the restaurant is a cafe that serves the most cost-effective coffee in Shenyang, at only 5 yuan a cup. In addition to the common desserts on the market, German twist cookies are also very popular.
Recommendation 2: China Industrial Museum
Speaking of industrial tourism, I have to recommend the second place, the China Industrial Museum.
The total area is 80,000 square meters, with a building area of 60,000 square meters. Currently, the museum has collected 16,000 exhibits from more than 20 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Inner Mongolia.
This is a free scenic spot, and you only need to swipe your ID card to enter. At the entrance of the exhibition hall is a three-dimensional relief depicting the glorious years of the Great Leap Forward.
The museum opened on World Museum Day, May 18, 2012. Currently, there are two floors of exhibition halls open to the public:
First floor: General History Hall, Machine Tool Hall, Foundry Hall, Metallurgy Hall, Automobile Hall, Tiexi Hall.
Second floor: 10 pavilions in total, including the Mechanical and Electrical Pavilion, the Heavy Equipment Pavilion, the Hong Kong Pavilion, and the Hong Kong Car Model Pavilion.
In the General History Museum, you can learn in detail about the development history of modern industry.
If time is limited, be sure to choose the exhibition hall you are interested in. Friends who are interested in machinery, industry, and history should not miss this place when they come to Shenyang.
Tips:
Address: No. 14, Weigong North Street, Tiexi District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province
Tour guide: There is no tour guide at the moment. Manual tour guides are charged at each exhibition hall, 50 RMB per hall. It is best to make an appointment in advance.
Opening hours: 9:00-16:00 daily, last admission at 15:30, closed on Mondays and major statutory holidays
Recommendation 3: Shenyang Imperial Palace
As an imperial city, Shenyang has many historical relics of the Qing Dynasty, including the Zhaoling Mausoleum of the Qing Dynasty, the Fuling Mausoleum of the Qing Dynasty, the Khan Palace Ruins Exhibition Hall, etc. The most recommended one is the Shenyang Imperial Palace.
Construction of the Shenyang Imperial Palace began in 1625 during the reign of Nurhaci and was completed in 1636 during the reign of Huang Taiji, giving it a history of over 400 years. This was the first majestic imperial palace complex of the Qing Dynasty, imbued with a rich and varied Manchu style and Northeast China characteristics.
The various historical events and court struggles in the Qing Palace before the Manchus entered the Pass, the actual place of history, all took place in the Shenyang Imperial Palace with its red walls and golden tiles.
The well-known "The Secret History of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang" and "Empress Dowager Da Yuer" and many other memorable stories took place in this world surrounded by four directions, profoundly influencing the direction of Chinese history at that time.
As the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty, it was revered by successive Qing emperors. A clear day at the Forbidden City is not as good as a snowy one. Seeing snow in winter is a truly fortunate experience.
Tips:
Address: No. 171, Shenyang Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province
Opening Hours:
April 10th - October 10th 08:30-17:30;
October 11th to April 9th of the following year, 09:00-16:30;
Closed on Monday mornings and opens at 13:00
Recommendation 4: Shengjing Manchu Embroidery Studio
Compared to southern embroidery, Manchu embroidery possesses a unique style. Yang Xiaotong, the director, is a fourth-generation inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Shengjing Manchu embroidery. Her grandmother, Harha Jueluo, was a master of Manchu gold embroidery. In 1921, she worked as an embroiderer for Empress Wanrong's family, the prince's family, and embroidered her wedding dress.
Compared with southern embroidery, Manchu embroidery has many different stitching techniques and themes. Compared with other embroidery, the themes are more extensive and better reflect the life attitudes and personalities of the people in Northeast China.
The embroidery sparkles under the light, and the bright colors, set off by the gradient embroidery method, show more layering and three-dimensionality.
The works on display in the museum include hand-embroidered cheongsams, round fans, embroidered patches, shawls, pillowcases, wallets, handbags, etc.
Recommendation 5: 1905 Cultural and Creative Park
The 1905 Cultural and Creative Park, renovated from the former site of the Shenyang Heavy Industry Group, was renovated into the Tiexi Heavy Industry Cultural Plaza. The perfect blend of industrial heritage and modern art offers a unique experience amidst the complex historical impact.
We happened to come across the Rhino Market when we went there. It gathers the most trendy things in Shenyang. There is a saying that goes: "Shenyang's 798 is Shengjing's 1933", and many young intellectuals have this idea in their minds.
The Tiexi Old Industrial Base bears the historical imprint of its industrial heritage. This renovation will utilize the interior space to introduce a world-class, industry-leading bar format, complemented by cultural creativity, a small theater, and art exhibitions, showcasing its exotic charm and unique characteristics while also incorporating a fashionable and creative aesthetic.
There are many personalized studios, photography exhibitions, art exhibitions and other activities here. If you want to understand a fashionable Shenyang, this is definitely the first choice.
Recommendation 6: Northeast Asia Ski Resort
"Where there is ice is the warmest, where there is snow is the most romantic." Shenyang is located in the Northeast and has a unique geographical advantage. Tourists from other places who come to Shenyang will feel that it is not as cold as they imagined. When you come to Shenyang in winter, ice and snow are a must-experience.
As a traditional attraction of Northeast China, the allure of a world of ice and snow is irresistible. The Northeast Asia Ski Resort, nestled within Shenyang National Forest Park, was designated a "Liaoning Alpine Skiing Training Base" and a "Liaoning Alpine Skiing Competition Base" by the Liaoning Provincial Sports Bureau in 2017.
The ski resort has a total of 12 ski slopes, including advanced, intermediate, beginner, children and teaching slopes. Only the beginner slopes are open at night.
Compared to the daytime, the night scene here has fewer tourists and you can skate more freely. Friends who are not proficient in the technique can also find a coach to give some simple lessons.
Tips:
Northeast Asia Ski Resort Ticket Prices:
Daily skiing: 130 yuan
Lunch and dinner 130 yuan
Night skiing 100 yuan
Skiing + snow fun 180 yuan
Playing in the snow 150 yuan
WeChat platform discount: Price (search on WeChat official account: Northeast Asia Ski Resort) Day skiing 115 yuan, lunch and night 115 yuan, package ticket (skiing + snow fun) 170 yuan, snow fun 120 yuan
Recommendation 7: Century Golf Course
After enjoying the crazy snow mountain sports, we headed to the elegant golf course. This 18-hole, 72-par international standard golf course has hosted many high-standard tournaments. In the early 20th century, General Zhang Xueliang also came here to play golf.
As a resort, it integrates catering, accommodation and entertainment, which not only attracts outsiders, but also locals in Shenyang choose it as their first choice for weekend vacation.
There are also many ice and snow activities here in winter. The artificial snow creates a festive atmosphere and a traditional Northeastern New Year feel. It is also very suitable for family and parent-child tours.
Recommendation 8: "That Old Courtyard"
The most influential chain of local Northeastern cuisine is also a good place for foreign tourists to taste authentic Northeastern cuisine. There is an open kitchen in the store, and orders are placed based on the dishes made in the store.
When you visit Northeast China, you must order dumplings. There are many jokes online about Northeasterners eating dumplings. After eating them, you will definitely understand why Northeasterners love dumplings.
The recommended cold dish is the smoked sauce platter, which is made of smoked beef cut into thin slices and sprinkled with cumin, coriander and chili, making it a great side dish for drinking.
The big rooster stewed with potatoes is definitely the signature dish of the restaurant and is a must-order at almost every table.
New Year's pork stew is actually also known as pork stewed with vermicelli. Home-pickled sauerkraut is simmered over low heat, absorbing the flavors of pork and blood sausage into the soup. It is the homesickness on the tongue of every Northeasterner living away from home.
The little donkey with a shovel, the dragon meat born in the sky and the donkey meat from underground, no one has ever eaten dragon meat, donkey meat is a must-order on every table.
Liaoxi baked cake, also known as Northeast one-pot.
Itinerary reference
Day 1: Qipanshan Ice and Snow World, that courtyard
Day 2: Tiexi BMW Factory, China Industrial Museum, 1905 Cultural and Creative Park
Day 3: Shenyang Imperial Palace, Manchu Embroidery Workshop
Conclusion
As a native of Liaoning, I've visited this haunting city, Shenyang, countless times over the past three decades. From hazy childhood memories to gradually clearer images, and then to a deep, moving touch... Each time I encounter this city, I'm moved by its profound transformation and lingering with a deep sense of home.
This nostalgia for home is so deeply ingrained, ingrained in my soul, shaping my world, and will surely follow me through every stage of my journey. No matter how far I travel, my hometown remains the most beautiful!
