Quick search
CTRL+K
Quick search
CTRL+K
Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning Province in northeastern China. It was first known as Shenzhou during the Khitan Kingdom in the 10th century. It later became an important border city during the Liao Dynasty, which ruled from 907 to 1125. In the 17th century, Shenyang, then called Mukden, became the capital of the rising Manchu Empire under the leadership of General Nurhaci. Mukden served as a strategic base for the Manchu conquest of China and the establishment of the Qing Dynasty.
During the Qing Dynasty, Shenyang became an important cultural and political center. The city became home to Mukden Palace/盛京宫殿, also known as Shenyang Imperial Palace, which was built between 1625 and 1636. The palace served as the residence of the Manchu emperors until they moved the capital to Beijing. Shenyang also played a key role during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century, which led to significant changes in the city’s infrastructure and economy.
Today, Shenyang is home to a number of impressive landmarks that reflect the city’s rich history. Mukden Palace is the most famous attraction, and the beautiful complex of buildings stands as a manifestation of Shenyang’s importance in the days before Beijing became the capital. Another important attraction is the Zhao Mausoleum, the resting place of Huang Taiji and his empress, who founded the Qing Dynasty, which later moved the court to the Forbidden City. The mausoleum is surrounded by the beautiful Beiling Park, which covers an area with a peaceful atmosphere, with historic buildings, ancient trees and picturesque lakes.
You can also explore Shenyang’s more recent history with a visit to Marshal Zhang’s Mansion, which provides an insight into the Zhang family, who played a significant role in China’s 20th century history. There are of course also several temples in Shenyang, where the Taoist Chengxiang Temple and the Buddhist Xita are definitely worth a visit. You can also see everything from old city walls to the city’s Catholic cathedral. If you come in the right season, you can also enjoy the Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival, which every winter offers impressive ice sculptures, snow activities and a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Mukden Palace is the most famous of Shenyang’s major attractions. The palace, also known as the Shenyang Imperial Palace, is a historic imperial residence that resembles the Forbidden City in Beijing in its architecture. Mukden Palace was built in 1625 by Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin Dynasty, and was expanded by his son Hong Taiji, the founder of the Qing Dynasty. The palace in Shenyang today stands as one of the best-preserved examples of early Manchu architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mukden Palace covers an area of about 60,000 square meters and consists of over 300 buildings and 20 courtyards. The palace can be divided into three sections: the East Section, the Middle Section, and the West Section. The eastern section contains the impressive Hall of Great Affairs (Da Zheng Dian), where emperors ascended the throne, issued imperial edicts, and received victorious generals and soldiers. The central section, the most important part of the palace, includes the Chong Zheng Dian, the Phoenix Tower, and the Qingning Palace, which was the bedroom of the emperor and his concubines. The western section was built by order of the Qianlong Emperor and contains the Wen Su Pavilion, an opera stage, and Jiayin Hall.
Another important attraction in Shenyang is the Zhaoling or Zhao Mausoleum, also known as Beiling or the Northern Mausoleum. This mausoleum is the resting place of Huang Taiji, the founder of the Qing Dynasty, and his empress Xiaoduanwen. The mausoleum was built between 1643 and 1651 and is part of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its impressive architecture and historical significance, the Zhao Mausoleum is one of the best-preserved imperial mausoleums in China.
The Zhao Mausoleum is divided into three sections, the first being the section where you arrive. The site bears the inscription “Please dismount here” in Manchu, Chinese and Mongolian, showing respect for the emperor. Next, you will arrive at the Red Gate, which has three gates, with the emperor entering through the left gate and ministers using the right gate. The third and most important section is the tomb itself.
The mausoleum is surrounded by the beautiful Beiling Park, which is the largest park in Shenyang. Established in 1927, the park contains many historical buildings, ancient trees, woodlands and picturesque lakes. You can take a pleasant stroll in Beiling Park, which contains a number of historical monuments and sculptures, including a statue of Huang Taiji in military uniform. The layout of the park is designed according to traditional Chinese feng shui principles, creating a harmonious balance between nature and architecture.
Marshal Zhang’s Mansion is a historic building in Shenyang, which was the home of Zhang Zuolin and his son Zhang Xueliang, two important figures in China’s modern history. Zhang Zuolin, nicknamed the Grand Marshal of China, was a powerful warlord who controlled northeastern China in the 1920s. He established an independent kingdom after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, but was eventually assassinated by the Japanese army in 1928.
His son, Zhang Xueliang, became known as the Young Marshal, and he took control and declared northeastern China under the sovereignty of the Chinese central government. Zhang Xueliang also played a crucial role in China’s modern history, most notably during the Xi’an Incident of 1936, where he persuaded Chiang Kai-shek to cooperate with the communists against the Japanese.
Marshal Zhang’s Mansion was built in 1914 and covers an area of 36,000 square meters. The building is a national cultural heritage site and stands in a period blend of Chinese and Western architecture. The complex consists of 74 rooms and several courtyards typical of Chinese mansions. Among the most interesting buildings on the site are the Daqing Building and the Xiaoqing Building. You can also see the former residence of Zhao Yidi, Zhang Xueliang’s mistress and later wife.
Dongling, also known as Fuling Mausoleum/福陵, is a historical mausoleum in Shenyang. The mausoleum is the resting place of Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin Dynasty, which was succeeded by the Qing Dynasty, and his empress. The mausoleum was built between 1629 and 1651 and is part of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dongling is known for its architecture, which combines elements of both Chinese and Manchu styles and traditions.
The complex is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Dongling is part of Dongling Park, which covers a large area and contains many historical buildings. The park is a popular place for a nice stroll to enjoy nature. You can of course explore the Dongling Mausoleum as the primary attraction, but there are also pavilions, halls, and gates scattered around the park.
Xita Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist temple located in the Xita District of Shenyang. The temple was originally built between 1640 and 1645 during the Qing Dynasty by order of Hong Taiji, the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Xita Temple means Western Pagoda and is one of the four pagodas representing each of the four cardinal directions in Shenyang. The temple and its associated pagoda were restored in 1998 after falling into disrepair and later being removed during the Cultural Revolution of 1968.
The Xita District, where the temple is located, is also known as Shenyang’s Koreatown and is home to a large Korean population. The area is filled with Korean restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions, making it a lively and interesting place to visit. Xita Temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architectural details, and in addition to Xita Temple, you can also visit a Russian Orthodox Church and a Protestant Church, both built in the early 20th century, in the neighborhood.
Chengxiang Temple in Shenyang is a Taoist temple worth visiting. Originally built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the temple has been expanded several times since then. The temple’s architecture reflects Taoist traditions, and it covers a large area and consists of several halls, pavilions, and courtyards, arranged according to traditional Chinese feng shui principles. The main hall, also known as Mahavira Hall, is dedicated to the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities in Taoism. The temple is surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees, creating a calm and meditative atmosphere for all who visit.
Chengxiang Temple is not only a religious site, but also a cultural center where visitors can learn about Taoist rituals and traditions. The temple houses many ancient relics and works of art, including statues of Taoist deities, calligraphy, and paintings. There are also a number of ceremonies and festivals held at the temple throughout the year, such as the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival, where visitors can experience traditional customs and celebrations. The temple also offers meditation and tai chi classes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Taoist practices and philosophy.
The Shenyang City Wall has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Liao Dynasty, which ruled from 907 to 1125. The original wall was built in 926 to protect the city from invading forces and to house civilians abducted by the Khitan from the Northern Song. The wall was later expanded and reinforced during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The Shenyang City Wall surrounded the old city and had four main gates, each representing a cardinal direction. Built of brick and stone, the wall was about 10 meters high and 6 meters wide. It played a central role in the city’s defense over the centuries.
Today, much of the Shenyang City Wall has been removed, but some sections of the wall and its gates are still preserved and can be seen around the city. The most notable remains of the wall are found along the four so-called Shuncheng Roads in Shenhe District. These roads follow the outline of the old wall and give a good sense of how large and impressive the wall once was. There are also several historic gates still standing, including Dazheng Men/大政门 and Chongzheng Men/崇政门, which were once the entrances to Mukden Palace. These gates stand with impressive architecture. You can also find small sections of the wall that have been restored and integrated into modern buildings and parks.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shenyang, also known as Shenyang Catholic Church/沈阳天主教座堂, is an impressive Roman Catholic cathedral. Built in 1875 during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, the cathedral stands as the largest and oldest Catholic church in northeastern China. The cathedral was designed by French missionary Henri Lamasse, inspired by classical European architecture. The current building is a reconstruction from 1912, as the original church was destroyed during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900.
The cathedral is 66 meters long, 17 meters wide, and the two bell towers reach a height of 45 meters. The cathedral is a brick church with a vaulted ceiling supported by 24 stone columns, creating a spacious interior. The cathedral is oriented north-south with the facade facing south, and its layout follows a traditional basilica style with three aisles separated by rows of single columns. The church is active, so you can experience masses and other church ceremonies in the fine surroundings.
Shenyang Railway Station is a beautiful railway station building and an important transportation hub in Liaoning Province. The station was originally opened in 1899 under the name Fengtian Station/奉天驿, and the current name was added in 1950. The old railway station building that you can see today dates back to 1910, when Takeshi Ota and Sotaro Yoshida designed the new station, inspired by Tokyo Station in the Japanese capital. The inspiration probably came from there, because Takeshi Ota and Sotaro Yoshida were students of the Japanese railway architect, Tatsuno Kingo.
The station currently serves both regular passenger trains and high-speed trains such as on the Shenyang-Dalian and Beijing-Harbin lines, but the city’s railway history began elsewhere. The first railway to open to Shenyang was the Chinese Eastern Railway, known in English as the Chinese Eastern Railway. It was a railway built by the Russian Empire and opened in 1899. The Chinese Eastern Railway played an important role in connecting Shenyang with other cities in northeastern China and further into Russia. The railway was part of the then route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which stretched from Moscow to Vladivostok.
Liaoning Broadcast and TV Tower is a broadcasting tower built in 1989 in Shenyang. The tower is 305.5 meters high, making it a distinctive part of the city’s skyline. Originally constructed for communication purposes, the tower was designed with a typical disc structure, which houses an indoor observation deck, a revolving restaurant, and a bar. At the top of the tower’s disc, there is also an outdoor observation deck, from which you can also enjoy a fantastic view of Shenyang and the surrounding area.
Today, the Liaoning Broadcast and TV Tower is a popular tourist attraction. Of course, you take an elevator up to the observation deck to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city, which is especially impressive in the evening when Shenyang’s many buildings are illuminated. The revolving restaurant provides a unique dining experience, as you can enjoy a meal while slowly rotating and seeing the city from different angles.
Xita Temple & Pagoda, Shenyang, China
Overview of Shenyang
Shenyang is the capital of Liaoning Province in northeastern China. It was first known as Shenzhou during the Khitan Kingdom in the 10th century. It later became an important border city during the Liao Dynasty, which ruled from 907 to 1125. In the 17th century, Shenyang, then called Mukden, became the capital of the rising Manchu Empire under the leadership of General Nurhaci. Mukden served as a strategic base for the Manchu conquest of China and the establishment of the Qing Dynasty.
About the Whitehorse travel guide
Contents: Tours in the city + tours in the surrounding area
Published: Released soon
Author: Stig Albeck
Publisher: Vamados.com
Language: English
About the travel guide
The Whitehorse travel guide gives you an overview of the sights and activities of the Canadian city. Read about top sights and other sights, and get a tour guide with tour suggestions and detailed descriptions of all the city’s most important churches, monuments, mansions, museums, etc.
Whitehorse is waiting for you, and at vamados.com you can also find cheap flights and great deals on hotels for your trip. You just select your travel dates and then you get flight and accommodation suggestions in and around the city.
Read more about Whitehorse and Canada
Canada Travel Guide: https://vamados.com/canada
City tourism: https://visitwhite-horse.ca
Main Page: https://www.vamados.com/
Buy the travel guide
Click the “Add to Cart” button to purchase the travel guide. After that you will come to the payment, where you enter the purchase and payment information. Upon payment of the travel guide, you will immediately receive a receipt with a link to download your purchase. You can download the travel guide immediately or use the download link in the email later.
Use the travel guide
When you buy the travel guide to Whitehorse you get the book online so you can have it on your phone, tablet or computer – and of course you can choose to print it. Use the maps and tour suggestions and you will have a good and content-rich journey.
Xita Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist temple located in the Xita District of Shenyang. The temple was originally built between 1640 and 1645 during the Qing Dynasty by order of Hong Taiji, the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Xita Temple means Western Pagoda and is one of the four pagodas representing each of the four cardinal directions in Shenyang. The temple and its associated pagoda were restored in 1998 after falling into disrepair and later being removed during the Cultural Revolution of 1968.
The Xita District, where the temple is located, is also known as Shenyang’s Koreatown and is home to a large Korean population. The area is filled with Korean restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions, making it a lively and interesting place to visit. Xita Temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architectural details, and in addition to Xita Temple, you can also visit a Russian Orthodox Church and a Protestant Church, both built in the early 20th century, in the neighborhood.
Chengxiang Temple in Shenyang is a Taoist temple worth visiting. Originally built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the temple has been expanded several times since then. The temple’s architecture reflects Taoist traditions, and it covers a large area and consists of several halls, pavilions, and courtyards, arranged according to traditional Chinese feng shui principles. The main hall, also known as Mahavira Hall, is dedicated to the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities in Taoism. The temple is surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees, creating a calm and meditative atmosphere for all who visit.
Chengxiang Temple is not only a religious site, but also a cultural center where visitors can learn about Taoist rituals and traditions. The temple houses many ancient relics and works of art, including statues of Taoist deities, calligraphy, and paintings. There are also a number of ceremonies and festivals held at the temple throughout the year, such as the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival, where visitors can experience traditional customs and celebrations. The temple also offers meditation and tai chi classes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Taoist practices and philosophy.
The Shenyang City Wall has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Liao Dynasty, which ruled from 907 to 1125. The original wall was built in 926 to protect the city from invading forces and to house civilians abducted by the Khitan from the Northern Song. The wall was later expanded and reinforced during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The Shenyang City Wall surrounded the old city and had four main gates, each representing a cardinal direction. Built of brick and stone, the wall was about 10 meters high and 6 meters wide. It played a central role in the city’s defense over the centuries.
Today, much of the Shenyang City Wall has been removed, but some sections of the wall and its gates are still preserved and can be seen around the city. The most notable remains of the wall are found along the four so-called Shuncheng Roads in Shenhe District. These roads follow the outline of the old wall and give a good sense of how large and impressive the wall once was. There are also several historic gates still standing, including Dazheng Men/大政门 and Chongzheng Men/崇政门, which were once the entrances to Mukden Palace. These gates stand with impressive architecture. You can also find small sections of the wall that have been restored and integrated into modern buildings and parks.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shenyang, also known as Shenyang Catholic Church/沈阳天主教座堂, is an impressive Roman Catholic cathedral. Built in 1875 during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, the cathedral stands as the largest and oldest Catholic church in northeastern China. The cathedral was designed by French missionary Henri Lamasse, inspired by classical European architecture. The current building is a reconstruction from 1912, as the original church was destroyed during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900.
The cathedral is 66 meters long, 17 meters wide, and the two bell towers reach a height of 45 meters. The cathedral is a brick church with a vaulted ceiling supported by 24 stone columns, creating a spacious interior. The cathedral is oriented north-south with the facade facing south, and its layout follows a traditional basilica style with three aisles separated by rows of single columns. The church is active, so you can experience masses and other church ceremonies in the fine surroundings.
Shenyang Railway Station is a beautiful railway station building and an important transportation hub in Liaoning Province. The station was originally opened in 1899 under the name Fengtian Station/奉天驿, and the current name was added in 1950. The old railway station building that you can see today dates back to 1910, when Takeshi Ota and Sotaro Yoshida designed the new station, inspired by Tokyo Station in the Japanese capital. The inspiration probably came from there, because Takeshi Ota and Sotaro Yoshida were students of the Japanese railway architect, Tatsuno Kingo.
The station currently serves both regular passenger trains and high-speed trains such as on the Shenyang-Dalian and Beijing-Harbin lines, but the city’s railway history began elsewhere. The first railway to open to Shenyang was the Chinese Eastern Railway, known in English as the Chinese Eastern Railway. It was a railway built by the Russian Empire and opened in 1899. The Chinese Eastern Railway played an important role in connecting Shenyang with other cities in northeastern China and further into Russia. The railway was part of the then route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which stretched from Moscow to Vladivostok.
Liaoning Broadcast and TV Tower is a broadcasting tower built in 1989 in Shenyang. The tower is 305.5 meters high, making it a distinctive part of the city’s skyline. Originally constructed for communication purposes, the tower was designed with a typical disc structure, which houses an indoor observation deck, a revolving restaurant, and a bar. At the top of the tower’s disc, there is also an outdoor observation deck, from which you can also enjoy a fantastic view of Shenyang and the surrounding area.
Today, the Liaoning Broadcast and TV Tower is a popular tourist attraction. Of course, you take an elevator up to the observation deck to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city, which is especially impressive in the evening when Shenyang’s many buildings are illuminated. The revolving restaurant provides a unique dining experience, as you can enjoy a meal while slowly rotating and seeing the city from different angles.
Similar to Shenyang Travel Guide
