Shenyang - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The city of Dalian is a lot of fun in the summer: beaches, some hiking trails, good seafood. Changbaishan is a mountain that is shared by China and North Korea. And speaking of the DPRK, the city of Dandong is surreal. You can stand on the bustling, vibrant Chinese side of the Yalu river, and look across at North Korea, where literally nothing is happening. There is a section of the Great Wall that runs through this area, and which coincidentally marks the least-guarded border between China and DPRK (please don't cross it). The ice festival in Harbin is a must-see, but dress warmly, because frostbite is a real danger. Harbin is also fun in the summer. Shenyang itself has some great historical sites. For a Chinese history buff, it's a wonderful place to live. - Jul 2016
Harbin Ice Festival in winter, Dandong- DPRK border city, Changbaishan mountain... We also love Benxi in the summer time for hiking/camping/getting out of the smog. - Aug 2014
I am enjoying the silk painting classes, and tightness of the consular community. Although there is not that much to do in Shenyang, we seem to do enough. There are lots of different markets, good Chinese food at good prices, and some fancy hotels being built, and an increasing Western restaurant selection. The high speed trains keeps adding new lines so visiting other cities is becoming quick and affordable. - Nov 2013
