Shenyang Museums

(Shenyang, Liaoning, China)

The museums in Shenyang cover an interesting range of subject matter, from the politically significant memorial of the 9.18 invasion by Japan to the culturally vibrant world of past Chinese dynasties. Although modest in comparison to those museums found in China's larger cities, Shenyang's effort at presenting and preserving unique aspects of its regional Chinese heritage is commendable.

Popular city museums include the recently opened Liaoning Provincial Museum, the Pavilion of Ten Kings and also the Zhang Residence. The main museums in Shenyang are shown below.

9.18 Museum

Address: 46 Wanghua Nan Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110003, Shenyang, China, CN
The cultural clashes between North Asia's countries over the centuries have been ruthless, bloody affairs, and each side has always claimed to have the definitive version of history. Such is the case for this important museum, which commemorates the Japanese invasion of Shenyang in 1931, known as the Mukden Incident. Inside are a number of unorthodox exhibitions, such as a life-size wax rendition of a night-time guerilla warfare meeting in the middle of a forest. Unfortunately, the mishmash of presentation styles muddles the overall theme somewhat, but if you are a history buff, then you will definitely get a kick out this official Chinese perspective on the event.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Liaoning Provincial Museum

Address: 26 Shiwei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China, CN
Tel: +86 024 2282 1903
Despite the enormous dinosaur wagging its tail at the entrance and giving a roar every five seconds, this cultural museum has a very impressive collection of artefacts from the Qing Dynasty among its collection. Opened in 2004, the circular vaulted design of the building is comfortable and well-lit. Amongst the highlights at Shenyang's Liaoning Provincial Museum are the Chinese money exhibition, tracing the history of cash from seashells to gold ingots, and the Chinese stone tablets exhibition, which follows classical calligraphy back to the early Han Dynasty. Whilst there are dinosaurs on the third floor, their entertainment value is vastly overshadowed by the cultural displays below. Audio tours are available in English.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Pavilion of Ten Kings

Address: 171 Shenyang Road, Shenhe, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110013, China, CN
Tel: +86 024 2484 4192
Along the north-eastern side of the Imperial Palace is the Da Zheng Hall, the oldest and most dramatic structure in the complex. Next to that is the Pavilion of Ten Kings, which contains a small but interesting museum devoted to the Manchurian army. Various items of Qing weaponry, replicas of the colourful banners and also armour of the eight divisions of the army are all on display here. It was from the Da Zheng Hall that the first Manchurian orders were given to invade China and unseat the ruling faction of the day.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:15
Admission: charge

Zhang Residence

Tel: +86 024 2484 2454
After the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, powerful warlords ruled much of China, and the nicely restored courtyard house of the Zhang Residence, south of the Imperial Palace, was the home of one such famous warlord, Zhang Zuolin. His opulent residence offers a rare glimpse into the nearly-imperial world that these warlords enjoyed during their heyday.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:15
Admission: charge