You know what to expect from Starbucks: delicious coffee and the ever-increasing symbol of globalization. The products, prices, and service at China’s Starbucks are similar to anywhere else in the world. 

 

 

Suoller (known by most foreigners as "SPR") offers a wide selection of Western cuisine: pizza, pasta, steak, appetizers, and coffee. The food is reliable enough, and it’s an excellent value.  Pizzas cost 18-25 Yuan, pasta dishes are less than 15, and steaks are 55-88 Yuan. The restaurant boasts a quiet atmosphere and good coffee; otherwise customers can take their pizza to go. 

 

With a large campus in the northern part of the ciity, Liaoning University hosts Shenyang’s largest population of foreign students. Commonly known as "liáo dà”, the campus is conveniently located, and the surrounding area includes a great selection of restaurants. The university offers Chinese classes for students of all language abilities.  Tuition for one year is around 1500 USD, not including housing and residence permit.    
 
How to get there: Liaoning University is on the inner ring road just west of Beiling Park.

 

116 to/from North Train Station, Bei Hang

205 to/from Beiling Park, South Train Station

210 to/from Beiling Park, Zhongshan Square, Bei Hang, South Station, Taiyuan Street

215 to/from North Market, Government Square, Middle Street, Imperial Palace, Bei Hang

228 to/from Ta Wan, Huigong Square, Bei Hang, Government Square, Middle Street, Imperial Palace

236 to/from North Station, Bei Hang

242 to/from Beiling Park, Ta Wan, Bei Hang

252 to/from Furniture City, Bei Hang

260 to/from Shoe City, Wu Ai Market, North Market, Bei Hang

293 to/from North Market, Government Square, Wu Ai Market, Bei Hang

299 to/from 9-18 Museum, North Tower

329 to/from Ta Wan, Bei Hang

 

Just recently opened in December 2006, Heidi’s claims to be “your typical Swiss restaurant.”  While the surrounding scenery might not compare with the Swiss Alps, the inside is definitely worth a visit. The building’s façade is meant to resemble a mountain chalet, and the inside has a very nice atmosphere, well suited for romantic encounters.
 
The atmosphere is pleasant, but more importantly the food is tremendous! Western restaurants in China are rarely worth writing about, but Heidi’s is certainly an exception. The menu is entirely European food, including some traditional Swiss dishes, pastas, salads, soups, desserts, and even fondue (!!). They also have Chinese and imported wines and a full bar.  All the food is prepared in authentic European styles and very delicious. The wait staff can even speak English.
 
All in all, Heidi’s Restaurant is a winner, and highly recommended for a romantic date. However, do note that  the restaurant is not cheap. For a full meal (soup or salad, main dish, dessert, wine or cocktails), plan on 100-150 yuan per person. Those not looking to spend quite so much will still not be disappointed with the salad and pasta… I strongly recommend the lasagna.            

 

Le Le Harbor restaurant is very well-known among Shenyang locals for having fresh, top-quality seafood.  It's one of the highest-caliber restaurants in Shenyang, so it's not cheap, but if you like seafood, you can't go wrong here.   

 

 

Shenyang’s large, Gothic style city cathedral stands out quite clearly from the surrounding buildings. Generally the cathedral serves as a backdrop for photos, but on Sundays the area is teeming with people. The church offers at least four Masses in Chinese each Sunday beginning at 7am. 
 

There is an English Mass every Sunday morning at 11:30 in a smaller chapel just west of the cathedral. Korean mass is held at 9:30 (times subject to change).

 

Note: The main church will be closed for repairs from mid April--August 2008.  English mass will be held as usual in the chapel. 
 

Just about every Christian (and many non-Christians) in Shenyang wants to get married at the cathedral, so visitors and passersby often enjoy the sight of several couples celebrating their weddings on Sundays.