Shenyang Travel Guide

Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning province and one of the central cities of northeast China. In the 17th century, the predecessor state of the Qing dynasty made its capital here, calling the city Shengjing. The palace and the tombs of the dynasty's first emperors survive in the center, inscribed in 2004 as a World Heritage extension of the imperial palaces and tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasties.The Shenyang Imperial Palace is a palace complex second in scale only to the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Dazheng Hall, with its octagonal roof, and the Ten Princes' Pavilions that surround it are known for their distinctive layout, which reflects Manchu governance. Sights continue with the Chongzheng Hall on the central axis and the Wensu Pavilion, built as a book repository.North of the city lies the tomb of the emperor Hong Taiji, the Zhaoling (North Tomb), and to the east the Fuling (East Tomb) of the dynasty's first emperor. Both are quiet tomb gardens ringed by pine woods, where stone carvings and gate towers recall their former grandeur. The central shopping streets mix centuries-old shops with new ones.Shenyang's food centers on northeastern cooking, led by thin-skinned steamed dumplings and guobaorou, fried pork in sweet-and-sour sauce. Stews of sour pickled cabbage are a winter staple. High-speed rail links the city with Beijing, Dalian and Harbin, making it a city to enjoy for both its history and its food.