Shenyang 3-Day 2-Night Travel Guide
🌉 When people mention Shenyang, they often think of its industrial toughness, overlooking the gentle charm of red walls under white snow and the lively atmosphere in its alleys. This time, with simple luggage, I checked into the luxurious Howze Ritz Hotel in the heart of Hunnan District. Over 3 days and 2 nights, I experienced the city's rich history and warm daily life, creating unforgettable travel memories.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the doorman promptly took my suitcase. The soft warm lighting in the lobby, mixed with a faint woody fragrance, instantly dispelled the fatigue of the journey. During check-in, the front desk offered a cup of warm red date tea and kindly informed me, "The room has been pre-adjusted to a comfortable temperature, and the local sodas and snacks in the minibar are free to refill." I stayed in an executive view room, where the window opened to the city skyline of Hunnan. At dusk, the setting sun painted the glass curtain walls in soft shades of orange and pink, making every casual photo look like a cinematic masterpiece 📸. The room was full of delightful details: 60-thread-count pure cotton bedding as soft as clouds, a hot bath before bed, and light music playing from the Bluetooth speaker, all of which melted away the travel fatigue. Feeling hungry at midnight, I called room service and received warm millet porridge and side dishes within 15 minutes. This thoughtful service made the unfamiliar hotel feel like home.
The hotel's location is a "hidden gem," with Metro Line 9 right downstairs, offering a 30-minute direct ride to Shenyang Imperial Palace. For those driving, the free parking lot has ample spaces. Each morning, I took my time heading to the 22nd-floor cloud buffet restaurant for breakfast. The freshly cooked Shenyang chicken rack noodles paired with freshly brewed coffee, along with a bite of the local specialty sticky bean buns, kickstarted my day with full energy.
Day 1: Encountering Centuries of History Behind Red Walls
At 10 a.m., I took Metro Line 9 and transferred to Line 1, arriving at Shenyang Imperial Palace in 40 minutes. As one of the only two remaining royal palace complexes in China, it offers a serene experience without the crowds of Beijing's Forbidden City. Renting an electronic guide, I followed the footsteps of history through the Dazheng Hall, admired the octagonal spire glistening in the sunlight, and listened to the guide explain the unique charm of Manchu architecture. Walking on the stone paths of the Ten Kings Pavilion, I lightly touched the weathered palace walls, feeling as if I could touch the royal stories from over 300 years ago. Tired from exploring, I bought a cup of hot milk tea at the palace's cultural shop, sat by the window watching ginkgo leaves fall, and basked in the sunlight streaming through the lattice windows—it was incredibly soothing 🍂.
In the afternoon, I walked 10 minutes to Zhang's Marshal Mansion, a residence that tells half of the Republic of China's history. The blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles was particularly eye-catching: the green glazed tiles of the Small Green Building, the European dome of the Big Green Building, and the golden sycamore leaves made every snapshot look like a scene from the Republic era. Inside the Marshal Mansion Museum, I saw General Zhang Xueliang's handwritten notes and relics, and learned about the historical context of the "Xi'an Incident," feeling as if I had traveled back to that turbulent era. By evening, I sat on a bench in the mansion's garden, watching the sunset cast its glow on the buildings, and time seemed to slow down.
At night, I headed straight to Taiyuan Street, a 20-minute taxi ride from the mansion. Known as Shenyang's "gathering place of street food," the aroma of grilled cold noodles greeted me at the street entrance. The sweet and sour sauce coating the chewy noodles was unforgettable. I also visited an old shop to buy smoked chicken racks. Shenyang locals have mastered countless ways to enjoy chicken racks. Sitting by the street, gnawing on chicken racks, sipping Lao Xue beer, watching neon lights flicker, and listening to locals chat—this is the authentic way to experience Shenyang.
Day 2: A Dual Healing of Nature and Culture
After a natural wake-up and breakfast at the hotel, I drove 30 minutes to Shenyang Botanical Garden. In autumn and winter, the garden resembles a spilled palette, with golden ginkgo, fiery red maple leaves, and deep green pine branches creating wallpaper-worthy scenery. Renting a bike, I cycled along the lakeside, feeling the breeze and watching leaves fall, with light music playing in my earphones—it was pure bliss. I stopped to take photos whenever I encountered beautiful scenery. In the ginkgo forest, sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating light spots, and every photo was filled with atmosphere 📸. If visiting in spring, the garden's cherry blossoms and tulips in full bloom would offer a different kind of romance.
In the afternoon, I returned to the city to visit the Liaoning Provincial Museum, which houses nearly 120,000 cultural relics. I focused on the "Ancient Liaoning" exhibition hall. The Hongshan Culture jade pig-dragon was both adorable and mysterious, while the Tang, Song, Liao, and Jin paintings showcased intricate brushwork. Standing before the artifacts, listening to the guide narrate their stories, felt like traveling through millennia. Tired from exploring, I ordered a hot cocoa at the museum café, flipping through photos on my phone and reflecting on the collision of history and time.
In the evening, I returned to the hotel and relaxed at the 23rd-floor executive lounge. Complimentary wine and snacks, paired with the city night view, made for a perfect setting to chat with friends and unwind. For those wanting to stay active, the hotel's heated pool had the perfect water temperature, and a session in the sauna afterward was so comfortable that I didn't want to leave.
Day 3: Capturing Memories in the City's Lively Alleys
On the last day, I dedicated my time to experiencing Shenyang's local life. In the morning, I left the hotel and took the metro to Cai Ta Night Market (which also operates during the day). This market is a treasure trove of authentic Shenyang flavors. I started with a Yang Family Hanging Stove Pancake, crispy on the outside and soft inside, paired with scrambled eggs—it was so delicious I wanted to lick the plate. Then, I bought a roasted sweet potato, holding the warm treat as I strolled through the alleys, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere. Don't miss the old tofu pudding shop by the roadside; the silky tofu pudding with savory sauce was both heartwarming and stomach-filling.
In the afternoon, I visited Zhongjie, a 370-year-old historic street with both traditional shops and trendy stores. I explored the Cuihua Gold Shop, admiring the craftsmanship of century-old gold jewelry, and dined at the renowned Laobian Dumpling Restaurant, ordering their signature pan-fried dumplings with thin skin, generous filling, and juicy flavor. Zhongjie's retro architecture was particularly photogenic, and taking a photo in front of a century-old shop felt like stepping back into the Republic era. For shopping enthusiasts, Zhongjie's malls and boutiques cater to various needs. I bought some Bulaolin candies and Kragus sausages as souvenirs, bringing the taste of Shenyang home.
By evening, I returned to the hotel to pack for departure. The front desk handed me a Shenyang-themed souvenir—a paper-cut bookmark—and smiled, saying, "We look forward to your next visit." Over 3 days and 2 nights, I stayed comfortably and explored to my heart's content. The Howze Ritz Hotel felt like a "warm station" on my journey, making my Shenyang trip even more complete.
豪澤芮茲酒店(瀋陽於洪盛京醫院吉力湖街地鐵站店)3