Guide to China Attractions

China Attractions

Sunny Night Club

The newly remodeled (May 2008) Sunny Night Club is one of the largest, and overall the most popular club in Shenyang. It is packed with people pretty much every night of the week, and attracts Chinese customers, as well as foreigners from every p...

Since the 2008 remodeling project, Sunny’s has a unique layout. The club is actually separated into two bars. The larger section now attracts mostly Chinese customers and features a stage show with Chinese and Filipino singers and dancers. The smaller bar, unofficially known as “the foreigner bar”, is located near the club entrance. This bar is meant to be more suited to foreigners’ preferences, and has already become an extremely popular late-night stop for many foreigners. From about 8pm-midnight the Filipino musicians switch back and forth between the two bars. From about 11-midnight, the “foreigner bar” switches between the live music and several different DJs. After midnight it’s all dance music, and the bar can get very crowded.

The new Sunny’s is quite an improvement because the club now can appeal to a variety of different tastes. If you like techno music and late-night dancing, this is the place to be. Now, it’s a also a good place to have a relaxed drink or two if you come a bit earlier in the evening.

The new bar now has a wide variety of foreign and Chinese food.

Costs: There’s no cover charge. Beers and cocktails start at 25元。

Location: At the corner of Ba Jing Jie (八经街) and Jiu Wei Lu (九纬路), a few blocks east of Zhong Shan Square (中山广场). All Shenyang taxi drivers know "wǔ yè yáng guāng."

Mulligan’s is proof that Irish Bars can indeed be found everywhere in the world. Mulligan’s has a dark, dusky atmosphere, which is likely consistent with what one would expect from an Irish Pub in Shenyang, China. The bar features Filipino singers from Monday to Saturday starting at 8:00pm. The Pub also has two foosball tables, an available private room, and a giant screen TV for watching soccer matches, NBA playoffs, etc. Mulligan’s is one of the more expensive bars in Shenyang, as it caters largely to foreign guests staying in the Holiday Inn or Crowne Plaza Hotel. However, there is usually a good mix of travelers, Shenyang expats, and Chinese guests. Large Tap Beers from 30元 Shots/cocktails from 30元 Decent selection of Chinese and foreign wine—wide price range Food is decent but overpriced

Four Ancient Towers

The four towers, like most of Shenyang’s historical sites, were built around 1643 during the early Qing Dynasty. The towers symbolize the four Buddhist Heaven Kings, and originally marked the borders of the city. The four towers, aptly named “North Tower”, “South Tower”, “East Tower”, and “West Tower”, do in fact appear quite similar to each other. The towers themselves are white, bulb-shaped structures, with gold decoration on the top. Each one is surrounded by a small Buddhist temple. Reportedly the North Tower is the best restored and maintained tower.

The towers are pretty unspectacular, so don’t plan a whole day around visiting them. Entrance is free, however, so if you happen to be in the area of one of the towers, they are worth a look. The official operating hours are a bit unclear. The apparently sometimes close a bit early, so it’s best to go in the morning.

Locations: (click on pictures for larger images)

North Tower 北塔 běi tǎ:

This tower is probably the most popular tower among visitors. It is located on Wang Hua Jie (望花街), which is the same road as Xiao Bei Guan Jie (小北关街). It’s 2 km northeast of the North Train Station, and 2-3 km southeast of Beiling Park. Coming from the city center, it’s on the way to the 9-18 Museum, so consider making a stop on the way there.

Useful Bus Routes:

131 to/from Beiling Park East Gate, Shenyang University

213 to/from Beiling Park, Orthopedic Hospital, Middle Street, Imperial Palace, Wu Ai Market, South Tower

245 to/from Beiling Park, Orthopedic Hospital, South Tower

299 to/from 9-18 Museum, Liaoning University

325 to/from North Station, 9-18 Museum

328 to/from Ma Lu Wan, South Station, Xi Ta, Government Square, Huigong Square, 9-18 Museum

611 to/from South Station, Taiyuan Street, Xi Ta, Huigong Square

South Tower 南塔 nán tǎ:

South Tower is located in Shenhe District (沈河区) on Wencui Lu (文萃路) just behind Shoe City.

Useful Bus Routes:

113 to/from Shenyang University

135 to/from Tiexi Square, Heping Square, San Hao Street, Exhibition Center

213 to/from Beiling Park, North Tower, Middle Street, Imperial Palace

224 to/from North Station, Wu Ai Market, Huigong Square

239 to/from San Hao Street, Exhibition Center, Heping Square

282 to/from Xi Ta, Fangxing Square, Nanhu Park, San Hao Street, Exhibition Center, Sports Park

286 to/from Summer Palace

环 to/from San Hao Street, Exhibition Center, Heping Square, Imperial Palace, Middle Street, Taiyuan Street, Zhongshan Square, South Train Station

West Tower 西塔 xī tǎ:

The area surrounding the West Tower is known as “Korea Town”, and is home to a large population of Koreans, as well as many Korean bars, restaurants, massage parlors, etc. click for more info on "Korea Town". The tower is at the east end of Shifu Road, at the beginning of Xi Ta Korea street.

Useful Bus Routes:

249 to/from Furniture City, U.S. Consulate, Taiyuan Street, Zhongshan Square, Fangxing Square

252 to/from Furniture City, Bei Hang

255 to/from South Station, Liaoning University

611 to/from South Station, Taiyuan Street, South Tower, Huigong Square

East Tower 东塔 dōng tǎ:

Located in Da Dong District (大东区) on Chang An Lu (长安路).

Useful Bus Routes:

237 to/from Wu Ai Market, Ma Lu Wan, Taiyuan Street, South Station, Tiexi Square

North Market--Huang Temple

The North Market is comprised of two perpendicular pedestrian-only streets. The market includes an array of food vendors selling meat sticks (肉串, ròu chuàr), dumplings (饺子), baozi (包子), beer, and other goodies. The street is surrounded by several shops, including a jade marke...

Adjacent to the market is the “True Victory” Temple (实胜寺庙 shí shèng sìmiào). This Buddhist temple was built in 1636 by the second Qing Dynasty emperor, Huang Taiji (皇太极), and is also known by the name “huáng sìmiào” (皇寺庙). The temple houses the cremated remains of a high-ranking Buddhist monk, and sometimes visitors are lucky enough to witness a performance of a traditional ceremonial Buddhist dance. Just outside the temple, there are large stone statues of all 12 Qing Dynasty emperors seated proudly upon their thrones. Entrance to the temple is 15 yuan.

(Huang Temple from above) (Emperor Nurhachi, first Qing emperor)

During the New Year’s Holiday and the October Holiday, the area holds a “Temple Fair” (庙会). Each year the area becomes crowded with people buying food, and tying red prayer-ribbons around the trees in the temple. There are also some special performances. The Fair starts about one week before Spring Festival, and lasts for 15 more days afterwards.

Location: The market itself is Huang Si Lu (皇寺路), between San Jing Jie (三经街) and Nanjing Jie (南京街). From Government Square, go one block west on Shi Fu Lu (市府路) and you will see a large stone archway for the entrance. From Xi Ta, go 1 km east on Shi Fu Lu. All taxi drivers will know "běi shìchǎng".

(Huang Temple from above) (Statues of all Qing Dynasty Emperors)

(Photos by David de Jesus, 2007)

Zhang Xue Liang's Mansion

Zhang Xue Liang is one of modern China’s most honored figures. He is something of a folk hero in Northeastern China. Born into a powerful warlord family at the e...

Zhang Xue Liang is one of modern China’s most honored figures. He is something of a folk hero in Northeastern China. Born into a powerful warlord family at the end of the Qing Dynasty, Zhang grew to become the leader of the Northeastern China government, army general, founder of Northeastern University, and commander of the resistance against Japan. This mansion turned museum was Zhang Xue Liang’s home and office, as well as the headquarters of the of city government before the Japanese invasion.

History buffs should enjoy the way in which the museum provides an interesting look at the development of northeastern China. Unfortunately, most of the signs have little or no English, so if you can’t read any Chinese you might be a bit bored.

The museum has three main parts: The old Zhang residence, built in ancient Chinese style, a newer mansion (1930’s) built mimicking ancient Roman design, and another house for one of Zhang Xue Liang’s father’s wives. The buildings themselves are interesting, but the main focus of the museum is on Zhang Xue Liang’s life and accomplishments.

If you enjoy history and can read a bit of Chinese, the museum is worth a visit. Those on the tourist circuit should be able to visit Middle Street, the Imperial Palace, and Zhang’s Mansion all in one day.

Location: The Mansion is near Middle Street (中街) just two blocks south of the Imperial Palace. The main entrance is on nán shùn chéng lù (南顺城路). Look for a large statue of Zhang Xue Liang in military uniform. The following buses will take you there: 134, 237, 250, 330, 133, 168. There is another entrance on the east side of the museum on cháo yáng jiē (朝阳街). The following buses stop there:292, 294, 290, 222, 213, 296, 287, 257, 118, 132, 276, 117, 228, 环. The bus stop for both entrances is called dà nán mén (大南门). If you’re asking for directions or taking a taxi, the mansion is commonly known as “dà shuài fǔ”(大帅府).

Offical Website (in Chinese)

Photos by Jerry Wang, 2007

Huangpu Hotel (4-star)

Xinjiang Meat on a Stick on Hubei Lu

"Rou chuan", or "meat on a stick" for those that have spent less than a week in China, is surely one of the most popular street snacks in China. Migrants from Xinjiang province serve this quick meaty treat in cities across the country.

...

The best rou chuan to be found on the streets of Nanjing is at one of those places that is locally famous yet remains unknown to travellers. It is called 正宗新疆艾斯卡烧烤 (Zhengzong Xinjiang aisika shaokao). This tiny hole-in-the-wall establishment has no English name and is located on Hubei Lu, right next to Hunan Road and Lion’s Bridge. These kebabs are definitely worth a trip if you are in the Hunan Lu area.

What makes this rou chuan better than the rest is that you get more meat, less grizzle and grease, and it’s quite spicy too.

One rou chuan (one stick) costs 1 yuan, which is actually 2 or 3 times the price of the average rou chuan in Nanjing.

How to Get There

Follow instructions to get to Lion’s Bridge (狮子桥). This section of Hubei Road (湖北路) stretches between the south entrance to Lion’s Bridge and Hunan Road (湖南路).

Second Location

There is a 2nd location in Mingwa Alley(明瓦廊).

The Hump Bar

The Hump over the Himalayas Hostel’s relaxed rooftop bar offers an excellent location to have a drink while taking in a great view of Kunming’s city center. The bar provides an opportunity to compare notes with other travelers in a laid back, informal atmosphere. Any information, advice, or helpful tips can be obtained and/or discussed here. You can also enjoy a game of pool or table football and the bar’s convenient location near several discos. While the author certainly does not endorse corporate fast food chains, the Hump also happens to be across the street from McDonald’s, one of Kunming’s only 24 hour eating establishments.

Find it on the map

Also see:

The Hump Over the Himalayas Hostel
The Hump Over the Himalayas Hostel’s Website.

Located in Jinbi Plaza in the most popular hostel in Kunming. If taking a taxi tell the driver "jinbi guang chang."

Camellia Youth Hostel

A long time favorite of backpackers and tourists, the Camellia Guesthouse provides rooms suitable for any budget. Prices ranging from Y30-250 include breakfast, air conditioning and cable TV for those willing to splurge for the higher-end rooms. Conveniently, the Camellia Guesthouse staff is quite friendly and are more than happy to assist you in organizing trips locally as well as across the border into Vietnam. There is also a small internet cafe (4 computers) located in the restaurant for 5 RMB per hour (most internet cafes in Kunming are 3 RMB per hour.) The Camellia is probably one of the more desirable places to stay in Kunming - providing accommodation for everyone from backpackers to business travelers willing to spend more money.

Book a room at Camellia

Shangri-La Hotel (5-Star)

China Articles

Lantern FestivalⅢ

In the evening of 15th day of the first month in Lunar Calendar, people watch lanterns, set off fireworks, guess lantern riddles, eat Tangyuan (also known as Yuanxiao), and attend traditional performances. Lanterns-watching dates from the Eastern Han Dynasty when Emperor Ming was in power. The activity flourished in the Tang Dynasty. There were lanterns everywhere. People in groups poured out to the streets to watch the lanterns. Nowadays, the activity is still prevailing in China. In Beijing, there are lantern shows every year in Lantern Festival.

Lantern FestivalⅡ

He secretly spread the news that the god of fire would set a fire to Chang’an, the capital city of the Han Dynasty, and burn it out on 15th day of the first month in Lunar Calendar. The news sent the whole city into a panic. When Emperor Wu asked his officials for ideas, Dongfang Shuo advised him to give an order that all people should hang red lanterns all over the city and go outside to set off fireworks that day. Dongfang Shuo explained the god of fire would be deceived as he saw there was such a big “fire” on earth. The emperor gave the order and on 15th day of the first month in Lunar Calendar, every one including the maids at court went outside. With the help of Dongfang Shuo, Yuan Xiao finally met her parents. From then on, people all over the nation began to hang red lanterns and set off fireworks on 15th day of the first month in Lunar Calendar.

Lantern FestivalⅠ

Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival or Shangyuan Festival, falls on 15th day of the first month in Lunar Calendar, right after the Spring Festival. It is a traditional festival of China. According to historical records, it came into being in the Han Dynasty. There are several versions about its origination. Here goes the story popular among the people. It is said that during the reign of Emperor Wu in the Han Dynasty, a court maid named Yuan Xiao intended to commit suicide for she missed her parents but was not allowed to leave the court. Dongfang Shuo, a warm-hearted and resourceful official made up his mind to help her when hearing of her story.

Top China Tours

$310 Per Day

3- Day Popular Tour In Zhangjiajie

Day 1    Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Full day trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park,take Bailong Elevator up Yuanjiajie,Bailong Elevator is the said to be the worlds tallest full-exposure outdoor lift,double-deck sightseeing elevator.Yuanjiajie is the inspiration for Hallelujah Mountain in AVATAR , Where you will also find the aptly named First Bridge under Heaven, Lover Peaks and so on.

Continuing to Tianzi Mountain, it takes you 40 minuts from Yuanjiajie to Tianzi Mountain by public bus, after arriving in Tianzi Mountain, you will have a bird’s-eye view of all the mountains and valleys of the Wuling Mountains. Visit Western Sea, Helong Park, Viewing Terrace etc.Take Tianzi cablecar down and check in hotel for a rest.
Accommodation: Wulingyuan Downtown

Day 2    Baofeng Lake & Glass Bridge

After breaking in the hotel, we head to Baofeng Lake where is the masterpiece of nature and human beings’wisdom. Baofeng Lake is pure just like a big crystal among Bao feng mountain Range.When you cruise, you can hear authentic song from Tujia minority people,you can fully understand the harmony and peace between human beings and nature.

Transfer to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, have a walking on the Glass Bridge, Glass Bridge is the highlight of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, located in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is the highest and longest transparent glass bridge with a length 430 meters and a width 6 meters. It is 300 meters above the ground level and it can bear 800 persons standing on it at the same time. (need to book the tickets in advance)
Accommodation: Wulingyuan Downtown

Day 3    Tianmen Mountain

Full day to explore Tianmen Mountain,take the longest cablecar in the world up Tianmen Mountain,have a walk on the mountain plank road built along the face of cliffs. You will feel like walking in a fairy land when the mist is still heavy.The must-visit scenic spots are: Tianmen Cave, Glass Road, Tianme Temple.

See you off in the airport and looking forward to seeing you again in Zhangjiajie.

$200 Per Day

CHENGDU, A PANDA CITY, A GOURMET CITY, A TEA CITY, LOOKING FOWARD TO YOUR ARRIVAL

Chengdu, with an area of 12,400 square kilometers and a polulation of about 14,170,000 is not just the biggest provincial capital in west China, but also the only city in the history of China whose name has reminded the same for 3,000 years since its establishment. In Chinese, "Cheng" means "success or successful" and "Du" means "big city or capital". This "Successful City" boasts a long history. It is believed that everything about Chengdu has their origin from "Sanxingdui Ruins", from where you can deeply discover the history story of Chengdu.

Giant pandas definitely are the best calling card and trademark of Chengdu. Every year, million of people are attracted by giant pandas to spend their holidays here, go sightseeing here, make investment here and even settle here permanently. The reason is that for people around the world, the charm of giant pandas cannot be replaced by anything else.

Various kinds of wonderful food shall be another reason attracting you to visit Chengdu. Of the four most famous schools of culinery art in China (Beijing cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, Jiangsu cuisine, Guangdong cuisine), Sichuan cuisine boasts tongue-numbing, hot, delicate and fresh taste and a variety of flavors, as "each dish has its unique taste and no two dishes have the same flavor." Such spcial flavors as fish-flavored, gongbao (with peanuts), and water-boiled are incomparable at home and abroad.

"The teahouses in Sichuan top the world, and those in Chengdu Top Sichuan." This widespread saying not only points out the status of Chengdu's teahouses but also the inseverable ties between Chengdu culture and tea. Like bars in Paris and cafes in Vienna, teahouse add a touch of refinement and leisureliness to Chengdu, an ancient yet modern metropolis. The practice of driking tea prevailed in Sichuan as earlt as prior to the Qin and Han Dynasties.

Wish you can have a nice trip in Chengdu. You will love it.

$238 Per Day

Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.

This is a private, full-day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou. After you are picked up in your hotel lobby in the early morning, you will take a bullet train to Hangzhou. This is the fastest way to Hangzhou and you can experience train speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Your tour begins at one of Hangzhou's signature sites, the West Lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to see the top ten West Lake scenic views. You will then be taken to experience the wonderful cuisine of Hangzhou at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit Faxi temple, a well-known Temple dating back to the Jin Dynasty. See its famous wooden Buddha. Here, you will see fewer tourists and more locals. Finally, enjoy a cup of green tea when you visit the famous Longjing village to see wild fields of Longjing tea bushes where the locals produce the world famous green tea- Longjing Tea. In the village, all locals are tea farmers and you will see the entire procedure of making the famous tea and will get the chance to taste the best quality emperor tea. Afterwards, you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai and you will be returned to your hotel.

See More Tours

China Attractions

Sunny Night Club

Mulligan's Irish Pub

Four Ancient Towers

North Market--Huang Temple

Zhang Xue Liang's Mansion

Huangpu Hotel (4-star)

Xinjiang Meat on a Stick on Hubei Lu

The Hump Bar

Camellia Youth Hostel

Shangri-La Hotel (5-Star)

China Articles

Lantern FestivalⅢ

Lantern FestivalⅡ

Lantern FestivalⅠ

Top China Tours

3- Day Popular Tour In Zhangjiajie

CHENGDU, A PANDA CITY, A GOURMET CITY, A TEA CITY, LOOKING FOWARD TO YOUR ARRIVAL

Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train