Near one of Shenyang's shopping area is the Shenyang Imperial palace, which is an excellently well-preserved cultural relic.

Shenyang Imperial Palace was built in 1625 when the Manchus declared Shenyang to be their capital. The palace is very similar in design to the Forbidden City in Beijing but slightly smaller and has more than 300 buildings covering an area of 60,000 sq meters.The Palace is the best preserved cluster of imperial structures in the country next only to the Forbidden City in Beijing. Resembling the latter in style and layout, it is characterized by the combination of architectural styles of Man and Han nationalities.

Upon founding the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the Manchus moved their court to Beijing and Shenyang became the 2nd capital. The palace was enlarged and improved over the years and while it’s layout has the traditional Han style, it also blends Manchu, Mongolian and Han style art. The palace now functions as a museum, with exhibitions of invory and jade artefacts, musical instrutments, furniture and the Ming and Qing paintings.

Admission: ¥ 20
Opening Times: 8:30 - 17:00 (May - Oct.)
9:00 - 17:00 (Nov. - Apr.)