Connecting history, industry, art, and local life

This guide focuses on niche and original spots, avoiding the usual heavy crowds, with a relaxed two-day, one-night pace and maximum photo opportunities. Itinerary Overview • Day 1: Shengjing Ancient Charm + Republic of China Style + Old City Atmosphere (Shenhe District + Heping District) • Day 2: Industrial Art + Natural Secrets + Niche Cultural Museums (Tiexi District + Huanggu District) • Accommodation: Choose near Century Building, Manji Hotel. Convenient access to Metro Line 2, very convenient for night tours and food trips. Day 1 Shengjing Ancient Charm · Republic of China Style and Old City Atmosphere • 08:00-09:00 Xiaoheyan Morning Market (Free): A local favorite morning market full of lively local life. Must-try dishes include Xiaoman Donkey Roll, Stage Fried Cake, and Xiaoyan Tofu Pudding. About 15 RMB per person to eat your fill. • 09:30-11:30 Shenyang Imperial Palace (Ticket 50 RMB): Arrive early to avoid crowds. Focus on photographing the Dazheng Hall, Ten Kings Pavilion, Phoenix Tower, and check in at the “Purple Qi Comes from the East” plaque. The red walls and yellow tiles are full of charm. • 12:00-13:30 Former Site Museum of Bianye Bank (Included in Marshal Zhang’s Mansion combo ticket, 48 RMB): Next to Marshal Zhang’s Mansion, 85 wax figures recreate a 1920s bank scene. A niche financial theme with a strong vintage photo vibe. • 14:00-16:00 Xiaonan Catholic Church (Free): Gothic-style red brick spires, perfect afternoon light and shadow. The lawn behind the church + 75° upward shots instantly create European-style masterpieces. • 17:00-19:00 Xita Street (Free): Korean ethnic style street. Eat cheese pancakes, marinated crab, and snowflake ice. Neon lights come on at dusk, creating an atmosphere comparable to a Korean drama set. • 19:30-21:00 Old North Market (Free): Avoid the main stage crowds and watch the Flying Phoenix performance in front of the East Gate theater. The red lantern-lit old street night scene is stunning, perfect for vintage-style photos. Day 2 Industrial Art · Nature and Niche Cultural Museums • 09:00-11:00 China Industrial Museum (Free, closed on Mondays): Converted old factory building. See giant machine tools and the birthplace of the first national emblem of the Republic. Hardcore industrial style photos with almost no tour groups. • 11:30-13:00 1905 Cultural and Creative Park (Free): Industrial-style old factory turned artistic space. Browse handmade shops and cafes. On weekends, there are markets/live shows. Have a simple lunch inside the park, about 50 RMB per person. • 13:30-15:30 Tianzhu Paiching Park (Ticket 8 RMB): The “back garden” of Qingfu Mausoleum, with 90% forest coverage. Feed black swans at Longwei Lake, walk the wooden boardwalk through the forest, perfect for oxygen intake and photos. • 16:00-17:30 Zhengjiawazi Bronze Short Sword Tomb Exhibition Hall (Free): A niche pre-Qin site. See bronze swords and chariot and horse artifacts. The park recreates burial pits with bronze-themed sculptures and murals. A must-visit for history buffs. • 18:00-20:00 Outer Garden of Beiling Park (Free): Evening stroll in the royal garden. Ancient pines tower overhead, solemn stone beasts line the sacred way. Avoid the paid mausoleum area for a very pleasant walk and photo session. Food List (Niche and Reliable) • Breakfast: Xiaoheyan Morning Market, Old Four Seasons Hand-pulled Noodles (Chicken rack 7 RMB + chicken soup noodles 5 RMB, local standard) • Lunch: Shanghai Chicken Fillet in Zhongjie Alley, Zhongjie Ice Point Semi-liquid Ice Slush; simple meals at 1905 Cultural and Creative Park • Dinner: Xita Barbecue (grilled pork belly dipped in salt), cheese pancakes, rice cakes; Old Bian Dumplings at North Market (avoid the main store, choose branches to skip lines) Money-saving & Photo Tips 1. Most cultural museums are free; book in advance via the “Shenyang Culture & Tourism” WeChat official account and bring your ID. 2. Best photo times: Xiaonan Church 15:00-17:00; Old North Market 19:00-20:00 when lanterns are fully lit; 1905 Cultural and Creative Park 11:00 for best light and shadow. 3. Transportation: Metro Lines 1/2 + shared bikes. Ride 10-15 minutes between attractions, flexible and time-saving.