Shenyang, one of China's largest cities with a sprawling populace of almost 7 million, reigns as the capital of the Liaoning province. Located about 100 miles inland from the Bohai Sea in China's northeast corner, it is best known as an industrial behemoth. Zinc, copper and lead smelting plants combine with heavy machinery, textile, medicine, chemical, transformer, and tractor manufacturing plants to mold the kind of powerful economic muscle that is emblematic of modern China. Compared to its industrial status,  tourism plays second fiddle. Especially when compared to nearby Dalian and Qingdao, with their tourism mandates and the accompanying infrastructure, Shenyang comes across as a gritty monument to the smokestacks of industry. However, if you find yourself visiting Shenyang, there is plenty to see and do here, especially if you have an interest in China's ancient and 20th Century history. Major eye-candy is found at the Imperial Palace and the Shenyang Botanical Garden.

Shenyang's golden years occurred at the dawn of the Qing dynasty (1624-1911) when Emperor Nurhaci chose Shenyang as the first capital of China for Manchu reign. A major city needed a major building and in 1626 under Nurhaci's orders the Imperial Palace emerged as Shenyang's symbolic center. It featured more than 300 ostentatiously decorated rooms and 20 gardens, replicating Beijing's Forbidden City as both a symbol of power and grandeur. When Manchu rule moved south and was established in China proper, the Qing court moved to Beijing and occupied the Ming-made Imperial Palace.

Despite consecutive war related occupations by Russia and Japan in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Shenyang managed to increase its industrial might. Not even during China's Civil War (1948-9) when Shenyang became the main battleground between the Communists and Chinese Nationalists did the city come to an economic halt. Today it is recognized as one of the greatest manufacturing centers in Asia.

Shenyang is comprised of the following six districts:

Heping Better known as downtown, this district has many of Shenyang's major sights within walking distance of each other. Zhongshan Square with its looming Mao statue, built during the Cultural Revolution, whirls with human activity. Major hotels such as the Marriott's four star New World Courtyard, the Hotel Inter-Continental, the Holiday Inn City Center and the Lijing Hotel give visitors quick access to the Liaoning Industrial Exhibition Hall and shopper friendly Taiyuan Street. Mikado, a Japanese restaurant, and Lombardi's Fine Pizza and Grill are two of Heping's more popular dining stops.

Shenhe Just east of downtown, this district is noted for harboring the Imperial Palace, Shenyang's most famous attraction, as well as the Shengjing Ancient Cultural Street. The Liaoning Provincial Museum displays a stretching variety of artifacts ranging from paintings to some of the earliest forms of writing known to man. The four star Gloria Plaza and the Times Plaza highlight its lodging offerings. Dining options include Cantonese fare at the appropriately named Canton, and fresh seafood at the also tellingly named Sampan Cantonese Seafood Restaurant.

Huanggu Situated directly north of downtown this district is best known for being home to Beiling Park and the North Tomb, the burial site of the Qing dynasty's animal loving Huang Taiji. The Liaoning Mansion Hotel, with its span of 11 different restaurants, and the Liaoning Tarzan Hotel provide nice lodging alternatives to downtown's constant buzz of noise and humanity.

Dudong The 9.18 Museum and the Northern Pagoda are the attraction highlights of this district located northeast of downtown.

Sujiatan Coined as the "Southern Gate of Shenyang," this district enjoys a huge reputation for its economic and industrial bent. Rice and corn prosper on its plains, while trees with medicinal qualities canopy its eastern hills. The mining of coal, iron and limestone also reigns large. Tourist amenities are few.

Xinchengzi Positioned about 20 miles north of downtown this district harbors the wildly popular Mount Qipanshan Scenic Spot. Its boating and swimming opportunities on Xiuhu Lake and fan of hiking trails in the surrounding mountains makes it a prime city escape for locals and tourists. The Shenha Expressway lends for quick access to and from downtown Shenyang.