Shenyang

The Shenyang Imperial palace served 3 Qing emperors before relocating to Beijing where the Forbidden City is the only other existing palace complex in China. Covering an area of more than 60,000 square meters it consists of more than 300 rooms, formed around 20 courtyards.

The architectural style consists of Han, Manchu and Mongolian cultures. It was first built by Nurachia in 1625, then expanded by his son Huangtaiji in 1631 and later by Qianlong.

The original eastern section contains the octagonal Hall of Great Affairs (Da Zheng Dian). Here emperors ascended the throne, enacted imperial edicts, and welcomed victorious generals and soldiers. Along the sides are Ten Kings Pavilion,where emperors and leaders from the eight banners (Ba Qi) settled national affairs.

The middle section starts from the Da Qing Gate and is arranged on a central axis from south to north. Chong Zheng Dian is the place where Abahai held court decorated with incredibly detailed scrollwork and even the columns circled by the watchful dragons and on the throne.The Phoenix Tower, a three-storied building, was the highest structure in the whole city at that time. Behind that, Qingning Palace was the bedchamber for Abahai and his concubines. Inside the rooms were very simple with Kang bed-stove, which is used as a way to keep warm in Northern part of China, and the chimney is located at the back, which is an architectural feature of the Manchu People

The main structure in the western section is the Wen Su Pavilion. This contains the Complete Collection of Four Treasures, has a black roof because black was considered to represent water which could be used to extinguish a fire.

The collections of the Mukden Palace Museum are based on the Qing imperial collection, including porcelain, enamel, lacquerware, sculpture, calligraphy and painting, weaving embroidery, etc. Which has both the historical and cultural features of the Early and late Qing dynasty costumes and palace art that has a rich cultural connotation and artistic value.

Zhaoling Tomb is one of the best preserved imperial mausoleums of China. Is located in Beiling Park, in the northern part of Shenyang. Construction of the mausoleum began in 1643 and was finished after eight years.

The layout of Zhaoling Tomb can be divided into three parts from south to north by three buildings: the Horse Dismounting Tablet, the Red Gate and the Square City. The first two parts are used for worship and festivities, while the third part is the burial place of the Emperor.

The area around the tomb was originally set aside for imperial use and ordinary people were forbidden entry. This forbidden area was opened to the public in 1928 and now forms Shenyang's Beiling Park. Another characteristic of Zhaoling Tomb is its ancient pines, There are more than 2,000 pines, most of which are over 300 years old

One of the shopping districts is Middle Street (中街). Middle Street has a history of more than 100 years and was the first commercial pedestrian street in China. The largest shopping mall in Shenyang is also located on Middle Street, selling products from all around the world.

Dong bei is known for its dumplings, you should definitely try Lao Bian Jiaozi. Founded in 1829, holds the Guinness World Records 2000 for the World's Oldest Dumpling Restaurant. Here you can try 百年煸馅, (Dumplings, 饺子Jiaozi), 冰花煎饺. (Fried Dumplings that were linked together to form a flower) and 菠萝咕咾肉 (Sweet and Sour Pork Fritters with pineapples).