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China Elevator Stories
Shenyang Imperial Palace, Liaoning Province (China Travel)
The Shenyang Imperial Palace is where the Manchu ruled before establishing the Qing Dynasty and becoming the rulers of China.
01/10/2025
Ruth Silbermayr
Author
I had been to Shenyang a few times in the past, since it is relatively close to Siping by high-speed train. I hadn’t found its architecture very impressive compared to other cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Changchun. This was probably because I had arrived at the wrong train station—not wrong in terms of location, but giving me a view that didn’t reflect what Shenyang could look like in other districts.
When I visited again in 2025, I exited at the Shenyang Railway Station and was stunned by its beauty. The station itself is located in a beautiful old building, and the area in front was designed in a way that looked truly impressive. Older, British-style buildings are at the front, while modern skyscrapers rise behind them, creating a striking skyline.
After arrival, I made my way to the Shenyang Imperial Palace by subway. The palace is located in a central part of the city and can be easily reached by subway. This accessibility is common in many Chinese cities, making travel extremely comfortable and affordable. Taxis are also reasonably priced compared to Austria, but if you want to save money, the subway is the best option.
The Shenyang Imperial Palace (also known as the Mukden Palace) is one of the places that really disappointed me as a visitor. If you’re wondering why, it’s not because it’s unattractive, but because it is advertised everywhere as an ancient palace complex, yet it looks completely rebuilt from scratch. As someone familiar with truly ancient buildings, I can say that it is definitely not old or ancient. I have visited genuinely ancient palace complexes built in similar architectural styles, and the difference between a rebuilt palace complex and a truly ancient one is striking. This is especially disappointing because the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re interested in truly ancient architecture and buildings in China, skip the Imperial Palace and head to the Zhaoling Mausoleum instead.
That said, if you’re interested in China’s history—for example, how the Manchu ruled their territories or the structure of the Eight Manchu Banners—it is still worth visiting, but don’t expect it to look ancient.
From 1625 to 1644, three Manchu emperors lived in the Shenyang Imperial Palace before the Qing dynasty (the Manchu rulers of China) moved to Beijing and established their rule in the Forbidden City. The Qing dynasty lasted until January 1, 1912, when the Republic of China was founded by Sun Yat-sen, a Chinese man from Guangdong Province.
Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, was formerly called Mukden (the Manchu name of the city).
The Shenyang Imperial Palace was founded in 1625 by Nurhaci (1559–1626), who was born near Fushun in Liaoning Province. The palace consists of three sections: eastern, central, and western:
Eastern section:
Dazheng Hall, used by the emperor for handling state affairs, and the Ten Princes Pavilions, where officials managed state affairs, each representing one of the Eight Banners. Each Banner had its own flag, color, and traditional uniforms. The Eight Banners were formed from Manchu clans and united as a single army by Nurhaci around 1600. Later, Han Chinese and Mongolian people were incorporated into the system. As the army grew, the Qing were able to overthrow the Ming Dynasty and gain control of China.
Central section:
Chongzheng Hall, used for state ceremonies, and Phoenix Tower, a three-story building used for gatherings and for storing court documents and imperial seals. Imperial seals, first created in 221 BC by Qin Shihuang, were works of art carved from materials such as white jade. Another central building is Qingning Palace, where the emperor and empress resided.
Western section:
Wensu Pavilion, which functioned as a library with a large collection of books, and Jiayin Hall and a Theater Stage, used for imperial banquets and performances.
When the Qing emperors moved into the Forbidden City in Beijing, Shenyang remained a subsidiary palace, where emperors stayed for short periods each year. It served as an auxiliary capital.
Though the palace layout is similar to the Forbidden City in some respects, it also features uniquely Manchurian architectural elements.
How to Get There:
- Address: No. 171 Shenyang Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110011, China
- Subway Access: Take Line 1 to Zhongjie Station or Huaiyuanmen Station, then walk 5–10 minutes to the palace.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 50 CNY (at the time of visit in September 2025)
Visitor Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Mornings between 9:00 and 11:00 AM to avoid crowds.
Suggested Visit Duration: Approximately 2–2.5 hours for a full tour.
Best Seasons to Visit:
The ideal times to visit Shenyang are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, and the palace grounds are most pleasant for walking and exploring.
When It’s Too Cold:
Winter in Shenyang can be extremely cold, often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). During between November and March, the chill and wind make outdoor exploration less comfortable, and the palace grounds may be icy.
Have you ever visited Shenyang?