[2025 Shenyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiuhu Lake (Updated Jul)

#summervacay Qipan Mountain in summer was a refreshing escape from the city its forested slopes alive with birdsong and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot. As we hiked upward through pine-scented air, the view opened gradually to reveal sweeping lakes below and green ridgelines stretching into the distance. Locals picnicked under the trees, and we passed groups riding horses or paddling across the still waters of Xiuhu Lake, laughter echoing through the valley. 🌲🏞️🧺 At the summit, a cool breeze swept across the mountain, rustling the leaves like applause. The stone chessboard that gives Qipan its name lay quietly among the rocks a poetic nod to the legends tied to this place. With wildflowers blooming at our feet and clouds drifting lazily overhead, it was easy to forget the rush of city life and simply breathe. 🌼♟️☁️ #travel #thingstodo

| Travel through three hundred years and touch the deepest time code of Northeast China. If Dalian is a romantic seaside poem, Shenyang is an epic masterpiece spread out before you. This city, "the birthplace of a dynasty and home to two generations of emperors," weaves the stories of Northeast China with the red walls of the Imperial Palace, the blue bricks of the Marshal Zhang’s Mansion, the old factories of Tiexi, and the barbecue stalls in the alleys. Follow this guide to unlock Shenyang’s past and present, and feel its toughness and tenderness! 🌏 Geographic Background | A key town on the Liaohe Plain Shenyang is located in the central Liaohe Plain, with the Hun River flowing through the city. It is the only megacity in Northeast China. As the center of the Northeast Asia economic circle, it was the capital before the Qing Dynasty entered the pass (Shengjing) and the stronghold of the Fengtian clique warlords in modern times. The temperate monsoon climate gives it distinct seasons: lilacs bloom all over the city in spring, green shade covers the city in summer, ginkgo leaves turn golden in autumn, and winter dresses the city in silver. 🌟 Travel Highlights | A time travel blending ancient and modern 1. Shenyang Imperial Palace: A condensed Manchu cultural painting As one of the only two remaining palace complexes in China, the Shenyang Imperial Palace is smaller than the Beijing Forbidden City but richer in Manchu characteristics. The octagonal double-eaves of the Dazheng Hall, the Eight Banners emblem at the Pavilion of Ten Kings, and the "Purple Qi Comes from the East" plaque on Phoenix Tower all tell the legends of Nurhaci and Huang Taiji. Don’t miss the "Eastern Tour Exhibition" to see how Emperor Qianlong brought imperial items back to Shengjing for a visit. 2. Zhang Family Marshal Mansion: The best script of the Republic era The "Grand Marshal Mansion" of Zhang Zuolin and the "Young Marshal Mansion" of Zhang Xueliang stand side by side, with countless stories hidden behind the gray brick carved wooden windows. The Tiger Hall in the Big Blue Building witnessed the Yang Chang incident, the Small Blue Building was the former residence of Zhao Yidi, and the Red Building group in the West Courtyard is a model of Sino-Western fusion. After leaving the mansion, turn into the "Finance Museum" to see currency and vaults from the Republic era. 3. Qipan Mountain: A natural healing place for city dwellers Only 17 kilometers from downtown, Qipan Mountain is Shenyang people’s "back garden." Hike and enjoy spring greenery, boat on Xiuhu Lake in summer, admire the red leaves in autumn, and celebrate skiing in winter. If time allows, be sure to climb to the top of "Wangyun Pavilion" to overlook the magnificent curves of the Shenyang Plain and the Hun River. 4. Zhongjie + Xita: A culinary tale of two cities - Zhongjie: China’s first commercial pedestrian street, with the 400-year-old "Lao Bian Dumpling Restaurant" a must-try! Their three-fresh filling dumplings have thin skins and generous fillings, paired with vinegar and garlic sauce, so delicious you’ll stomp your feet. - Xita Street: The largest Korean ethnic enclave in Northeast China, neon signs light up at night, as if transported to Seoul. Recommended are the cold noodles at "Pyongyang Restaurant," which are sweet and sour and refreshing; and the spicy seasoned pollock at "Shunji Cold Noodles," perfectly paired with Yanbian rice wine. 🎭 Local Culture | The clash of heavy industry and street spirit Shenyang is the "eldest son of the Republic," with the Tiexi old industrial zone once the heart of Chinese industry. At the China Industrial Museum, you can see the first machine tool and the first aircraft engine, with rusted equipment holding the youth of a generation. The street culture’s "jianghu spirit" is reflected in the hearty atmosphere of night market barbecue, the playful banter in Errenzhuan theaters, and the lively toasts with "Lao Xue" beer. 🍢 Must-Eat List | A guide to Northeast China’s hardcore cuisine 1. Li Lianguo Smoked Meat Pancake: A century-old brand, the smoked meat is fatty but not greasy, the pancake crust is crispy and layered, rolled with scallions and sweet bean sauce, so fragrant you’ll lick your fingers! 2. Ma’s Shaomai: Shenyang’s oldest Hui Muslim restaurant, the lamb-filled shaomai has paper-thin skins and juicy broth, paired with hot and sour soup to cut the grease. 3. Lao Siji Pulled Noodles: Shenyang people’s "late-night canteen," chicken rack with pulled noodles is the standard. The chicken rack is marinated with Chinese herbs, getting more flavorful the more you chew. 4. Xita Big Cold Noodles: Buckwheat noodles are chewy and springy, floating in an ice-cold sweet and sour broth with beef slices and apple slices, perfect for summer revitalization. 📌 Travel Tips | Locals’ secret guide to avoid pitfalls ✅ Best time: Lilac Festival in April, maple viewing in September-October, skiing from December to February. ✅ Transportation tips: Metro lines 1 and 2 cover major attractions; Qipan Mountain is best reached by car or taxi. ✅ Accommodation recommendations: - Near Zhongjie: Walking distance to the Imperial Palace and Marshal Mansion, vibrant nightlife; - Tiexi District Youth Hostel: Industrial style design, near the 1905 Creative Park; - Qipan Mountain Homestay: Suitable for family trips, with lake and mountain views right outside the window in the morning. ✅ Notes: - Don’t order "Shenyang chicken rack" (called "chicken shell" by locals) at barbecue stalls, it’s easy to be disappointed; - Xita Street is livelier at night, but keep an eye on your belongings. 🌌 Epilogue | In Shenyang, understand the soul of Northeast China The charm of Shenyang lies in its unvarnished authenticity. It has the solemnity of royal palaces and the lively atmosphere of alleys; it invites reflection in industrial relics and laughter in night markets. If you want to truly understand Northeast China, come to Shenyang—every brick and every bite here tells the stubbornness and deep affection of this black soil land.

Itinerary - Day 1: Historical & Cultural Tour - Morning: Visit Xiaoheyan Morning Market to sample various local snacks. Then explore Xiaonan Church and admire its Gothic architecture. - Afternoon: Tour Shenyang Imperial Palace to view palace architecture and cultural relics. Continue to Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence to learn about the Zhang family history. - Evening: Stroll along Zhongjie Street for shopping and try local delicacies like Laobian Dumplings and Zhongjie Ice Cream. - Day 2: Science & Leisure Tour - Morning: Visit Liaoning Provincial Museum to appreciate historical and artistic artifacts. - Afternoon: Explore Liaoning Science and Technology Museum to experience technological wonders, including an IMAX film screening. - Evening: Head to Laobeishi area to visit cultural venues and enjoy authentic local cuisine. - Day 3: Natural Scenery Tour - Morning: Visit Qipan Mountain, take cable cars for panoramic lake and mountain views at Xiuhu Lake. - Afternoon: Stop by Beiling Park on return trip to see Emperor Huangtaiji's mausoleum and stroll through pine forests in this imperial garden. Food Recommendations - Specialty Restaurants: Fengtian Xiaoguan (famous intangible cultural heritage Northeastern cuisine); Badawan (traditional Northeastern flavors); Baofayuan Mingcaiguan (try Zhang Xueliang's favorite "Four Special Dishes"). - Local Snacks: Sanhesheng Baozi (established 1933); Li Liangui Smoked Meat Pancake (unique flavor); Xiyanghong Snacks (authentic local dishes). Accommodation Suggestions - Luxury: Conrad Shenyang (city skyline views); Shangri-La Shenyang (overlooking Youth Park with beautiful surroundings). - Budget: Chain hotels or homestays near Zhongjie or Taiyuan Street for convenient transportation, shopping and dining.

Xiuhu Lake in winter is a highlight of the Qipanshan Scenic Area. After the lake freezes, it becomes a paradise for ice skating enthusiasts, where people can play on the ice and enjoy the fun of ice and snow. At the same time, the scenery around Xiuhu Lake is particularly beautiful, with snow-covered mountains and crystal-clear ice surfaces complementing each other, creating a series of moving pictures. Here, visitors can not only enjoy the unique winter scenery of Xiuhu Lake but also participate in various ice and snow activities, experiencing the charm of the ice and snow world. The winter scenery of Xiuhu Lake undoubtedly adds a unique charm to the Qipanshan Scenic Area. It truly embodies the grandeur of Shenyang's northern region, the vastness of the Liao River, and the majestic atmosphere. Looking at the clouds and mist, the layers of mountains; in summer, it is covered in green, and in winter, it changes into a silver dress.

(With a guide to the scenic spot, this guide is suitable for self-driving) 🎀hi I am Alalei👧 Shenyang local hotline, a travel blogger who knows how to save money, eat and play ✌️ 🎀Check in Qipanshan, Shenyang on the sixth day of the new year, mainly to see the sunset of Xiuhu. I have issued a self-driving guide for Xiuhu in the summer🛣, the sunset on the ice of the lake in winter🌄 is even more beautiful~, if you don't know where to go on the weekend, come and check in😉 ✅️Qipanshan Scenic Area (including: Guandong Film and Television City, Qipanshan Ice and Snow World, Shenyang Forest Zoo, Xiangyang Temple, Xiuhu Scenic Area, Qipanshan Divine Rhyme and other scenic spots) 🚗Parking is free from 2.10-2.17🆓 (normal price is 20 yuan/car) 🚘Self-driving route map (👀see the picture above) Enter from the main entrance, drive forward about 1 kilometer from the main entrance, go up the mountain from the left fork, and check in first ✅️【Xiangyang Temple】💰Tickets are free🆓 You can ask for a hand string, if you want to buy a good-looking style, it is recommended to go early around 9-10 o'clock to queue up, I went there at more than 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and there were more than 20 people in line~, there is a restaurant at the door to make vegetarian noodles, 30r/bowl ✅️【Qipanshan Divine Rhyme】It is the top of Qipanshan Mountain, it takes about 20 minutes to climb up, the stairs are a bit steep, it is not recommended for older people to climb ✅️【Xiuhu】Driving around the lake from 4.50-5.30 in the afternoon is really cool, stop by the road to watch the sunset on the lake🌄, the shock is not inferior to the sunset at sea. Stop at the oval position on the map, you can see squirrels in the summer, the photo is taken inside, pay attention to the 【camping ground】 sign! ✅️【Guandong Film and Television City】 Ticket💰108, watch the lanterns after 5 o'clock in the evening, the music and fireworks show of Fengming Longyin until February 25th every Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays, Guandong Film and Television City Fengming Longyin Music Fireworks Show. ✅️【Forest Zoo】 Ticket💰80 ✅️【Qipanshan Ice and Snow World】 1⃣Snow play project: 💰85/person 2⃣Skiing🏂 project: 💰139/person up ⚠️🚘The total distance of self-driving along Xiuhu is about 20 kilometers, there are many bends and it takes more than 40 minutes to stop and go, pay attention to oncoming vehicles, self-driving vehicles enter from the main entrance, drive in the direction of west→north→east, there are too many vehicles during the New Year, you can only stop at the entrance of Guandong Film and Television City, you cannot exit from the main entrance, you can only exit from the east gate in the upper right corner of the map!