The present-day province of Liaoning, formerly known as Fengtian until 1929, was the heartland of the Manchu people with Shenyang as its capital. After the founding of the Qing Dynasty, the Manchus moved their capital from Shenyang to Beijing. Following the decline of the Qing Dynasty, the province was occupied by Japan and Russia, who also industrialized the region. The ports of Dalian and Lüshunkou (formerly known as Port Arthur) were strategically important during the Russian occupation due to their ice-free nature.
Approximately 84% of the population are Han Chinese. Despite Manchus accounting for only 13% and Mongols for 2% of the province's population, the six autonomous counties of the Manchus cover over 17% and the two autonomous counties of the Mongols cover almost 6% of the province's area.
In Shenyang and Dalian, tourists now enjoy a 72-hour visa-free transit stay if they can show proof of an onward international flight. For more information, visit: Visa
As the capital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang plays a significant role in politics, economy, and culture. In 1625, the first ruler of the later Jin Dynasty, a predecessor of the Qing Dynasty, moved the capital to Shenyang, leaving behind numerous historical attractions from that era in the city.
Shenyang boasts diverse tourist attractions. In addition to the previously mentioned "Forbidden City," a smaller precursor to the more famous Beijing Forbidden City, and the Palace of the Manchu rulers, there are several imperial tombs, two of which are located within the city. Beiling Park, covering over 350 hectares, is approximately the size of Central Park in New York City. Also noteworthy are the four pagodas positioned equidistantly from the Forbidden City in the four cardinal directions. The only pagoda to survive the destruction during the Cultural Revolution is the northern pagoda; the others were faithfully reconstructed after the revolution ended.
Since May 2006, to the east of Shenyang, visitors can explore Bird Island Park with a lake aquarium and the International Garden Exposition (IGA). The IGA showcases a fascinating collection of gardens representing various gardening traditions from Chinese provinces. In recent years, the city administration has focused on creating roadside greenery along highways and developing new parks and green spaces along riverbanks and canals to combat high pollution levels from industrial and vehicular emissions. Shenyang has been designated a "National Model City for Environmental Protection," allowing it to receive support from Beijing.
During the long-lasting winter, winter sports are possible in the Qipanshan Mountains, located approximately 30 km east of Shenyang. The wide, moderately steep ski slopes are ideal for beginners. There's also a safari park where visitors can drive through enclosures with tigers, lions, bears, and other large animals. Additionally, buses take tourists through the wildlife enclosures.
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. It serves as an important hub for flights from China to Japan and Russia, making it the busiest airport in Northeast China.
Due to the steadily increasing number of passengers, the old airport has become too small and is expected to be replaced by the new Dalian Jinzhouwan International Airport in 2026 (as of 2024).
Given the proximity to the city center, taking a taxi is convenient. In addition to Metro Line 2, six different bus routes also operate between the city center and the airport.
This airport is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026 (as of 2024). Once finished, the airport will be capable of handling 70 million passengers and will be the largest offshore airport in the world.
Shenyang Taoxian International Airport is located about 20 kilometers from the city center and is a significant hub in China. The airport also has a direct flight to Frankfurt am Main, Germany. A shuttle bus operates between the city center and the airport, and Tram Lines 2 and 6 also serve the airport.
