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Shenyang Travel Tips

Shenyang Travel Tips

Shenyang Liaoning, China Travel Guide

Communication

Getting connected and overcoming language barriers in Shenyang.

Mobile Connectivity

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the main mobile providers. Purchase local SIM cards at the airport or official stores; your passport is required for registration.

SIM Card Options

  • Local SIM cards at airport or official stores
  • Passport required for registration
  • Voice, SMS, and data packages available
  • Consider an ESIM from Airalo for immediate connectivity.

Internet Access & VPN

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and malls. Public Wi-Fi often needs someone From china phone number for registration. China implements internet censorship, blocking many foreign sites and apps.

Staying Connected

  • Wi-Fi widely available in hotels and public places
  • Internet censorship in place (Great Firewall)
  • A VPN is needed for blocked services like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp. Download before arrival.
  • A Solis Wi-Fi device offers portable and secure internet access.

Language Resources

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English proficiency is limited outside of major international hotels and tourist sites.

Translation Tools

  • Pleco: An excellent offline dictionary for character recognition.
  • Google Translate: Useful with offline Mandarin pack (VPN for full features).
  • Carry a small phrasebook with common phrases.
  • Learn basic Mandarin with Rosetta Stone for deeper immersion.

Essential Phrases

Basic Mandarin phrases to help you navigate daily interactions.

Common Greetings & Requests

  • Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee-how)
  • Thank you: Xièxiè (shyeh-shyeh)
  • I apologize: Duìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee)
  • How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shao chyen)
  • I don't understand: Wǒ bù dǒng (wor boo dong)
  • Can you speak English?: Nǐ huì shuō Yīngwén ma? (nee hway shwor ying-wen ma)

Communication Tips

Prepare written notes of addresses or information in The chinese language characters to show to taxi taxi drivers or locals. This greatly simplifies interactions where language barriers arise.

Money & Banking

Crucial information regarding currency, payment, and banking services in Shenyang.

Currency & Payment

The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). Mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are dominant for daily transactions.

Banking Services

ATMs are widespread throughout Shenyang and often operate 24/7. Major banks include Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank.

Payment Methods

Mobile payment is dominant, with credit cards less common outside major hotels. Foreign currency exchange is available at bank branches.

Social Conduct

A simple nod or 'Nǐ hǎo' (hello) greet locals. Handshakes are common in more structured settings. Show respect for elders.

General Etiquette

  • Nod or 'Nǐ hǎo' as greeting
  • Handshakes in formal settings
  • Respect for elders

Dining Etiquette

Tipping is not customary and generally not expected. Be prepared for loud conversations in restaurants, for this reason is common. Do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl.

Chopstick Rules

  • Tipping is not customary or expected
  • Avoid upright chopsticks in rice (resembles funeral incense)
  • Avoid pointing with chopsticks

Business Hours & Holidays

Operating Schedules

  • Shops: 09:00/10:00 - 20:00/22:00
  • Restaurants: 11:00-14:00 & 17:00-21:00
  • Banks: 09:00 - 17:00 (Mon-Fri)

Holiday Impact

  • Attractions: 09:00 - 17:00/18:00 (check specifics)
  • Major Holidays: Expect crowds and altered hours
  • Seasonal Closures: Confirm winter hours for outdoor sites

Holiday Travel Advice

During major Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, Foundation Day), transportation is busy, and attractions are crowded. Schedule and book well in advance if traveling at these times.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Interacting respectfully with local culture enriches your experience and shows appreciation.

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally allowed in public areas and most attractions. Always seek permission to photograph people, especially children.

Guidelines

  • Always ask permission for individuals
  • Respect any posted photography restrictions
  • Avoid intrusive taking pictures in private spaces

Religious Site Etiquette

Remove hats when entering temples. Speak quietly and maintain a respectful demeanor. Do not touch sacred objects or altars. Observe how locals behave and follow their lead.

Temple Protocol

  • Remove hats upon entering temples
  • Speak quietly and maintain respect
  • Do not touch sacred objects or altars

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing sensitive political topics. Do not write names in red ink. Do not give clocks or cutting objects as gifts, as they carry negative connotations.

Cultural Warnings

  • Avoid sensitive political discussions
  • Do not write names in red ink (associated with death)
  • Avoid gifts of clocks or cutting objects

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Shenyang is generally safe for solo female travelers. Public displays of affection are less common. Homosexuality is not illegal in China, but public acceptance can vary.

Social Context

  • Generally safe for solo female travelers
  • Public displays of affection are less common
  • Public acceptance of LGBTQ+ varies

Safety and Awareness

Personal Safety

  • Exercise normal precautions in urban areas.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Keep emergency contacts accessible.

Health & Well-being

  • Be mindful of air quality, especially in winter.
  • Carry any necessary personal medications.
  • Stay hydrated and drink bottled water.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure & Transport

  • Accessibility infrastructure is improving in newer areas.
  • Metro stations typically feature elevators and accessible toilets.
  • Many more modern hotels offer accessible rooms.

Challenges & Resources

  • Older city parts and some historical sites may present challenges (stairs, uneven surfaces).
  • Specialized services for visual/hearing impairments are limited.
  • Research specific venues or contact hotels for accessibility features.

Traveler Assistance

Shenyang works to improve accessibility. For specific needs, consider contacting your accommodation or a local travel agency for personalized assistance and current information.

Airport Services

Services to improve your airport experience in Shenyang.

Airport Lounges

Airport lounges provide a comfortable retreat. Amenities often include Wi-Fi, food, and drinks, making waiting times more pleasant.

Benefits

  • Relaxing environment
  • Complimentary food & drinks
  • Wi-Fi access and electrical outlets

Flight Delay Compensation

Flight disruptions are frustrating. Services exist to help you claim compensation for delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights.

Your Rights

  • Compensation for delays/cancellations
  • Denied boarding assistance
  • EU261 regulations (if applicable)

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport SHE

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport serves as the main air gateway. It joins the city with numerous domestic and international destinations.

Airport Overview

  • IATA Code: SHE
  • Approx. 20 km to city center
  • Transport options: Metro, Airport Bus, Taxi

Terminal Facilities

The airport terminal offers a range of services for travelers, including shopping, dining, and other amenities to make your journey more comfortable.

Available Services

  • Variety of shopping outlets
  • Diverse dining establishments
  • Waiting areas and lounges

Airport Travel Tips

For a more comfortable wait, consider Priority Pass to access airport lounges. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, Compensair could help secure compensation.