Before the Manchus conquered Central China and set up its rule over all of the country with Beijing as its capital, they had already made Shenyang their capital during 1625-1644 from which they ruled China’s northeast. Hence, the main places of historical interest in the city are the former imperial palace and the imperial tombs that were built before the Qing Dynasty moved its capital southwards.

Imperial Palace

Located at the center of the old city of Shenyang, this was the imperial palace in the early years of the Qing Dynasty. Construction was begun in 1625.

In front of the palace, which has an area of some sixty thousand square meters, stand two memorial arches; the eastern one called Wende Civil Ethics, and the western one Wugong Military Accomplishments.

The palace consists of three parts: the west, the middle and the east sections. The middle section itself stands on three compounds built on a central axis line. The Hall of Lofty Politics (Chongzhengdian) is the most prominent structure in the front compound and is flanked by two groups of structures. The middle compound lies immediately behind the Hall of Lofty Politics and leads to the rear compound – the inner palace. In the east section, the Hall of Grand Politics (Dazhengdian) is the most important building while the west section was built around the Hall of Literary Source (Wensuge). Constructed during 1627 and 1635, the Hall of Lofty Politics was where Emperor Tai Zong administered the imperial affairs and directed war operations. The Hall of Grand Politics in the east section is an octagonal pavilion of wooden structure. In front of the door are two posts round which two golden dragons coil as if they are on the point of taking off to the air. This was there the emperor presided on ceremonial occasions.

The palace at Shenyang is one of the best – preserved imperial palaces in China, second only to the former Imperial Palace at Beijing. It is open to the public as a museum.

Northern Mausoleum (Beiling)

Located to the north of the city of Shenyang, Beiling, also called Zhaoling, was tomb of Qing Emperor Tai Zong and his wife. It was built in A.D. 1643.

The main structures of architectural interest at Beiling are memorial arches, gate, tower, memorial pavilions, ornamental columns, stone figurines, and the tomb. A wall connects the Hall of Profound Benevolence (Long’endian) with the circular tomb, which is surrounded by pines and cypress trees. The mausoleum is now a park, a well – known scenic spot in the area.

Eastern Mausoleum (Dongling)

Located on a mountaintop ten kilometers east of Shenyang, Dongling, also called Fuling, was the tomb of Nurhachi, the first emperor of the Qing Dynasty, and the empress. In architectural style Dongling is similar to Beijing. The main buildings include tomb, a wall, a tower, and stone figurines.

Zhongshan Park

Located in the Heping District it is the biggest park in the city; among its attractions is a “Garden Within Garden,” a copy of the well-known landscaped gardens in areas south of the Yangtze River, characterized by small bridges, streams, pavilions, and rock gardens.

Other places of historical interest for visitors include Shisheng Monastery, Dashi Bridge, and some ruins dating back to the Neolithic Age.

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