Shenyang Liaoning, China Travel Guide
Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) is the main airport for the city and the surrounding region. It handles both domestic and a limited number of international flights. Most international travelers connect through other major Asian hubs or larger Chinese cities.
Shenyang Taoxian International Airport offers a range of facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi. Multiple transfer options connect the airport to the city center and major railway stations.
Flight prices increase during peak seasons (May, Sept-Oct) and major Chinese holidays. Book in advance for better rates.
Prices are often lower during the low season. Consider flexible dates for potential savings.
SHE provides duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental desks, and Wi-Fi.
Shenyang is a landlocked city. It does not have direct ferry services or cruise ports.
The closest significant port city is Dalian, which offers ferry services to other coastal cities.
The Hun River flows through Shenyang but is not a major route for passenger transportation.
China does not charge separate exit fees or taxes at its airports. These costs are typically part of your flight ticket price, so no additional payment is necessary upon departure.
Plan your airport arrival time to permit for check-in and security. For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is generally adequate.
Have all necessary documents readily available for departure. This comprises your passport, boarding pass, and any exit visa if applicable. Keep these documents organized for a smooth process.
Both Shenyang Taoxian International Airport and the major train stations have several facilities for departing travelers. Plan to savor these amenities while waiting for your departure.
Shenyang offers an efficient public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city. The Metro is modern, efficient, and clean, recommended for tourists as a result of its speed and coverage. An extensive bus network includes the entire city, generally cheaper but slower due to traffic.
You can get single-ride tickets at metro stations or use a smart card (Shenyang Tong card). A quick response code payment with Alipay or WeChat Pay is also available. Download a Shenyang Metro map app or use Baidu Maps for real-time directions.
Metro: 06:00 to 22:30/23:00. Buses vary by route, usually 05:30 to 21:00.
Metro: 3-5 mins during peak, 6-10 mins off-peak.
Metro stations have elevators/escalators. Bus accessibility is limited.
Licensed taxis are typically green or blue with a "TAXI" sign. They operate on a meter. You can signal for a taxi on the street, find taxi stands, or book via the DiDi app. Payment is with cash or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay).
DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant ride-sharing app in China. It offers various services like "Express" and "Premier" and allows booking of licensed taxis. DiDi is highly recommended for its convenience, transparent pricing, and safety features.
Not recommended for tourists due to licensing issues (international licenses not accepted) and challenging traffic conditions. Temporary Chinese driving permits are difficult to obtain.
Less common for tourists and typically require someone From china license. Electric scooters/bikes are popular via sharing apps for locals.
Dockless bike-sharing apps (Meituan Bike, Hello Bike) are available. They require a Chinese phone number, mobile payment, and a deposit. Useful for short distances.
Many historic districts, city parks (Zhaoling Park, Nanhu Park), and commercial streets (Middle Street, Taiyuan Street) are pleasant for walking. Self-guided tours are not difficult to plan using maps. Dedicated bike lanes exist on some major roads but are often shared with electric scooters. Exercise caution when cycling.
