Explore the vibrant city of Shenyang with this detailed 3-day itinerary, packed with historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the historic Shenyang Imperial Palace to the mysterious Guai Po (Strange Slope) and the picturesque Qipan Mountain, this guide ensures you experience the best the city has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or food lover, Shenyang’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes will captivate you at every turn. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through this dynamic northeastern gem!
Day 1: South Gate Catholic Church – Zhang’s Mansion Museum – Shenyang Imperial Palace – Zhongjie Street – Liu Laogen Grand Stage
First stop: South Gate Catholic Church ⏱ 2 hours
South Gate Catholic Church is a typical Gothic-style church, built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. It is a landmark in Shenyang, the heart of Catholicism in Northeast China. Daily Mass is held at 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM in the summer (7:00 AM and 5:00 PM in winter), and visitors can sit quietly in the church hall to experience the devotion of the parishioners’ prayers.
Second stop: Zhang’s Mansion Museum ⏱ 3 hours
From South Gate Catholic Church, you can turn right onto Beitongtian Street and walk for about 12 minutes to reach Zhang’s Mansion.
Zhang’s Mansion Museum was the former residence of Zhang Zuolin, the leader of the Fengtian warlords, and his son, the patriotic general Zhang Xueliang. The most famous parts of the mansion are the large Qinglou (big green building) and the small Qinglou (small green building). The big Qinglou served as the office and living quarters for Zhang Zuolin and Zhang Xueliang, while the small Qinglou was the residence of Zhang Zuolin’s beloved concubine, also known as the “Flower Pavilion in the Garden”. Inside the big Qinglou, you’ll find the famous Tiger Hall, which houses two tiger specimens from Zhang Xueliang’s time (currently replicas).
Third stop: Shenyang Imperial Palace ⏱ 2 hours
From Zhang’s Mansion, walk 10 minutes north along Chaoyang Street to reach Shenyang Imperial Palace.
Shenyang Imperial Palace was the imperial palace of the Later Jin before they entered Beijing and later served as the Shengjing Palace (also called Fengtian Palace) for the Qing Dynasty. The most iconic buildings in Shenyang Imperial Palace are located on the east side, including the Dazheng Hall, Wangtingyi, and the Phoenix High Platform in the center. The Dazheng Hall, with its octagonal double-eaved pavilion structure, is the representative architectural feature of the palace and a popular photo spot. If you’re lucky, you might catch an ancient costume performance, such as the scene of Emperor Huang Taiji’s wedding to Hai Lanzhu.
Fourth stop: Zhongjie Street ⏱ 3 hours
From Shenyang Imperial Palace, walk 10 minutes north along Zhengyang Street to reach the Zhongjie shopping district.
Zhongjie Street is China’s first pedestrian street and the heart of Shenyang. The lively street is lined with shops and is an important food hub in the city. You can try various local specialties such as Lao Bian Dumplings, Li Lianggui Smoked Meat, Yangjia Roast Pies, and Yun Zhi Ribs.
Fifth stop: Liu Laogen Grand Stage ⏱ 2.5 hours
Liu Laogen Grand Stage is located in Zhongjie Street, so visitors can stroll around Zhongjie before heading to the theater for the performance.
Northeasterners say they’d rather skip a meal than miss a performance of “Er Ren Zhuan” (a traditional comedic performance). The Liu Laogen Grand Stage on Zhongjie Street is the first one established by “Uncle Benshan”. Although many other Liu Laogen Grand Stages exist nationwide, this one is especially famous for its performances by Zhao Jiaban, one of the most renowned troupes in China. Performances start at 7:00 PM, so you can enjoy dinner in Zhongjie and then walk to the venue for the show.
Day 2: Qing Zhao Ling (Beiling Park) – “9/18” Historical Museum – Tiexi 1905 Creative Cultural Park – Xing Shun International Night Market
First stop: Qing Zhao Ling ⏱ 2 hours
Qing Zhao Ling, also known as Beiling, is the tomb of Emperor Taizong of the Qing Dynasty, Huang Taiji, and Empress Xiao Duan Wen. It is the largest tomb among the “Three Tombs Outside the Pass” of the Qing Dynasty. The underground tomb has not been opened to the public, but Beiling Park has been built around the tomb. If you don’t wish to enter the tomb, you can simply buy a ticket to the park.
Second stop: “9/18” Historical Museum ⏱ 2 hours
From Qing Zhao Ling, take a taxi to the “9/18” Historical Museum, which costs around 15 RMB.
The “9/18” Historical Museum was established to commemorate the victims of the September 18 Incident and to remind the people of China never to forget the national humiliation. The museum displays numerous historical artifacts, telling the story of the atrocities committed by Japanese invaders in China and the courageous resistance by the Chinese people.
Third stop: Tiexi 1905 Creative Cultural Park ⏱ 2 hours
From the “9/18” Historical Museum, take bus 299 to the 1905 Creative Cultural Park stop. Alternatively, take a taxi, which takes around 20 minutes and costs about 20 RMB.
Shenyang, as an important old industrial base, has transformed a former factory into the 1905 Creative Cultural Park. Today, it has become a favorite spot for young, artistic locals to hang out. In the cultural park, you can feel the passionate history of a place once full of booming machinery, while also enjoying the artistic atmosphere in its cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Fourth stop: Xing Shun Night Market ⏱ 2 hours
From the creative park, take bus 208 to Xing Shun Night Market, a journey of about 40 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi will take around 10 minutes and cost about 15 RMB.
Xing Shun Night Market is a food lover’s paradise, bustling with lights and a lively atmosphere at night. The market is a great place to experience the vibrant food culture of Shenyang, with a variety of delicious street foods like grilled skewers, fried dishes, and stir-fries.
Day 3: Guai Po (Strange Slope) – Qipan Mountain – Liaoning Provincial Museum
First stop: Guai Po (Strange Slope) ⏱ 3 hours
On the third day, take a taxi from the city center to Guai Po. The taxi ride takes about 1 hour and costs around 100 RMB.
Guai Po is a unique scenic spot in the northeast of Shenyang, famous for its reported anti-gravity effects. Visitors can rent bicycles at the site and ride them to the base of the slope. Surprisingly, you’ll find that the bike moves quickly up the slope without pedaling, and when going downhill, you’ll need to pedal hard. It’s truly a strange phenomenon. Nearby, there is the Guai Po Northeast Tiger Park, where you can observe the mighty Northeast tigers in a forested, snowy setting.
Second stop: Qipan Mountain ⏱ Half a day
From Guai Po, take a taxi to Qipan Mountain. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs around 60 RMB.
Qipan Mountain offers the chance to experience the unique Manchurian charm of Shenyang in the “Guandong Film and Television City,” which depicts the city’s style from the 1920s and 1930s. The scenic beauty of Xiu Lake within the park is stunning, and the “Bitang Fenghe” (Lotus Pond Breeze) can be seen from the south entrance of the park. The area is famous for lotus viewing in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and ice sculpture and snow activities in the winter.
Third stop: Liaoning Provincial Museum ⏱ 3 hours
If you wish, you can spend an extra day exploring the Liaoning Provincial Museum in detail. The museum boasts a rich collection, featuring items from the Hongshan Culture jade artifacts, Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes, to ceramics from the Liao dynasty and Ming and Qing dynasty prints. The museum offers an excellent overview of the region’s deep historical and cultural heritage, making it a great destination for history enthusiasts.
