Shenyang Imperial Palace｜Wilder than Beijing's Forbidden City? The Secret History of Guānwài Revealed!

Here is a practical travel guide designed for Shenyang's core attractions (two days and one night highlights version), combining the latest policies and local experiences to help you efficiently explore Shengjing: --- **📅 Itinerary Planning** **Day 1: History and Culture Route** - **Morning**: Shenyang Imperial Palace (opens at 8:30, arrive early to avoid crowds! Focus on the Dazheng Hall and Ten Kings Pavilion, perfect for photos in Hanfu against the red walls; from May to October 2025, you can get free tickets by searching "Easy Travel Shenyang" on WeChat, must redeem within 30 minutes) - **Noon**: Zhongjie Pedestrian Street (try Laobian dumplings with fried filling, and ice cream with sesame paste at Zhongjie Ice Cream City) - **Afternoon**: Zhang Family Marshal Mansion (combo ticket includes the Financial Museum, shoot Republic of China style photos at the blue brick carved building) → 10-minute walk to Xiaonan Catholic Church (Gothic architecture, free vintage photo opportunities) - **Evening**: Old North City Cultural District (lights on at 18:00, stunning! Enjoy snow cotton bean paste and watch the intangible cultural heritage iron flower performance) **Day 2: Industrial Art & Food Route** - **Early Morning**: Xiaoheyan Morning Market (arrive before 6:00! Meat and egg buns, donkey rolling cake, sticky rice wrapped fried dough sticks, filling for about 10 RMB per person) - **Morning**: China Industrial Museum (free reservation, must-see giant blast furnace, experience operating an old lathe) - **Noon**: Xita Street (Shirentang rice cake + Zaomaer barbecue, spicy kimchi with cold noodles is very authentic) - **Afternoon**: 1905 Cultural and Creative Park (old Tiexi factory renovation, industrial style café + creative market) → Liaoning Provincial Museum (advance reservation required! See the Jade Pig Dragon and "Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers" painting, closed on Mondays) - **Evening**: Caita Night Market (internet-famous "Caita Fried Menzzi," snacks average 5-15 RMB) **Day 3: Nature and Culture Route** - **Morning**: Beiling Park (Qing Zhaoling Mausoleum, free entry for morning exercise! Ancient pine forest snow scene/summer lotus is stunning, mausoleum area ticket 30 RMB) - **Afternoon**: Qipanshan (hiking with lake views, summer boating, winter skiing; stop by Guandong Film City on the way) --- **🍜 Must-Try Food List** - **Classic Liaoning Cuisine**: Li Lianguo Smoked Meat Pancake (crispy crust + smoked meat), Ma’s Shaomai (juicy lamb filling) - **Special Snacks**: Old Four Seasons Chicken Rack (chicken rack mixed with hand-pulled noodles, a soul of late-night snack), Xita Rice Cake (red bean filling not too sweet) - **Night Market Kings**: Caita Fried Menzzi (mashed potatoes + menzzi), Snow Cotton Bean Paste (freshly fried at Old North City) --- **🚌 Transportation and Accommodation Tips** - **Transportation**: ✈️ Airport → City: Metro Line 2 direct (45 minutes) 🚇 Within city: 80% of attractions covered by metro (face recognition payment), Zhongjie - Imperial Palace - Marshal Mansion walkable; shared e-scooters now have parking spots at the Imperial Palace - **Accommodation**: - Near Zhongjie (central attractions, e.g., Suyuan Hotel) - Shenyang North Station (transport hub, many budget hotels) --- **⚠️ Practical Notes** 1. **Tickets**: Free tickets for Shenyang Imperial Palace are time-limited; Liaoning Museum/Industrial Museum require one-day advance reservation (closed Mondays). 2. **Avoid Scams**: Refuse solicitation and touts at the train station; some old shops only accept cash (prepare 200 RMB in small change). 3. **Experiences**: Choose Qinghe Peninsula for scrubbing bath (red wine scrub + milk bath package about 200 RMB), watch Liu Laogen Grand Stage for nighttime Errenzhuan performance. > **💡 Short Trip Alternatives**: If you have an extra day, visit Benxi Water Caves (underground karst caves) or Fushun Hetu Ala City (Manchu origin site, 1.5-hour drive). This guide condenses the essence of Shenyang’s history, industry, and cuisine, incorporating the 2025 free ticket policy and local hidden gems, making it easy to unlock the ancient and modern charm of "the birthplace of a dynasty"! [Happy]