Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province, is renowned for its heavy industry and manufacturing, earning it the nickname "Orient Ruhr". It is also a famous historic city in China, with over 2,000 years of history since Nurhaci founded the Later Jin dynasty here in 1625. Later, Huang Taiji established the Qing dynasty in Shenyang, giving it acclaim as the "Place Where One Dynasty Arose, and Two Emperors Ruled". Numerous highly valued ancient relics remain today.
Shenyang is also a witness to national humiliation, where Japan launched the September 18th Incident in 1931. The September 18th History Museum now stands to commemorate this, and every September 18th at noon, air raid sirens wail as the museum's "Never Forget National Humiliation" bell tolls mournfully across the sky...
Yet with rich history and culture alongside modern development, Shenyang continues moving forward as an energetic city. Visitors can appreciate its imperial palaces, experience traditional Manchu culture, and enjoy vibrant nightlife in this hub of China's northeast.
Huangsi Temple Fair
Experience the Grand Imperial Temple Fair in Shenyang
The Grand Imperial Temple Fair is one of the four most famous temple fairs in China, along with the Beijing Temple of Earth Fair, the Shanghai City God Temple Fair, and the Nanjing Confucius Temple Fair. It is held during major holidays at the Shisheng Temple on Huangsi Road in Shenyang's Heping District. Visitors can enjoy folk art and crafts, tasty snacks, and cultural performances like Northeastern errenzhuan and Xibe ethnic dances. During Spring Festival, the fair coincides with the beautiful Yuanxiao Lantern Festival. The temple also displays its precious five-colored Buddhist relics.
Location: Shisheng Temple, 206 Huangsi Road, Heping District, Shenyang
Time: During Spring Festival, May 1st, and October 1st national holidays
Experience the hype and history of one of China's grandest temple fairs in Shenyang. Wander crowded market stalls bursting with handicrafts and tasty snacks. Thrill to dazzling lantern displays and captivating cultural shows. Against the tranquil backdrop of the Shisheng Temple pagoda, immerse yourself in the enduring vibrancy of Chinese folk culture.
Qing Culture International Tourism Festival
Shenyang is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty, and every September the city holds the Qing Culture International Tourism Festival. Numerous activities centered around Qing culture take place at attractions like the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhao Mausoleum, and Fuling Mausoleum. Highlights include the Royal Etiquette Parade, Reenactment of the Emperor's Inspection Tour, Manchu court dances and Shamanic Mid-Autumn sacrifices, and the Shengjing Cultural Temple Fair.
Immerse yourself in the enduring majesty of the Qing empire at this dazzling festival. Marvel at the pomp and pageantry of imperial parades and court rituals. Browse bustling stalls showcasing calligraphy, handicrafts, and antiques. Against the tranquil backdrop of Shenyang's imperial sites, experience the splendor of traditional Manchu culture come to life.
Shenyang Ice and Snow Tourism Festival
Experience the Shenyang Ice and Snow Tourism Festival
The Shenyang Ice and Snow Tourism Festival is a major highlight of Liaoning's winter tourism. Numerous parks and scenic areas across Shenyang hold large-scale ice and snow sculpture exhibitions, lantern fairs, and more. Major ski resorts also host skiing, speed skating, winter swimming, and other competitions. In addition, many amusement activities combine ice and snow with entertainment. Every year, numerous tourists are drawn to the festival, which brings joy to many.
Slide, skate and celebrate at one of China’s biggest winter festivals in Shenyang. Stroll through a glittering world of ice sculptures and colorful lantern displays. Cheer on athletes at thrilling ski and skating competitions. Scream down icy alpine slides or drift across a frozen lake on a bumper car. With endless wintery delights, the Shenyang Ice and Snow Festival offers chilled-out fun for all ages.
Strange Slope Sophora Flower Festival
Experience the Huaihua Festival at Guaipo Scenic Area
Every May is the most beautiful time to see the pagoda trees blossom at Guaipo Scenic Area. Especially in the pine-pagoda tree valley, where the entire mountain valley is blanketed in light white pagoda flowers, creating quite a stunning view. During the Huaihua Festival, visitors can not only take in the fragrant blossoms, but also enjoy lively entertainment activities like music festivals and picnic parties.
Time: May
Wander through a sea of delicate pagoda blossoms at Guaipo’s delightful flower festival. Feast your eyes on acres of elegantly swaying white blooms. Picnic under the pine trees while listening to live music concerts echo through the valley. As the floral fragrance fills the air, breathe deep and immerse yourself in the beauty of springtime in northeast China.
Best Travel Time
Shenyang has four distinct seasons, and the best travel time is in spring, autumn, and winter. The climate in Shenyang is warm in spring, making it suitable for hiking and flower watching; Autumn is relatively cool and suitable for outdoor tourism and sightseeing. Although Shenyang is cold in winter, you can ski, watch ice sculptures, ice lanterns, and experience Shenyang's winter charm.Airport shuttle bus
Airport shuttle bus fares are ¥15/person and the journey takes 45-60 minutes.
1. The airport express shuttle departs from Terminal 2 and runs to Shenyang TV Station (Qingnian Dajie - Beiwenrui intersection) and final stop at Maluwai (in front of hospital). Fare is ¥15 and travel time around 40+ minutes, with one stop at TV Station (Exhibition Center). Shuttles run based on flight schedules.
Travelers from Fushun can take the domestic airport bus, which departs from 2 Dongyi Road (near Dajiudian Hotel). Fare is ¥33 including fuel surcharge.
2. Spring Airlines shuttle route is Terminal 1 - Shenyang TV Station - Final stop Shenyang North Station (in front of Kailai Hotel).
With regular shuttle service connecting Taoxian Airport to downtown Shenyang at major transit points like the train station and TV tower, travelers can conveniently continue their onward journeys. Buses run based on flight arrival times and cost just ¥15-30. Pre-purchase tickets on board or at airport counters.
Self driving
Shenyang has an extensive road network, with the intersection of national highways 101, 102, 202, and 304. Five major expressways - ShenDa, JingShen, ShenHa, ShenFu, and ShenBen - form a ring and radial network with through highways.
For self-driving in Shenyang, the web of expressways provides quick access around the metropolitan area and beyond. From downtown, it's easy to reach attractions like Shenyang Imperial Palace and Zhaoling Tomb via the ShenDa, ShenBen or ShenFu expressways. Northeast China destinations like Dalian, Harbin, and Changchun can be conveniently accessed via intersections with the JingShen and ShenHa expressways. And highways like the G101 and G304 connect to inner provinces.
Though Shenyang's roads can get congested during rush hours, the network of urban arteries and modern highways enables self-driving flexibility. Just be sure to plan alternate routes and factor in extra time when traveling during peak periods. With Shenyang as a base, visitors can set out to discover the industrial heritage of China's northeast and its vast countryside.