Day One in Shenyang: Friends Thought I Was Abroad from My Social Media Posts

As the capital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang blends Manchu culture, Republican-era history, and modern urban landscapes, making it a historic city worth exploring in depth.

I. Must-Visit Attractions

Shenyang Imperial Palace
One of China's two surviving imperial palace complexes, known for its Manchu architectural style and early Qing Dynasty history. Highlights include the octagonal multi-eaved structure of Dazheng Hall and the military-political layout of the Ten Kings Pavilion. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit. Winter opening hours are shortened to 9:00-16:30 (closed Monday mornings).

Marshal Zhang's Mansion
The official residence of Zhang Zuolin and Zhang Xueliang, featuring East-meets-West architecture in the "Big Green Building" and "Small Green Building" that witnessed Republican-era history. The "Tiger Hall" recreates the historical scene before Zhang Zuolin's assassination. Consider using the audio guide (approximately 1.5 hours).

September 18th Historical Museum
Recreates the history of Japanese invasion through exhibits like the giant broken calendar monument and underground exhibition halls. Recommended to join a guided tour (scheduled daily) or rent an audio guide. Allow about 2 hours for your visit.

Beiling Park (Zhao Mausoleum)
The tomb of Qing Emperor Taizong Huang Taiji, with ancient pine trees lining the sacred path. At dusk, the golden glazed tiles create a beautiful contrast with the snow. The outer park is free, while the inner mausoleum area costs 50 yuan (includes a 20 yuan consumption voucher).

II. Classic Itinerary Planning

Three-Day Cultural Tour
Day 1: Shenyang Imperial Palace → Zhongjie (Laobian Dumpling Restaurant) → Marshal Zhang's Mansion → Liu Laogen Grand Theater (evening errenzhuan performance)
Day 2: Beiling Park → September 18th Museum → 1905 Cultural Creative Park (industrial art district) → Korean BBQ at Xita
Day 3: Liaoning Provincial Museum (Neolithic jade exhibition) → Xita Korean District → Caidian Tower Night Market

Four-Day Family Tour
Add interactive exhibits at Liaoning Science and Technology Museum and Shenyang Forest Zoo (Northeast Tiger Park). Recommended dining: Li Liangui Smoked Meat Pancake (Zhongjie location) offers children's meal sets.

III. Local Food Map

Zhongjie Commercial Area: Laobian Dumplings (three-delicacy filling), Ma Family Shaomai (lamb shaomai), Zhongjie Ice Point (sesame-flavored ice cream)
Xita Street: Pyongyang Restaurant (cold noodles with spicy kimchi), Wei Family BBQ (freshly grilled eel), Sairendang Rice Cake (red bean filling)
Night Market Snacks: Caidian Tower Night Market's stir-fried mashed potato with "mianwozi" combo, Xingshun Night Market's grilled chicken racks (caramel flavor)

Specialty dishes worth trying include Luming Spring's sweet and sour pork (traditional style) or Shanhetun iron pot stew (goose with pickled cabbage). In winter, experience hot spring hotels (like Qinghe Peninsula) combined with northeastern bathhouse culture.