Shenyang Landmarks and Monuments

(Shenyang, Liaoning, China)

Underneath the grey industrial façade of modern Shenyang lies a Qing Dynasty capital city, which was once the centre of Chinese power for a couple of decades in the 1600s. Tombs, temples, mountainside pagodas and important historical landmarks can all be found around the city of Shenyang, in surprising numbers.

Many of the best monuments are often tucked away, behind a bland concrete building. The effort it takes to seek them out is well worth it.

North Tomb

Address: 12 Taishan Road, Beiling Park, Huanggu, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110003, China, CN
The North Tomb is a major landmark and much-visited sight in Shenyang, being the official resting place of Huang Tiaji (1592 to 1643), famous for being the actual founder of the Qing Dynasty. Located within Beiling Park, the North Tomb complex was built over a period eight years and features many grand animal statues, mature landscaping and the central mound of the Luminous Tomb (Zhao Ling).
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Northern Pagoda

Address: Beita Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China, CN
Tel: +86 024 2271 0337
Although pagodas are scattered all over Shenyang, most of them have fallen into sad disrepair. Beita, the Northern Pagoda and one of four once marking the boundaries of the city, is a true exception, offering visitors a glimpse at the regality of the Qing Dynasty. Next to the classic pyramid-shaped tower is a small museum, which houses a modest display of old photographs and an eye-opening scale model of Shenyang, when it was the capital of the Qing Dynasty.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Xinle Remains

Address: 1 Longshan Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110003, China, CN
Those with an interest in history will want to check out the 7,200-year-old Xinle site, once home to a society where women had all of the authority. Amongst the many interesting relics unearthed here is a woodcarving of a bird, the oldest such artefact found in the world. The Xinle Remains sheds some intriguing light on the depth of human civilisation in ancient China.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: call for details

Shengjing Ancient Cultural Street

Address: East Shuncheng Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China, CN
Don't miss this amazing and timeless street fronting the Shenyang Imperial Palace. Lined by stunning buildings in the classical style of the Qing Dynasty, the street is marked on the eastern side by the elaborate Fujinmen Gate, and the Huaiyuanmen Gate on its western side. This is the place to shop for calligraphy, paintings and other popular gift ideas. If you are lucky, a cultural event, such as a dragon dance or even a lantern display, may be happening on the lane.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge

Fu Ling Tomb / East Tomb

Address: Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, CN
Also known as East Tomb, the Fu Ling Tomb of Shenyang is the mausoleum of the Qing Dynasty's founder, Nurhachi, and his mistress. The expansive tomb complex is one of the finest examples of Qing culture and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The simple elegance of this tomb stands in perfect complement to the beautiful backdrop of Tianzhu Mountain.
Open hours: call for details
Admission: charge

Tomb of Huang

Address: Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, CN
Another of Shenyang's impressive tombs belongs to one of the Qing Dynasty's legends, Huang. Built in 1643, the tomb itself is appealing, but it is the surrounding park which makes this historic landmark really special. A tapestry of ponds, pavilions and pathways wind through 300-year-old pine trees, providing the setting for Huang's final resting place at the north end of Bei Ling Park, a quiet respite from the din of the nearby city centre.
Open hours: call for details
Admission: charge

Ci'en Temple

This amazing temple, built during the Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 907 AD), is the most important site in the city for Buddhists. Apart from admiring the architecture, visitors can browse the on-site centre for the Shenyang Buddhism Association.
Open hours: call for details
Admission: no charge