The Shenyang Imperial Palace

The Shenyang Imperial Palace, located at No. 171, Shenyang Road, Shenhe District in Shenyang City, is the only existing royal palace in China outside of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The main structure of the palace was built in 1625 when Nurhachi was in power. It was finished in 1636 by his son Abahai (Huangtaiji). Nurhachi and Abahai were both founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of more than 60,000 square meters (about 71,760 square yards), the Shenyang Imperial Palace is one twelfth the size of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The palace consists of more than 300 rooms, formed around 20 courtyards. The palace can be divided into three sections-the eastern section, the middle section and the western section. Each section boasts of unique characteristics. The eastern section contains the very impressive Hall of Great Affairs (Da Zheng Dian). Here emperors ascended the throne, enacted imperial edicts, and welcomed victorious generals and soldiers. A group of pavilions, known as the Ten Kings Pavilion, stand to its east and west. They formerly served as the place where emperors and leaders from the eight banners (Ba Qi) settled national affairs. This architectural style of Shenyang Imperial Palace is unique. The style of the buildings, which displays an amalgamation of Han, Manchu and Mongolian cultures, all originated from the shape of a nomadic tent. The eastern section of the palace is representative of the whole palace. The middle section starts from the Da Qing Gate, with Chong Zheng Dian (Jin Luan Dian), the Phoenix Tower and Qingning Palace arranged on a central axis from south to north. Chong Zheng Dian is the place where Abahai held court. It is the most important building in the Shenyang Imperial Palace. The Phoenix Tower, a three-storied building, was the highest structure in the whole city at that time. Qingning Palace was the bedchamber for Abahai and his concubines. The western section was constructed by order of Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799). Its main structure is the Wen Su Pavilion. In front of this, there are the Opera Stage and Jiayin Hall and behind it is the Yang Xi Room. The Wen Su Pavilion, which 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 to protect the priceless books contained inside. The Shenyang Imperial Palace houses many ancient cultural relics, such as Nurhachi's sword and Abahai's broadsword. There are also many artworks displayed here, such as paintings, calligraphy, pottery, sculptures and lacquer ware. Besides the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Shenyang Imperial Palace is the only other existing palace complex in China. Within its walls much is revealed about the early Qing Dynasty. It was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2004 as an extension of the Forbidden City and is now the most popular and renowned tourist attraction in Shenyang.

The Strange Slope Scenic Area

In April, 1990, the discovery of the Strange Slop in Shenyang, Liaoning Province drew attention worldwide. Its fame continues to spread as visitors from home and abroad flock to see this rare sight. Strange Slope is located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the northeastern portion of Shenyang. The slope descends eastwards from its western peak, occupying an area of nine sq kilometers (5.6 sq miles). It is 80 meters (262.5 feet) long and 15 meters (49.2 feet) wide. Its uniqueness lies in its apparent violation of gravity. If a car stops at the foot of the slop, it will run to the top of the slop without any difficulty. The contrary occurs when cars attempt to drift downwards. Experts and scholars have attempted to discern the mystery of the Strange Slope. Commonly scholars attribute this phenomenon to magnetic fields and optical illusions. Owing to the lack of evidence for a solid explanation, Strange Slope is still regarded as a mystery. Today, Strange Slope lies at the heart of the Strange Slope Scenic Area, which also features a number of other natural attractions, including those which comprise the area's well-known 'Three Mysteries' and 'Five Great Mountains'. Xiangshan is located on a hillside 100 meters (328 feet) away from the Strange Slope. Here, when one stomps on the hillside, he/she hears a loud sound resonating from the earth below. Its name, Xiangshan, means a hill which produces a heavy sound. Wongding is another hilltop located close by. Similarly, its name (pronounced 'wong') describes the sound which results from a wooden hammer or a stone hitting the ground. Together with the Strange Slope, these sights comprise the 'Three Mysteries' of the scenic area. The area surrounding the Strange Slope Scenic Area is lush and mountainous. Yunmaoshan Mountain is tranquil yet prominent with its lofty peak remaining veiled by clouds year-round. Wolongshan Mountain winds up and down like a crouching dragon with valleys on its foot covered with Chinese scholartrees. Every year during May and June, petals whirl around covering the whole valley with a snowy guise. Guibeishan Mountain, which looks like three tortoises floating in the water, together with other two mountains, Changkongshan Mountain and Dagushan Mountain, make up the famous 'Five Great Mountains' of the Strange Slope Scenic Area. There are many other attractions around the Strange Slope such as enchanting lakes and a fresh spring, Xiamei Spring. There is a labyrinth between the Strange Slope and Xiangshan, as well as a path with 518 steep steps. The view from atop the steps is fully worthwhile; here visitors can view a panorama of the scenic area as well as the nearby Wolong Temple.

Shenyang ''9.18'' History Museum

The Shenyang ''9.18'' Museum of History commemorates the events of the Sino-Japanese war, through its collection of weaponry, pictures, video and artworks. The museum has been built in a traditionally Mongol style, on the site of the first Japanese attack during the war, and aims to honor the memory of soldiers and civilians who both suffered and died during this tumultuous time in ''Chinese history''. On the side of the building, ''September 18, 1931,'' is engraved. This was the date of the ''Mukden Incident,'' when Japanese forces committed an act of sabotage near Shenyang (then known as Mukden) which they blamed on the Chinese and used as a pretext for a full-scale occupation of northeast China.

Botanical Garden

Built in 1959, Shenyang Botanical Garden is located in the eastern suburbs of Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, ten kilometers (6.12 miles) from the CBD of Shenyang City. It covers an area of 189 hectares (467 acres) and proudly regards showing various kinds of plants from the Northeast, North, Northwest and Inner Mongolia of China as its main task. In addition, it has become an tourist attraction, with over 1,700 kinds of plants, even including a rare plant, the Korean pine, now to be seen growing in Shenyang City. In this Botanical Garden, you will find undulating hills, a lake rippled by breezes, evergreen pine trees and beautiful flowers. In addition to all of this, you can also enjoy flowing waterfalls and elegant pavilions. From a macroscopic angle, the whole garden is divided into two parts by the Fushun Railway. The southern part mainly contains 20 small gardens, the Cuihu Lake, and the Xing-Xing Paradise, while the northern part includes the Steam Locomotive Museum, hotels and the area for growing plants. Those 20 small gardens reflect different themes, including "Peony Garden", "Lilac Garden", "Azalea Garden", and "Rose Garden". Surrounded by so many flowers, you will be delighted by their pleasant fragrances causing you to feel quite refreshed. In the south of the Botanical Garden, the Cuihu Lake is well worth visiting. Its surface is broad, peaceful and green, just like a gigantic emerald. By the side of the Cuihu Lake, there is a peak which offers a challenge to climbers, and is a place where visitors can show their skills and strength. The Xing-Xing Paradise is intended for children and here，there are many different kinds of cartoon models, which the kids find very interesting and absorbing. The chain bridges over the lake also attract thousands of visitors. There are about 50 chain bridges and every bridge has its own style. Currently, a popular activity is, crossing the chain bridge. Additionally, you can see many rare wild animals in the zoo area and, in a word, there is a positive delight for every visitor. Above all, the Botanical Garden demonstrates to the tourist, the environmental protection which is being constantly maintained in the area, in order to reinforce their awareness of environmental aspects of the garden. Therefore, you can learn a great amount of scientific knowledge concerning ecological protection. The traffic through the garden is very convenient. There are three main entrances of the Botanical Garden. Among them, the West Gate (the front entrance of the garden) is called "the First Gate of Shenyang". Another important entrance is from the train station in the garden area. So you see, it is very convenient for every tourist to visit the whole garden. All the year around, the Botanical Garden seems so glamorous. Of course, many people will choose summer to go there, because more flowers are in blossom and the Cuihu Lake also provides visitors with much entertainment. Nowadays, the garden is part of the Expo Site, and there is no doubt that you will be able to thoroughly enjoy yourself. If you have a chance to go to Shenyang City, please go, and you will be sure to feel a warm welcome to the Botanical Garden.

Marshal Zhang's Mansion (Zhang Shi Shuai Fu)

Marshal Zhang was the brother of Zhuang Xueliang who founded the Chinese Naval Academy and is remembered for the many battles he fought against the Japanese and was finally awarded the rank of Major General in 1955. His former residence is now a museum, used to keep his memory and that of his son Zhang Xueliang alive. An exhibition hall at the mansion contains records of his achievements and various pieces of memorabilia.

Liaoning Provincial Museum

Liaoning Provincial Museum presents the history and culture of the province through 18 halls of relics, pictures and paintings. The gems of the collection include an exhibition of Liao porcelain, which is made from a technique developed in the Tang Dynasty Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) Site of Capital: Xi'an (then called Chang'an) China's first golden age. The Silk Road turned Chang'an into the world's greatest metropolis. The arts flourished: poetry reached its greatest heights. Buddhism enjoyed great favor - some of China's greatest religious art dates from this time. From the mid-8th century, rebellion weakened the dynasty and finally ended it. [ Dynasties ] , as well as Tang, Song Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279) A culturally rich and economically prosperous dynasty which united most of China until 1127 (the Northern Song dynasty) and the southern portion until 1279 (the Southern Song dynasty). Art, literature and philosophy flourished, the growth of printing spread literacy, and commerce boomed. [ Dynasties ] , Yuan Yuan Dynasty (AD 1206-1368) Site of Capital: Beijing (then called Dadu) The invading Mongols formed the Yuan dynasty, eventually reuniting China after 300 years of division. The Yuan made huge strides in agriculture, science and culture, and opened China up to the world. However, heavy taxation, discrimination against the Han Chinese, and the incompetence of later emperors weakened the dynasty's authority. [ Dynasties ] , Ming Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644) Site of Capital: Nanjing, Beijing A 276-year period of rule by Chinese emperors after the overthrow of the Mongol Yuan dynasty. The first century was rich and productive: the Forbidden City was built, porcelain, literature and agriculture flourished, and China established trade links with Africa and Asia. The later period saw withdrawal and decline. [ Dynasties ] , and Qing Qing Dynasty (AD 1644-1911) Site of Capital: Beijing China's last dynasty, established by the Manchus from the northwest. The three great Qing emperors were Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong, who ruled successively from 1661 to 1796. Later imperial rule was weak, and China was shaken by internal and external conflict. The 1911 Revolution ended the feudal era forever. [ Dynasties ] Dynasty calligraphic art, embroidered silks and ancient maps. The Liao porcelain exhibition demonstrates the coloring and sculpting techniques that went into the crafting of these objects.