Shenyang which is also known as the capital city of Liaoning Province in northeast China is filled with deep history, culture, and just a little of modern beauty. With the past as a bastion of the Qing Dynasty as well as its contribution to the industrial sector of China the city is center stage of tradition and modern day commerce. If you love history or nature, or are just looking for a place to explore culture, Shenyang is worth visiting for everyone. In this blog, let's explore different places to visit in Shenyang that you should include on your list because you wouldn’t want to leave with the memories of the few places you witnessed.

1. Shenyang Imperial Palace (Mukden Palace)

No tour to Shenyang would be perfect without visiting the spectacular Shenyang Imperial Palace also called Mukden Palace. This palace is located behind the Forbidden Palace of Beijing as the second largest imperial palace in China and was the imperial clostther of the early Qing dynasty. The Mukden Palace, which includes the complex of the orthodox Monastery with, has World Historical Heritage status and possesses an interesting history and marvellous architecture of Manchu.

Walking towards the palace grounds, you get impressed by the delicate structures of the buildings, the spacious and majestic halls, and the charming courtyards. Other notable buildings for visiting are Dazheng Hall, designed for emperors to perform key ceremonial functions, and Phoenix Tower, which opens a magnificent view of the Palace. For history buffs, there is also a part of the palace that contains a collection of ancient history and exhibits with royal history. The Shenyang Imperial Palace is like a glimpse of jousting history, imperial system, royalty of China and its great legacy to her people which is why it becomes one of the best Shenyang tourist attractions.

2. Zhaoling Mausoleum (Beiling Park)

Shenyang has a variety of historical tombs, among them Zhaoling Mausoleum situated within Beautiful Beiling Park which is one of the most important. This mausoleum is the burial place of the 2nd ruler of Qing Dynasty Emperor Huang Taiji and his consort. Zhaoling is famous for its calm and peaceful cherry blossoms and ancient buildings.

Beiling Park, where the mausoleum is situated, is a large green area that is appropriate for walking or picnicking or riding boats on the fluffy lake of the park. The quiet setting that is enhanced by beautiful scenery has made this park a popular site for local people as well as visitors. The Zhaoling mausoleum is a very important structure owing to its age and location in Beiling Park which is why it is one of the places many people visit whenever they come to Shenyang.

3. Shenyang Botanical Garden

The Shenyang Botanical Garden is a great place to get away from the city and its commotion, especially for those who enjoy spending time surrounded by nature. This botanical garden is extensive; it features a humongous collection of imported plant varieties. If you have an adventurous spirit and like pretty blossoms or strange flora or just would like to have an easy walk, the Shenyang Botanical Garden will provide you the sanctuary right in the city centre.

Also, each few years the garden holds an international exhibition of flowers and plants where the visitors are offered fascinating flower shows and lectures on how to protect plants. The calm environment, colourful plants, and beautiful walkways make the Shenyang Botanical Garden one of the best places to go in Shenyang, especially with families and nature lovers.

4. Shenyang Xinle Ancient Ruins Museum

If ancient cultures excite your interests, you cannot miss to visit the Shenyang Xinle Ancient Ruins Museum. It is situated upon the ruins of a settled village, older than 7000, which gives one an insight of the ancient people of the northeast of China. The museum features many items including Neolithic artefacts such as pottery, tools, and sculptures.

The most interesting feature of this museum is the outdoor museum, where one can see the replica of ancient huts and get acquainted with the lifestyle of its early residents. Exploring the Shenyang Xinle Ancient Ruins Museum is like walking through time; moreover, it is a wonderful experience to improve your knowledge of the ancient past of China. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Shenyang.

5. Liaoning Provincial Museum

For those who have an interest in art, culture, and history, the Liaoning Provincial Museum is one of the best things to see in Shenyang for quite a wealth of information. This museum which is in Shenyang has a very impressive collection of more than 100000 items such as ancient pots, jade sculptures, and paintings. This is one of the biggest museums in the northeast of China, and presents a thorough picture of the history of this region, starting from the ancient age and finishing with contemporary developments.

There are many sections or divisions and the sections include Qing Dynasty, Chinese painting and calligraphy, Buddhist relics, and some other types of exhibits too. The Liaoning Provincial Museum possesses a good reputation as far as temporary exhibitions are concerned, since they always feature priceless and outstanding works of artistry. If you are interested in the rich culture of Shenyang and Liaoning Province, this museum is one of the most recommended places to visit in Shenyang.

6. Shenyang Middle Street (Zhongjie)

Without a doubt, every visit to Shenyang will compel one to take a breath of Middle Street (Zhongjie) which is one of the oldest shopping streets and the busiest in the city. Where it comes to whether one needs some nice gifts, some shoes or try some street food, Middle Street is perfect for everybody. Scenery of this street consists of shops, restaurants, and ancient structures, thus enriching the traditional and modern aspects of China Society.

Middle Street is an ideal spot to sample the local specialties. Whether it is savoury dumplings or sweet pastries for dessert, a lot of street foods are available to please everyone. Located in Shenyang; Middle Street also serves as one of the busiest tourist places as it allows one to relish the local culture as well as the relaxed ambiance.

7. Shenyang South Mosque

Shenyang is a melting pot of cultures and this can especially be seen in the Shenyang South Mosque which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the Northeast region of China. Established in the years or components of the early Qing Dynasty, it is housed in a structure that mixes both Chinese and Islamic architecture. It is a wonderful place to visit for people, who are interested in religious history and architecture, because of the quiet enclosure of the mosque, the prayer halls and many such decorative features.

The members of the local Muslim community and their sojourn in Shenyang can be learnt. The South Mosque is a representation of the city’s multi-ethnicity and culture and is a recommended site in Shenyang for such an experience.

8. Historical Museum

As for the fans of contemporary history, the 9.18 Historical Museum presents a rather gloomy but significant aspect of the history of Shenyang. This museum is dedicated to the Mukden Incident from September 18th, 1931.

The photographs, documents, and testimonials of people who experienced this time and period are also part of the museum’s stock. There is an entire section of the museum including documentary footage that documents the extent of destruction faced by people during invasions by the Japanese and is indeed a real experience that anyone who warms or has been ever warmed should do. Even among the places of historical importance in Shenyang, this one is the most attractive and deserves to be included in the list.

In Shenyang, there are history, culture, and natural charm so well combined that it is hard to be indifferent when traveling. The city is the right destination for everyone from the grand Shenyang Imperial Palace to quiet Shenyang Botanical Garden walking. Think of your preference, history, nature, or local culture because these best places to visit in Shenyang will make your sky a rainbow after the rain. If you’re planning to fly from USA to China, be sure to explore these amazing attractions of Shenyang for a memorable trip. Book your flights with iEagle, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the amazing sights that Shenyang has to offer.