Trip to Shenyang, Liaoning
I spent August 2–5 wandering around Shenyang. A few observations worth recording.
Lodging
I usually default to Hanting when I travel.
- Breakfast is convenient but mediocre—this branch had a tiny spread and bland food.
- Staff were friendly and efficient when I needed help (room change, extra hangers, etc.).
- Sound insulation was terrible—the worst I’ve experienced at a Hanting.
- Room hardware felt tired: the shower diverter jammed, the door card didn’t work on first entry, so I ended up switching rooms. To their credit, the staff resolved everything quickly.
Summer vacation crowds meant the hotel was busy.
Night and morning markets
Shenyang leans into its night/early-market culture. I made it to Tawan Night Market, Xita Night Market, Laobeishi Night Market, Caita Night Market, and Xiaoheyuan Morning Market—lots of good food.
Tawan was my favorite: tasty and reasonably priced. Laobeishi felt overpriced. Personal highlights: fried menzi (a mung-bean starch dish) and giant pears.
Transport
- Pedestrians frequently run red lights—saw it daily.
- Shenyang North Railway Station left a bad impression: only one restroom in the waiting area and no seating in the Beijing-bound hall.
- The subway is solid. Every station had a restroom, which was surprisingly convenient.
Sights
Heat and limited time meant I only visited the Liaoning Provincial Museum, Shenyang Imperial Palace, and Shenyang Museum. The rest of the time I strolled and hunted for snacks.
Final Thoughts
Shenyang’s night markets are the standout—so much good food. Beyond that, the city didn’t completely win me over this time.
