Attractions · Shenyang

The Shenyang Imperial Palace was first built in 1625 as the imperial palace of the Qing before the dynasty entered the pass, and is one of only two surviving imperial palace complexes in China. It covers 60,000 square metres and has more than 100 buildings and over 500 rooms, blending Manchu, Han and Mongol architectural styles. Highlights include the Hall of Great Administration, the Ten Kings' Pavilions, Phoenix Tower and Qingning Palace. One of China's two most complete imperial palace complexes, it blends Manchu, Han and Mongol architecture and holds a large collection of Qing court artefacts. Tip: allow 2–3 hours. Practical info: the palace is at 171 Shenyang Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning; ticket ¥60; opening hours 08:30–17:00. Best season: autumn (September–October) is crisp and clear; winter (December–February) offers ice and snow. Combine with the Zhang Marshal's Mansion Museum, Qing Zhaoling (Beiling) and the September 18th History Museum for a half- or full-day route. Confirm the day's opening and reservation policy before you go and allow ample time.

Tip: Allow 2–3 hours. Closed Mondays. Can be visited together with the Zhang Marshal's Mansion.

• Address: 171 Shenyang Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province
• Ticket: ¥60
• Opening: 08:30–17:00

The Zhang Marshal's Mansion Museum in Shenhe District, Shenyang, is the official residence of Zhang Zuolin and his son Zhang Xueliang. The mansion was first built in 1914 as an East–West hybrid complex that includes the Daqing Building, Xiaoqing Building and the Zhao Si Xiaojie Building. Highlights include the exhibition on Zhang Xueliang's life. The residence of Zhang Zuolin and Zhang Xueliang, an East–West architectural complex, presents the political drama of the northeast during the Republican era, with the Daqing Building, Xiaoqing Building and Zhao Si Xiaojie Building as its core structures. Tip: visit together with the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is within walking distance. Practical info: the museum is at 46 Shaoshuaifu Lane, Chaoyang Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning; ticket ¥50; opening hours 08:30–17:30. Best season: autumn (September–October) is crisp and clear; winter (December–February) offers ice and snow. Combine with the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Qing Zhaoling (Beiling) and the September 18th History Museum for a half- or full-day route. Confirm the day's opening and reservation policy before you go and allow ample time.

Tip: Visit together with the Shenyang Imperial Palace; they are within walking distance.

• Address: 46 Shaoshuaifu Lane, Chaoyang Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province
• Ticket: ¥50
• Opening: 08:30–17:30

Qing Fuling lies on the southern slope of Tianzhu Mountain east of Shenyang and is the tomb of Nurhaci, founder of the Qing, and Empress Xiaoci. First built in 1629, the third year of the Later Jin Tiancong era, it is one of the three early Qing tombs outside the pass. The mausoleum climbs with the hill: from the main red gate the axis runs through 108 stone steps, the stele tower, Long'en Gate, Long'en Hall and the Square City with its Ming Tower to the Treasure Mound, rising with the slope. In 2004 it was inscribed as an extension of the 'Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties' World Heritage Site. The tomb of Nurhaci and Empress Xiaoci, it is also called the East Tomb for its location on Tianzhu Mountain east of Shenyang. The 108 steps, Long'en Hall and Square City with its Ming Tower unfold along the slope; inscribed in 2004, it is quieter than Beiling. Tip: combine with the Shenyang Imperial Palace and Beiling on the same day as an 'early Qing tombs plus palace' route; the East Tomb has fewer visitors and is good for looking at architecture in peace. Practical info: the site is at 210 Dongling Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang; ticket ¥50 (park ¥6, subject to official notice); opening hours 07:00–17:00.

Tip: Combine with the Shenyang Imperial Palace and Beiling on the same day as an 'early Qing tombs plus palace' rou…

• Address: 210 Dongling Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang
• Ticket: ¥50 (park ¥6; subject to official notice)
• Opening: 07:00–17:00

Zhaoling Tomb is the burial place of Hong Taiji, the second founding ruler of the Qing, and Empress Xiaoduanwen. It lies in northern Shenyang and is also called Beiling. First built in 1643, it is one of the three early Qing tombs and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2004. Highlights include the Sacred Way, Long'en Hall, Square City and the Treasure Mound. The tomb of Qing Taizong Hong Taiji and Empress Xiaoduanwen, it is a World Heritage Site with towering ancient pines and grand mausoleum regulations, the Long'en Hall, Square City with its Ming Tower, and the Treasure Mound forming a complete axis. Tip: the park is beautiful and good for walking. Practical info: the site is at 12 Taishan Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning; ticket ¥50 (park ¥6); opening hours 07:00–17:00. Best season: autumn (September–October) is crisp and clear; winter (December–February) offers ice and snow. Combine with the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhang Marshal's Mansion Museum and the September 18th History Museum for a half- or full-day route. Confirm the day's opening and reservation policy before you go and allow ample time.

Tip: The park is beautiful and good for walking. The tomb area requires a separate ticket.

• Address: 12 Taishan Road, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province
• Ticket: ¥50 (park ¥6)
• Opening: 07:00–17:00

The September 18th History Museum is a thematic museum established to commemorate the September 18th Incident. It displays large numbers of precious historical artefacts and documents and is an important base for patriotic education. Highlights include the Calendar Monument, the September 18th Incident historical materials, the history of the Northeast Resistance, and evidence of Japanese aggression. A memorial site centred on the Calendar Monument, it systematically presents evidence of Japanese aggression and the history of resistance in the northeast, with a profound warning for later generations. Tip: closed Mondays. Practical info: the museum is at 46 Wanghua South Street, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning; admission free; opening hours 09:00–16:30 (closed Mondays). Best season: autumn (September–October) is crisp and clear; winter (December–February) offers ice and snow. Combine with the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhang Marshal's Mansion Museum and Qing Zhaoling (Beiling) for a half- or full-day route. Confirm the day's opening and reservation policy before you go and allow ample time. In peak season or on holidays, book in advance, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks.

Tip: Closed Mondays. Learn the historical background beforehand and keep a respectful demeanour during the visit.

• Address: 46 Wanghua South Street, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: 09:00–16:30 (closed Mondays)