Shenyang

Shenyang is quarter and one hours' flight from Beijing. Manchu are the largest group among its urban population. Shenyang was the Manchu capital from 1625 until 1644. During that period the impressive Imperial Palace, with an area of almost 60,000 square meters, was built. Two emperors and their empresses were buried at the North Tomb and the East Tomb. The city is both an industrial and cultural center. China's best acrobats, Shenyang Acrobats, have their home base here.