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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Shenyang [2025]
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Shenyang Imperial Palace
4.7
/5
33135 reviews
8.5
From AED 257.17
Based on 928 reviews
The Imperial Palace/Xiaoheyan Morning Market | 13.5 km from downtown
Phone +8602424843001
Address: No.171, Shenyang Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Featured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Phoenix Tower offers "Fenglou Sunrise"
Learn about Qing Dynasty court culture at the cultural exhibition
Saved by 677 users23948 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Shenyang and the Forbidden City in Beijing are considered the only two imperial city complexes in China.
Shenyang looks like a mini version, or rather, a youthful mini version.
Some of the content is off-topic, but it's enough to spend a morning exploring.
I visited the Shenyang Imperial Palace once before, just browsing around on my own. It wasn't a long trip, and I felt I didn't understand much. This time, I specifically chose to visit Shenyang last weekend and booked a guided tour on Ctrip, also including Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence and the Governor's Mansion, which I hadn't visited before.
The guided tour was very helpful. It provided detailed information on the history and background of the Imperial Palace, the Governor's Mansion, and the Governor's Mansion, as well as the architectural styles and functions, and introductions to relevant historical figures, interspersed with anecdotes. The guide was a young woman, but she was very professional and enthusiastic.
Saturday was incredibly crowded, even the guide was puzzled. The Imperial Palace and the Governor's Mansion aren't very large, and the crowds made many places very cramped, especially the indoor areas. It was practically shoulder-to-shoulder, making it difficult to even get a quick look around, which significantly impacted the experience.
Overall, the Imperial Palace and the Governor's Mansion are definitely worth visiting, and you don't need much time; you can see them all in less than half a day. The Governor's Mansion felt more like an exhibition hall and wasn't very good value for money.
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Marshal Zhang's Mansion Museum
4.7
/5
33936 reviews
8.5
From AED 24.85
Based on 235 reviews
The Imperial Palace/Xiaoheyan Morning Market | 13 km from downtown
Phone +8602424850576
Address: No. 46, Shaoshuaifu Lane, Chaoyang Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Featured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
Highlights:
5 buildings show Zhang Xueliang's life
Explore the restoration scenario of the Original Frontier Bank
Saved by 310 users29116 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The former residence of Zhang Xueliang in Shenyang, also known as the Zhang Family Mansion, is a tourist destination brimming with historical charm and cultural allure. Stepping into the former residence, located at No. 46, Shaoshuaifu Lane, Chaoyang Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, is like entering a time tunnel, where the vicissitudes of a century unfold. The various "brothels" (or "brothels") each possess unique architectural features, writing a legendary chapter in history. The guided tour at "Buwan" in the park was particularly excellent; its vivid explanations gave us a new understanding of this history, making for a very good tourist experience.
This scenic spot boasts a spacious layout and unique charm, making a stroll through it feel like stepping back in time and engaging in a dialogue with historical figures across time—a truly immersive experience. Here, you can not only visit the site of Zhang Zuolin's death and directly feel the weight of history, but also gain a clear understanding of the true appearance of his "outer residence"—next to the residence of Miss Zhao Si, vividly showcasing the interpersonal relationships and daily life during the Republic of China era. The living areas of Zhang Zuolin and his family within the former residence are clearly divided, with separate residences for the first wife, second wife, etc., clearly reflecting the traditional etiquette of "distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate children," and demonstrating that there was no situation of "favoring concubines over wives." The overall tour experience is rich and in-depth, offering both scenic views and historical knowledge, making it well worth a visit.
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Shenyang Fantawild Adventure
4.9
/5
50323 reviews
7.8
From AED 72.30
Based on 26 reviews
Shenbei University Town/Fantawild Adventure | 32 km from downtown
Phone +864001660006
Address: No. 55 Shengjing Street, Shenbei New District, Shenyang
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Featured in 2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
Highlights:
Conch Bay creates an underwater world
Experience "Flying Over Limits" project
Saved by 416 users48081 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I went on October 25th, catching the Halloween night activities the weekend before Halloween, and had a lot of fun. I originally planned to write about my experience as soon as I got back, but I got busy and procrastinated, and before I knew it, half a month had passed since Halloween.
Because my trip to Shenyang was short, I only planned to go to Fantawild. I bought a 159 RMB night ticket and entered the park at 3 PM, getting in after about ten minutes.
You can take a free photo at the entrance, and pick it up opposite the visitor center when you leave. Small photos are free, but larger ones cost money.
My original plan was just to explore the park and bring the kids next time, so I started wandering around. However, the park is quite large, with many branching paths, so after strolling around for a while, I downloaded the Fantawild app, which proved very helpful.
I went on several rides, including Light of Life (a giant 3D movie), Liaozhai (a live performance with special effects), Mine Train (a roller coaster), Soaring Over the Horizon (similar to Soaring Over the Horizon), Conch Bay (an animated movie suitable for children), Dinosaur Crisis (an indoor ride-on movie), and Amazing Circus (a haunted house). If I had more time, I'd like to ride Soaring Over the Horizon and Mine Train again, especially the Mine Train, which is perfect for me – a thrill ride! 😁 Most of the haunted houses required wristbands, which was annoying. I didn't have one, so I just bought one, similar to the one at the North Loop.
The Space Shuttle stopped running around 8 PM, and I rushed but missed it because of the 8:30 PM fireworks show. I also skipped Fire Meteor, since I'm not a roller coaster enthusiast; I've already gritted my teeth and ridden Hollywood Dream, Flying Dinosaur, and Decepticon… I'll save the Giant Swing for next time 🤣.
Due to the Halloween activities and it being Saturday, it was quite crowded; most of the rides had a 30-50 minute wait.
I felt the Halloween activities were even more fun than the attractions themselves, with lots of interactive NPCs along the main street. The interactivity was better than Universal Studios Osaka and Hokuroku, offering not only scary NPCs but also funny, cute, and beautifully posed figures that could playfully interact with visitors.
I spent from 3 pm to almost 9 pm there, and Fantawild's fun exceeded my expectations. It seems I'll definitely come back during Halloween or some other pre-holiday event.
The amusement park is truly a fun place! From thrilling roller coasters to relaxing carousels, it offers something for everyone. The staff are friendly and welcoming, always smiling. The park is spotless, with every corner well-maintained. The dining options are plentiful and reasonably priced. Overall, it's a great place for a family outing and highly recommended!
No.
4
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Liaoning Provincial Museum
4.9
/5
1663 reviews
7.3
Based on 55 reviews
Liaoning Provincial Museum/Taoxian International Airport | 352m from downtown
Phone +8602422741193
Address: Northeast of the Central Square, Hunnan District, Shenyang City (No. 157, Zhihuisan Street, Hunnan District)
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
110,000 relics including jade & bronze
11,000 artifacts & paintings
Saved by 178 users1324 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Liaoning Provincial Museum is a treasure trove, housing countless artifacts. From the jade pig-dragon of the Hongshan Culture to the tricolor arhats of the Liao Dynasty, from authentic calligraphy and paintings by Tang and Song Dynasty masters to the lustrous glazes of Ming and Qing Dynasty imperial porcelain, each piece holds the secrets of time. Strolling through the exhibition halls is like traveling through a thousand years: the warmth and smoothness of the Hongshan jade artifacts feel almost tangible, the colors of the Liao Dynasty murals remain vibrant, and the patterns on the bronzes are etched with the marks of civilization. Without traveling far, you can encounter the brilliance of Chinese culture within a small space; a whole day is not enough, and each visit reveals new discoveries.
Teacher Liu was very dedicated and responsible, and her lectures were engaging, informative, and not boring at all, with strong potential for further exploration! The three hours were packed with valuable information, without any unnecessary fluff!
It's just a pity I didn't see any of my favorite paintings; I hope I'll have the opportunity to visit the Liaoning Provincial Museum again in the future.
No.
5
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Qinghe Peninsula Spa&Hot Spring
4.5
/5
1332 reviews
7.1
From AED 133.75
Shenbei University Town/Fantawild Adventure | 28.9 km from downtown
Phone +8602431853999
Address: No. 20, Punan Road, Shenbei New District, Shenyang
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Achieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
Highlights:
3rd floor beer bar with hot springs
DIY crafts & outdoor BBQ party
Saved by 586 users950 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It was a great experience. The service was excellent. The attractions were good. I tried the indoor rafting, which was great. The fish spa was nice, with its small fish and water guns. The breakfast at the Suifeng restaurant and the food on the third floor of the hot springs were also very impressive and good.
Thanks to the rafting guy who pulled us out and helped me find my glasses. 🙏🙏🙏. The rafting waves were so thrilling. So much fun. The park is so huge. One day is definitely not enough to explore. The staff are so friendly and attentive. The service is great! No words can express my excitement at this moment❤
No.
6
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Liu Laogen Theatre
4.6
/5
1672 reviews
6.9
The Imperial Palace/Xiaoheyan Morning Market | 13.7 km from downtown
Phone +8602489222222
Address: 110 Zhengyang Street, Shenhe District, Shenyang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Cultural landmark in bustling Zhongjie
Century-old theater & comedy show
1101 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
With its renowned reputation, it's a must-see when visiting Shenyang. Here are a few details to share. Without spoiling anything, the Liu Laogen Grand Stage is now labeled a "Green Errenzhuan" (two-person opera) production, which doesn't affect the quality of the performances. However, locals also recommend the Nanfeng Grand Theater, claiming it's more grounded in Errenzhuan (though I didn't go). Liu Laogen is more expensive, as you'll usually see some of the people you see on TV. When it comes to ticket purchases, Liu Laogen's process is somewhat of a hybrid of online and offline, unlike the usual practice. You can buy tickets in advance through the official ticket app, but the offline ticket booth doesn't open until 10 a.m. on the morning of the show to select and collect your seats. This means if you don't select your seat early and wait until showtime to redeem your ticket, you'll only be assigned the last seat in that section. You can also buy tickets offline early, and you can choose your ideal seat, but there's a chance that a large number of people who buy tickets online in advance will sell out early (this situation shouldn't be very likely). Buying tickets through mainstream platforms like Ctrip doesn't require or require offline seat selection; the system automatically assigns tickets, but you still have to go to the ticket window to redeem them. I feel like the seats you're assigned are generally in the middle row, not the closest seats (because I bought my ticket as soon as it became available at 12 a.m., and still ended up in the middle row). As for other details, the theater has a snack and souvenir shop with reasonable prices. You can also scan the QR code at your seat to buy, and a staff member will bring it to your scanned location. If you arrive early, there's a warm-up performance at the theater entrance.
刘老根大舞台原来叫沈阳大舞台。是专业演出京评剧的地方。后来赵本山火了，后来电视剧刘老根火了，这里就给赵本山拿下来变成赵家班演出二人转的地方。由于地理位置优越，靠近中街和沈阳故宫，颇具旅游价值。很多外乡人到了沈阳都要看看。
No.
7
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Shenyang Museum
4.8
/5
2113 reviews
6.6
Renmin Square/North Market | 14.1 km from downtown
Phone +8602423914199
Address: 辽宁省沈阳市沈河区市府大路363号
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Hands-on Ceramic Rubbing Experience
Qing Dynasty Enamelware Exhibit: Dazzling Charm
Saved by 149 users2014 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It is worth a visit. I chose the end of September, which is not the peak season, but there are still many people. The scenic area is well-equipped and well-equipped. It is very convenient to buy tickets online and enter the park by swiping your ID card.
The moment I stepped into the Shenyang Museum, I was enveloped by a strange tranquility. Beneath the soaring dome, light, like a messenger of time, gently shone upon the neatly arranged display cases. Behind glass barriers, the artifacts—gold embroidery on Qing Dynasty dragon robes, charred wood carvings from the Xinle Ruins, and ritual instruments from the Bronze Age—rested peacefully. Meticulously labeled, scientifically illuminated, and temperature-controlled, they evoked a unique museum-like "perfect solitude."
As I left the exhibition hall, the setting sun filtered through the vast glass curtain wall, bathing the entire museum in a golden glow. I realized that the true value of a museum lies not in the number of "objects" it preserves, but in its ability to inspire visitors to make the leap from "viewing" to "understanding." History is not a sealed specimen but a memory that needs to be activated. Those glass display cases are both barriers and windows. The key lies in our willingness to unlock them with the key of imagination, allowing the artifacts to breathe again and history to speak once more.
What the Shenyang Museum ultimately left me with was not the memory of the artifacts themselves, but the revelation of a method: true historical understanding occurs when the viewer's soul trembles, when the glimmer of the past illuminates the present of our existence through the intermediary of objects.
No.
8
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Zhongjie Street
4.6
/5
805 reviews
6.5
Based on 75 reviews
The Imperial Palace/Xiaoheyan Morning Market | 13.7 km from downtown
Address: Zhongjie Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Thousands of lights brighten Shenyang
Taste Shenyang's dumplings & snacks
Saved by 289 users406 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
When you come to Zhongjie, you just don't want to leave. You can't stop shopping. Food, entertainment, culture, history, everything can be explored for a whole day. The scenery is beautiful and there is no lack of fun.
Located in Shenhe District, Shenyang Zhongjie Street is China's first commercial pedestrian street, boasting nearly 400 years of history. It boasts a vibrant commercial atmosphere, home to numerous shopping malls like Plaza 66 and time-honored shops like Jishun Silk Shop. The area also boasts a rich culinary scene, with mouth-watering dishes like Ma's Shaomai and Zhongjie Bingdian. Furthermore, Toutiao Hutong offers a unique opportunity to experience local culture, making it a commercial landmark in Northeast China, offering a diverse array of dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities.
No.
9
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The Governor's House of Northeast China
4.4
/5
479 reviews
6.5
From AED 20.19
The Imperial Palace/Xiaoheyan Morning Market | 13.3 km from downtown
Phone +8602481588278
Address: 28 Shengjing Rd, Zhong Jie Shang Quan, Shenhe Qu, Shenyang Shi, Liaoning Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Learn history of Provincial Governor's
Late Qing & early Republic history
391 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Visiting the Governor's Palace allows you to learn about history, see China's development, and appreciate their efforts. It's quite impressive. There are very few visitors here, but those under 70 years old need to buy a ticket.
Walking into Zhang Xueliang's former residence, the entire building exudes a sense of history. It's like stepping into that era, interacting with people from that era in a parallel time and space. I felt the atmosphere of that era and learned about the history of Northeast China, the life of the young marshal and the stories behind it, and what his state of mind was like during the second half of his life under house arrest. It was a completely different experience from the Marshal's Mansion I saw in Tianjin.
No.
10
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Shenyang Forest Zoological Garden
4.5
/5
3811 reviews
6.4
Based on 17 reviews
Qipanshan | 33.3 km from downtown
Phone +8602488050366
Address: Qipanshan International Scenic Area, Hunnan District, Shenyang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 4–5 hours
Highlights:
Animal enclosures blend with nature
Feed & play with animals
Saved by 260 users1855 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The weather was a bit cold, and we couldn't see any zebras or giraffes. The animals were packed off before 4 p.m., so we couldn't see many. The staff seemed too eager to get off work.
The performances were also average.
It's quite good, but the area's shuttle buses are a bit unfriendly. There are no sightseeing buses, only small shuttle buses that can seat two people, which cost 100 yuan per hour, which is a poor value. There aren't many animals, probably hidden in the hot weather. The only interesting thing about the zoo is the black bears. It's one of the worst of all the zoos in Northeast China.
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