Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province, is situated in the Central Liaohe Plain in Northeast China. With a population of 4,700,000, it is the biggest industrial city and communication hub in Northeast China. Machine building and power are its main industries, but metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, and food industries are also well developed.

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

Of the two remaining Qing imperial palace complexes in China, most tourists immediately think of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Not so many are aware of the one in Shenyang, provincial capital of northeast China's Liaoning.

With an area of 60,000 square meters, about one twelfth the size of the Forbidden City, the Shenyang Imperial Palace differs primarily from its better known Beijing counterpart on account of its history, Manchu-style architecture and unique local geographical conditions.

Though an overview of Shenyang Imperial Palace is almost a miniature replica of the Forbidden City, details inside the palace reveal another kind of attraction. The Manchurian influence behind its construction is also a vast departure from the style of its predecessor.

Construction began when Nurhachi (Nulhachi) was in power and was completed in 1636 by his son, Huangtaiji, the father of Shunzhi -- later to become the first emperor of China's last feudal empire, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The imperial palace is distinctive for the Manchu-style architecture blended with Han and Mongolian influences.

The main structure includes three sections. The eastern section is probably the most impressive for the octagonal Dazheng Dian, The Hall of Great Affairs, in vivid red and gold, inside which is an elaborate throne where Shunzhi was crowned.

The middle section starts at Daqing Men, the Main Gate, behind which is the grand Chongzheng Dian, Hall of Supreme Administration, where Huangtaiji commanded military affairs and conducted daily business. The emperor also met diplomats from abroad and leaders of minority groups in this hall.

Behind the hall, there is a route leading to the Fenghuang Lou, The Phoenix Tower and the study of Huangtaiji. It was noted as Shenyang's highest building at that time.

At the rear of the middle section is the Qingning Gong, The Palace of Pure Tranquility and the bed chamber for Huangtaiji and his mistress.

The western section was added in 1782 by Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), and its main building is the Wenshuo Ge, Hall of Literary Source, which contains the complete works of the Four Treasures as well as a copy with the inscription of Emperor Qianlong.

Newly restored, the palace is opened to the public with items including furniture, military equipment and collections of paintings and musical instruments exhibited.

Other attractions nearby include the East Tomb and North Tomb, which were built for Nurachi and Huangtaiji.

Located 11 kilometres northeast of Shenyang, the East Tomb, also known as the Fu Ling, is the burial place of Nurachi and his wife, Yehenalashi.

The tomb is set among conifers in Dongling Park. It is an impressive structure with strong walls and a three-storey tower.

The tomb was completed in 1651, and reconstructed in the Kangxi and Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty.

The most distinctive feature is the 108 stone steps which lead to the tomb on the hilltop. The 108 stone steps symbolize the 36 immortals in heaven and the 72 evil spirits in hell, and indicate power and the emperor's rule over the whole country.

The North Tomb, the burial site of Abhai, better known as Huangtaiji, and his empress Xiaoduanwen, is one of the finest sights in Shenyang.

It was constructed in 1643 and covers an area of 450 hectares. The path leading up to the burial mound is lined with stone statues of elephants, lions and horses, which are said to have been modelled after the two horses Huangtaiji loved best. There are also impressive pavilions, towers and halls inside the complex.

How to get to the imperial palace: take bus No 7 or trolley bus No 13 at the south railway station.

Location: No. 171, Shenyang Lu, Shenhe District, Shenyang.
Admission: 35 yuan (US$4)

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.

To get to North Tomb: take bus No 18 or No 218 from the Imperial Palace.

Admission: 10 yuan (US$1.2)

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.

To get to the East Tomb: take bus No 213 from the Imperial Palace; or take bus No 220.

Location: In the Beiling Park on Taishan Lu, Huanggu District.

Admission: 10 yuan (US$1.2)

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.