Shenyang
INTRO
Shenyang will soon be one of the most frequently mentioned cities in China s it is getting prepared to host the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games football matches. Apart from that forthcoming fame, Shenyang is already widely recognised for its outstanding historic landmarks that can be compared to the importance of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
City Profile
City: Shenyang
Country: China
Area: 12,924 km²
Population:7,204,000
Districts:13
Mayor: Li Yingjie
Language: Mandarin, Shenyang Dialect
LOCATION
Shenyang is the capital of the northeastern Liaoning Province. Located in the middle of the province, Shenyang is the most important industrial and transportation centre in this part of the country. Thanks to its significance as a tourist and commercial destination, Shenyang is conveniently connected to other parts of the country and the world both by air and land.
TIME TO VISIT
Shenyang has a semi-humid continental climate which is characterised by variations between the four seasons and strong monsoon influences. Winters are bitterly cold and the temperatures often drop below the zero. Snowfall is abundant throughout the winter. Summers are hot with average daytime temperatures around 29 degrees in July, the hottest month of the year. The best time to visit Shenyang is between August and October when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
POPULATION
In terms of its urban population, Shenyang is the largest city in north-eastern China. 7.2 million people live in the area, of which 4 million comprise its urban population. The majority of the inhabitants are of Han nationality even though there are 38 ethnic groups. The Manchus and Xibe are native to the region while the remaining minority groups have different origins. Koreans, Mongolians, Tibetan and Taiwanese people comprise smaller percentages of the city's total population. The locals speak a Northeastern Mandarin dialect that is referred to as Shenyang dialect. English is barely spoken by the Shenyang people even though it is used for announcements in the public transport.
DISTRICTS
Shenyang is divided into five inner city districts, five outer city districts and three counties.
- Heping District is the central district of Shenyang. Here is the famous Zhongshan Square and one of the largest statues of Chairman Mao.
- Shenhe District is predominantly situated within the old city wall. Here is the most significant historical site in Shenyang, the Mukden Palace.
- Dadong District
- Huanggu District includes in its territory Beiling park and the tomb of the emperor Huang Taiji
- Tiexi District
- Dongling District is home of the Fuling Tomb, the burial place of the Nuhaci Emperor and his wife.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Shenyang city has three major tourist attractions but it is quality not quantity that matters. Whatever your reason to visit Shenyang, make sure to visit the following places as they offer you unique glass at the Chinese history.
- Mukden Palace, or Imperial Palace, is a former imperial palace of the early Qing Dynasty that has been converted into Shenyang Palace Museum. It was built in 1625 so as for three of the first emperors to lived here while ruling. In 2004 the palace was included into UNESCO's World Heritage list as an extension of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
- Beiling Park is a huge park in Shenyang that includes many historic sites, pine trees and lakes. Here is the stunning complex of 38 buildings that comprise the Zhaoling Tomb of the second Qing emperor, Huang Taji, and his wife which was built around 1643. A row of animal statues leads to the tomb which is also included into UNESCO's World Heritage list. The park has a Children's Garden and many flower gardens.
- The Fuling Tomb of the Qing Dynasty was built in 1629 and was the first imperial mausoleum in the Qing Dynasty. The emperor Nu'erhachi and his empress are buried here. The mausoleum basically inherited the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty and has the characteristics of Manchu Nationality.
AIRPORT
Shenyang is reachable through its international airport that operates daily flights from China, Korea, Europe and the United States.
- Shenyamg Taoxian International Airport is located just 20 km outside the city. Ground transportation from the airport to the centre includes taxis and a shuttle bus. A taxi ride to downtown Shenyang costs around 60-100 Yuan depending on your negotiating skills while the bus costs only 10 Yuan. More info at: http://www.taoxianairport.com/indexenglish.htm
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Several options are available for the ground transportation in Shenyang.
- Buses n Shenyang are many but usually very crowded as they are the main means of transportation for the locals.
- Taxis here are metered and start at 7 Yuan. Every kilometre after the third one is charged 1.67 RMB It is usually no more than 10-15 Yuan pre ride. The drivers are friendly and the cars are air-conditioned.
- Cars care possible to hire for reasonable prices but as driving in China might be a little hectic it is recommended to avoid renting a car here unless it is truly inevitable.
- Bicyclingis a very common way for the local people of moving around the city. Bicycles are easy to find and hire.
HISTORY
Because of its location north of the Shen River, as it used to be called in ancient times, the city got its name as Shenyang, which means "north of the Shen River". This territory has been inhabited for more than 7000 years. The foundation of Shenyang took place during the Liao Dynasty (960-1127). In 1625, the city became the capital of the Qing Dynasty when the emperor Nurhachi moved it from Liaoyang. In 1644, as the capital was changed to Beijing, Shenyang continued to serve as an accompanying capital. Its long history as the most important city in China has left its races and contributed to the city becoming a treasured tourist destination.
CITY LINKS
- Hello Shenyang: A Local Online Newspaper in English: http://www.helloshenyang.com/MetroNews.Cfm
- Shenyang Municipal Government: http://www.shenyang.gov.cn/
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Shenyang
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Shenyang Normal University: www.synu.edu.cn/
- Northwestern University: http://www.neu.edu.cn/
- China Medical University: http://www.cmu.edu.cn/eng/index.htm
- Shenyang Institute of Aeronautical Engineering: http://www.syiae.edu.cn/gjhzc/index_english.asp
- Shenyang-Ligong University: http://www.syit.edu.cn/