Liaoning Travel Guide

Liaoning Province, abbreviated as “Liao,” is located in the southern part of Northeast China. Its capital is Shenyang. The province borders Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei, and is close to Russia. To the south, it faces the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, while the Yalu River separates it from North Korea. Liaoning is the only province in Northeast China that is both coastal and border-facing. Historically, it is also the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty.

Liaoning features stunning natural landscapes, with cities that each have their unique character. The ruggedness and romance of Northeast China come together in this province. Dalian, known as the “City of Romance,” offers year-round festivals, including the Cherry Blossom Festival, Beer Festival, and International Fashion Festival, along with an international marathon that passes through Jinshitan, showcasing its charm. Shenyang, a UNESCO-listed “International Historic and Cultural City,” is home to the Shenyang Imperial Palace, one of only two remaining imperial palace complexes in China. Dandong, a city that experienced the flames of the Korean War, enjoys a mild and humid climate, making it a comfortable place to live. Often called the “Suzhou and Hangzhou of the Northeast,” it is home to the famous broken bridge on the Yalu River, which stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.

Most Popular Liaoning Attractions

Dalian Binhai Road
Binhai Road, Dalian - A Scenic Coastal Highway Perfect for Hiking
Binhai Road in Dalian (大连滨海路) is a scenic coastal highway stretching over 30 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the sea. Originally built in the...
Golden Pebble Beach Dalian
Golden Pebble Beach, Dalian - Unique Rock Formations
Golden Pebble Beach (金石滩, Jinshitan), located in Dalian, covers an area of 130 square kilometers, with 78 square kilometers of land and 52 square kilometers...
Beiling Park (zhaoling Mausoleum)
Beiling Park (Zhaoling Mausoleum from Qing Dynasty), Shenyang
Beiling Park (北陵公园), the largest park in Shenyang, is home to the tomb of the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Huang Taiji, and Empress Xiaoduanwen,...
Shenyang Imperial Palace
Imperial Palace, Shenyang - The Former Forbidden City
The Shenyang Imperial Palace (沈阳故宫), also known as the Mukden Palace, is one of the two most well-preserved ancient palace complexes in China (the other...
Former Residence Of Zhang Xueliang Shenyang
Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang - A prominent Warlord
The Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang (张学良旧居), also known as Zhang’s General Mansion (张氏帅府), is located in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. It served...
Yalu River Broken Bridge
Yalu River Broken Bridge - The Silent Witness to the Korean War
The Yalu River Broken Bridge, known as the “断桥” in Chinese, is the remaining structure of the original Yalu River Bridge that was destroyed...

Top Destinations in Liaoning Province

Detailed Liaoning Itineraries

Best Time to Visit Liaoning

Liaoning Province has a temperate continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons, each offering unique landscapes.

Spring (March to May): Spring arrives later and is relatively short, with a mix of warm and cold weather. The air still carries a chill, making it a great time to visit historical sites in cities like Shenyang.

Summer (June to August): Summer is mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C. It is the best time to visit Dalian, known as the “City of Romance,” to enjoy cool sea breezes and the refreshing coastal atmosphere.

Autumn (September to October): Autumn is brief but pleasant, with mild temperatures. It’s the perfect season to enjoy the stunning red maple leaves in Benxi and the vibrant red beaches in Panjin.

Winter (November to February): Winters in Liaoning can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as -30°C. Snow is common in most cities, making it ideal for visiting Liaoyang to experience the breathtaking rime ice, a unique northern China phenomenon.

Liaoning Local Food

Northeast Stewed Goose
Northeastern Stewed Goose - A Popular Dish in Northeast China
The history of Northeastern Stewed Goose (东北炖大鹅) dates back to the early Qing Dynasty, but it is more widely believed to have originated during the “Chaoguan...
Suancai Bairou
Suan Cai Bai Rou (Saurkraut and Pork Belly)
Suan Cai Bai Rou, or Saurkraut and Pork Belly (酸菜白肉), has a long history, particularly in Northeast China, where it holds deep cultural significance. The...
Goubangzi Smoked Chicken
Goubangzi Smoked Chicken - A Delicacy in Liaoning
Goubangzi Smoked Chicken (沟帮子熏鸡), with a history of over 130 years, was first created in the 15th year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign (1889). The founder,...
Little Chicken Stewed With Mushrooms
Little Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms: An Invention of the Manchu People
The origin of “Little Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms (小鸡炖蘑菇)” can be traced back to the ancient Manchu culture. During this time, the Manchu...
Guo Bao Rou
Guo Bao Rou: A Signature Dish of Heilongjiang
Guo Bao Rou (锅包肉), also known as “Crispy Sweet and Sour Pork,” originated during the late Qing Dynasty under Emperor Guangxu, created by Zheng...
Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber
Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber: A Shandong Culinary Gem
Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber, known as “Cong Shao Hai Shen (葱烧海参),” boasts a rich history that traces back to the Ming Dynasty. Originally,...