Bars & Nightspots

Scottish bar, in the Holiday Inn, slightly away from the city centre, is the current hot spot for foreigners in Shenyang. Good atmosphere when Grand Prix racing and Premiership football is being televised. Live entertainment. Good place to go in a group. Does have its quiet nights so going on-spec can be a bit hit and miss.

Tangning Bar, 20 Nan Sanjin Street, Heping District Tel 23253606.
Aierlan Bar, Nanjing Beijie Street, Heping District Tel 23341888.
Wanhao Cigar Bar, 388 Qingnian Dajie, Heping District. Tel 23883456.

All good local bars. Foreigners would be most welcome although a bit of a rarity. Full of local culture and a change from the average hotel bar.

Xita Street, extending for about half a mile. For the more adventurous this is the night life centre. There are many bars and restaurants. The entire street has a very strong Korean influence.

Restaurants & Eating Out

All the 4- and 5-star hotels offer a wide variety of international cuisines. Alongside the excellent varieties of Chinese food, Korean and Japanese are the most popular. For Western food it is hard to improve upon the Sheraton Hotel, 386 Qingnian Dajie Street, Heping District. Tel 23188888.

For local atmosphere and a taste of the culture, be a little bit more adventurous and go for:
Fengweilou Restaurant, 35 Beiyimalu Road, Heping District. Tel 23415963.
Offering a wide variety of traditional Chinese cuisine.

Sanhesheng Baozi Dumpling Restaurant, 12 Panjin Road, Heping District. Tel 22722258.
Dumplings are a favourite Chinese dish and an assortment from the many varieties is well worth a try.

Lele Seafood, 185 Lane, Nanwumalu Road, Heping District. Tel 23210787.
An extensive range of fresh seafood.

Alternatively, rely upon the hotel concierge, who will probably direct you to his brother's restaurant.

Arts & Culture

Dawutai Theatre, 4 Gangshiqiaoxiang, Zhenyangjie Street, Shenhe District. Tel 24845532.
For the true enthusiast Peking Opera and Pingju (local Northeast Opera). For those wanting to be entertained, acrobatics (of world class), singing and dancing.
Xincheng Menghuan Film Capital, 9 Tongze Beijie Street, Heping District. Tel 23410991.
Early showing of all the latest international releases. Chinese voice-overs only.
Palace Museum, second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing for its architecture and treasures because Shenyang was the capital city of China at the time of the Qing Dynasty. Best appreciated with a local guide (English-speaking are available) as most signage is in Chinese only.
Ice and snow travel festival. On public display December to February (only). Artistic ice carvings. Wrap up in warm clothing.

"Scenic Spots" Which are the best places to visit, for a tourist?

Zhaoling Mausoleum (North Mausoleum) and/or Fuling Mausoleum (East Mausoleum). Take in the history and culture or just enjoy the sites. Both sites give a feel for the power of dynastic rule in the 17th century. A good winter photographic spot especially if you experience a fresh fall of snow.

Wulihe River Garden. Close to the city centre and most enjoyable for a relaxing stroll. Particularly interesting in the early morning or evening when local inhabitants indulge in a wide range of martial arts and community activities.

Botanical Garden. A vast collection of flora. The garden incorporates a lake and some interesting walks. At its best during the spring, summer and autumn seasons.

Shopping

Zhongjie. Pedestrianised and about a mile in length it is the 'Oxford Street' of Shenyang. The oldest shops date back to the early 17th century. Jishun is very popular for its silk. International branded clothes are more expensive than in Europe (and may be copied) but bargains can found amongst domestic brands, especially winter clothing.

Taiyuan Commercial Area 'golden triangle'. Formed by Zhongshan Road, Zhonghua Road and Nanjing Street. For the more serious shoppers this area is attracting international retailers. It is also the place to find Shenyang Arts and Handicrafts for those wanting to return home with a local souvenir.

Beishichang Market. An area covering five streets which integrate traditional culture, an old city flavour with a modern culture. An ideal area for browsing and exploring.