Day Trip Itinerary for Shenyang

Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, is a city rich in history and culture, known for its imperial heritage, Manchu influence, and vibrant street food scene. A visit here offers a mix of ancient palaces, Soviet-style squares, and bustling local markets.

🚩 Sightseeing Route

Day 1:
• Start at Shenyang Imperial Palace (沈阳故宫, Shěnyáng Gùgōng), a smaller but unique counterpart to Beijing’s Forbidden City.
• Walk along Zhongjie Pedestrian Street (中街, Zhōngjiē), the city’s oldest commercial street with shops, street food, and local snacks.
• Visit Marshal Zhang’s Mansion (张氏帅府, Zhāng Shì Shuàifǔ), the former residence of warlord Zhang Zuolin and his son, Zhang Xueliang.

Day 2:
• Head to Beiling Park (北陵公园, Běilíng Gōngyuán) to see Zhaoling Tomb (昭陵, Zhāolíng), the grand burial site of the second Qing emperor.
• Explore 1905 Creative Culture Park (1905文化创意园, 1905 Wénhuà Chuàngyì Yuán), a trendy area with art exhibitions and cafés.
• In the evening, visit Xinglong Indoor Market (兴隆大家庭, Xīnglóng Dàjiātíng) for a mix of food, shopping, and local culture.

🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions

✅ Shenyang Imperial Palace – A key historical site showcasing early Qing Dynasty architecture.
✅ Zhaoling Tomb (Beiling Park) – A serene imperial tomb blending nature and history.
✅ Marshal Zhang’s Mansion – A well-preserved warlord’s residence filled with historical relics.
✅ 1905 Creative Culture Park – A modern hub for art, design, and photography lovers.

🚇 Transportation

🚇 Metro: Convenient and cheap, covering most key attractions.
🚖 Taxis/Didi: Readily available, though some drivers may not accept e-payment.
🚌 Buses: Extensive but can be slow; useful for reaching parks and outskirts.
🚶 Walking: Zhongjie and surrounding areas are best explored on foot.

📷 Photo Spots

📍 Shenyang Imperial Palace – Beautiful traditional architecture with fewer crowds than Beijing.
📍 Zhaoling Tomb (Beiling Park) – A scenic spot, especially in autumn and winter.
📍 1905 Creative Culture Park – A cool industrial-style setting for artistic photos.
📍 Shenyang Railway Station Area – Soviet-era architecture with an old-world charm.

🍜 Local Cuisine

🥟 Laobian Dumplings (老边饺子, Lǎobiān Jiǎozi) – A famous Shenyang-style dumpling shop with over 150 years of history.
🍲 Guobaorou (锅包肉, Guōbāoròu) – Northeastern-style sweet and sour pork with a crispy texture.
🐏 Yangrou Chuan (羊肉串, Yángròu Chuàn) – Grilled lamb skewers, a must-try street food.
🍜 Jianbing (煎饼, Jiānbǐng) – A crispy Chinese pancake, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

🏠 Accommodation

LazyBee International Youth Hostel Shenyang
📍 Location: Close to Zhongjie and many attractions.
👍 Pros: Cozy, well-designed, social atmosphere, and budget-friendly.
👎 Cons: Limited privacy in dorms, and rooms can be small.

💡 Tips

✅ Winter Temperatures Drop Below -20°C: Dress in layers and wear thick gloves.
✅ Explore at Night: The city lights up beautifully, especially around Zhongjie.