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Horticulture Exposition/Botanical Gardens

  
The widely publicized (around Shenyang) “2006 International Horticultural Exposition” (世界园艺博览会 shì jiè yu...
  
The widely publicized (around Shenyang) “2006 International Horticultural Exposition” (世界园艺博览会 shì jiè yuán yì bó lǎn huì) was one of the most significant events ever to be held in Shenyang. Though the official “Expo” was during the summer of 2006, the park itself and most of the attractions are still open, and this year the park will play host to another event: the “2007 UNESCO World Heritage Exposition” (June 9-October, 2007).  
    
The park, commonly known in English as the Expo, and in Chinese as shìbóyuán (世博园), includes the old Shenyang Botanical Gardens (植物园) as well many new exhibits including a large indoor rose garden, a rare flower market, the “Lily Tower”--a large glass tower that provides a great view of the surrounding area, the “Phoenix Tail”--a large metal structure that forms the entrance to the grounds, many “International Gardens” which are supposed to represent horticulture from around the world, a Mongolian horse show, food vendors, beer gardens, some live entertainment including traditional performances from some of China’s ethnic minorities, a motorcycle show, and more. 
 
The park is huge, and it’s probably impossible to see everything in one day. However, walking through the “International Gardens” can be a bit monotonous as they all look a bit similar. Many people will enjoy the old Botanical Gardens more than the new attractions, as it is quieter and the flora is older and more natural. Find a map of the park--the old section is south of the train tracks. 
    
Aside from flowers and trees, the Botanical Garden features a carnival with rides and games, and a canal with dozens of different types of bridges challenging you to cross (be wary of friends who may be eager to push you in the water).
  
  
Location: One hour west of the city center by bus, a few km past Dongling Park, and just east of Qipan Shan Scenic Area. A taxi there will cost you at least 50 yuan, but most westbound trains from Shenyang’s stations stop there. Also you can take the 168 (formerly 330) bus from Ma Lu Wan or Da Shuai Fu for 5 yuan (1 hour). During the Expo, there are dozens of special charter buses leaving from all over the city, so if you ask around you may be able to find one close to you. If you can’t find one, simply go to Ma Lu Wan, or North Train Station. 
 
 
 
 
     
  
 
Be careful crossing these bridges!!
 

Offical Website (Only in Chinese)

Liaoning Radio and Television Tower

The Liaoning Radio and TV Tower, at 305 meters, is easily the tallest structure in Shenyang. It’s commonly known in English as “the TV tower,” and in Chinese as 彩电塔 (cǎi diàn tǎ). The sign outside proclaims that the tower is one of the “top 50 tourist lo...
The Liaoning Radio and TV Tower, at 305 meters, is easily the tallest structure in Shenyang. It’s commonly known in English as “the TV tower,” and in Chinese as 彩电塔 (cǎi diàn tǎ). The sign outside proclaims that the tower is one of the “top 50 tourist locations in Liaoning Province,” and one of the “top 15 in Shenyang.”
 
For 50 yuan visitors can take an ultra-fast elevator 200 meters up into the tower (70 yuan with dinner included). Inside the tower there is a rotating restaurant, a small bar with wine and beer, a few arcade games, and some pictures of “famous towers of the world.” The tower’s top attraction is likely the open-air viewing platform just upstairs from the restaurant and bar area. On a clear day Shenyang can be viewed in it’ entirety, and it can be very pleasant on a clear autumn evening.
 
Recommended: To make the most of your experience, go up the tower in the afternoon so you can see the city in daylight. Then enjoy a bottle of wine in the bar area, and head back up to the viewing platform for sunset. 
Note: You must have a reservation if you want to dine in the restaurant!

 

Location:  There are entrances on qīng nián dà jiē (青年大街) and xī bīn hé lù (西滨河路), just west of Qingnian Park (青年公园, qīng nián gōng yuán). 
Useful Bus Routes:
238 from Wu Ai Market
 
 

Local bus routes: 207、214、223、244、246、603.

Beiling Park and Zhaoling Tomb

 
Beiling (literally “north tomb”) is one of Shenyang’s largest parks, and certainly it’s most famous. The park itsel...
 
Beiling (literally “north tomb”) is one of Shenyang’s largest parks, and certainly it’s most famous. The park itself is huge and quite nice, and you could easily spend half a day wandering around the ponds and trees. In the summer the park is filled with people flying kites, dancing, cycling, and practicing Tai ji (太极). In the winter you can ride horses, skate, and go sledding on the frozen ponds. 
      
The Zhaoling tomb is located in the center of the park. Entrance to the tomb area requires a separate ticket (30 yuan). Built in 1643 by famous Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi, the shrine is walled in by a large stone wall. Within the walls are several Qing Dynasty style buildings, and the tomb itself is a large earthen mound with a single elm tree growing from the top. 
   
The Qing Dynasty was ruled by the Manchus, whose home was in northeastern China. Shenyang (then called ‘Shenjing’) served briefly as the Manchu capital before they moved to Beijing and established their dynasty. For the next 200 years, the Qing emperors periodically made tours through the northeast to visit their homeland and pay homage to their ancestors, including Huang Taiji (皇太极) and his empress who are buried here at Zhaoling.         
The Zhaoling tomb, along with the Imperial Palace, are Shenyang’s most significant historical sites, and well worth a visit. All the buildings are beautiful and very well preserved; and the signs are interesting and informative with fairly good English translations.  The shrine is particularly beautiful and serene in the winter with freshly fallen snow.  Plan on spending half a day in Beiling Park, and 45-60 minutes in the Zhaoling shrine. 
 
 
 
 
  
Location:  On the far north side of the city. The entrance is located at the intersection of Beiling da jie (北陵大街) and Taishan lu (泰山路).  All taxi drivers will know "běi líng gōng yuán".
  
                                                                                              
 
 

Purple Mountain Observatory

Purple Mountain Observatory contains astronomical instruments dating back to the Ming Dynasty.  The modern observatory began operating in 1934 and is still actively i...
Purple Mountain Observatory contains astronomical instruments dating back to the Ming Dynasty.  The modern observatory began operating in 1934 and is still actively involved in research today.
 
For most, a visit to the observatory will compliment a hike or ride up or down Purple Mountain. Once you have arrived, it only takes about 30-45 minutes to observe the instruments and enjoy the view from the observatory.
 
 
View from the top of one of the observatories.
 
Armillary Sphere
 

Stanley Main Beach

It`s said there used to be many  ceiba trees at Stanley Main Beach, the ceiba trees have really red flowers, and under the sunshine the trees looks like many red pillars standing there, so people name this beach as 赤柱(Chi 4 Zhu 4).

The English name "Stanley" was came from F...

It`s said there used to be many  ceiba trees at Stanley Main Beach, the ceiba trees have really red flowers, and under the sunshine the trees looks like many red pillars standing there, so people name this beach as 赤柱(Chi 4 Zhu 4).

The English name "Stanley" was came from Former British Prime Minister Lord Stanley.

Stanley Main Beach is a lovely attraction in Hong Kong nowadays.

Catch buses 65, 399, 66, 6 or 973 from the Central Exchange bus terminus.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is one of Hong Kong land mark, the first phase was started on 25th, Nov, 1988, the glass wall which facing the sea is the world biggest glass wall. The second phase was started at 1994 and finished at 1997.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibi...

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is one of Hong Kong land mark, the first phase was started on 25th, Nov, 1988, the glass wall which facing the sea is the world biggest glass wall. The second phase was started at 1994 and finished at 1997.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is a very important center to holding all the exhibitions and all kinds of ceremonies.