Where to Go in China 2025: Travel to Liaoning

November 12, 2025

While most travellers race straight for Beijing, few realise that Shenyang—the capital of Liaoning—is the very birthplace and early imperial seat of the Qing Dynasty, one of the greatest empires in Chinese history. Its magnificent Mukden Palace (also called the Shenyang Imperial Palace), built in 1625, served as the residence and political heart of the early Qing rulers before the capital moved south to Beijing. Expert bilingual guides bring the Imperial Palace to life with vivid stories of emperors, court rituals, and royal intrigue, turning every courtyard and hall into a living chapter of history.

Shenyang Imperial Palace Aerial View

Adding to your journey of cultural and historical discovery, the Ireland-China Institute in Tieling offers a deeper, more personal encounter with China’s living traditions. You’ll glide from Shenyang to Tieling aboard a high-speed train that covers the distance in just 30 minutes, reaching an astonishing 400 kilometers per hour. China’s rail system is a marvel of modern engineering — and with the world’s fastest bullet train currently in trials, speeds of up to 450 kilometers per hour are soon within reach.

Upon arrival, the Cultural and Language Immersion Program at the Ireland-China Institute provides a hands-on connection to Liaoning’s heritage. Participants begin by learning basic Mandarin phrases and putting them to meaningful use while engaging with locals in lively markets and shops. The journey continues with calligraphy and traditional music sessions, concluding with a serene tea ceremony. It also includes a restorative Traditional Chinese Medicine experience, where authentic acupuncture, moxibustion, and fire cupping help re-balance the body’s flow of Qi, blending wellness with culture in one unforgettable experience.

Calligraphy — Chinese Language Immersion at the Ireland China Institute in Tieling

If the rich history and language immersion have left you hungry, you’re in for a treat — Northeast Chinese cuisine is the perfect remedy. Dumplings, those small parcels of dough filled with meat or vegetables, are my personal favorite. I like them both steamed and fried — though I’ll admit the steamed ones are probably the healthier choice. They’re often served with a classic soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic dipping sauce. When dining anywhere in Liaoning or across Northeast China, always ask if the dumplings are homemade — they’re fresher, healthier, and infinitely tastier. A quick peek at what the patrons are eating is usually the best clue.

Home-made Vegetable Dumplings From Liaoning Province

Having lived in China for nearly fifteen years, I’m still in love with Northeastern-style sweet and sour pork (Guo Bao Rou) — and I much prefer it to the Westernized version. It’s crispier, lighter, and the sauce is beautifully balanced with vinegar, ginger, sugar, and spring onions, finished with a glossy glaze that makes every bite irresistible. I’m getting hungry just writing this! These are just two of the many wonderful, authentic homemade dishes waiting to be discovered in the restaurants of Tieling and across Liaoning. And who knows — if you’re lucky, I might just join you for a bite.

Northeastern-style sweet and sour pork

As of November 5, 2025, citizens of 48 countries — including most of the European Union — can enter [China visa-free for up to 30 days.](https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183390/content.html#:~:text=(Compiled%20according%20to%20the%20information,Oman%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%2C%20South%20Korea “China visa-free for 30 days”) There’s never been a better time to experience this remarkable nation — one of the safest, most modern, and most culturally and historically fascinating countries in the world. To begin your journey, you can fly into Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, a large and modern gateway to Northeast China. From there, embark on a six-day magical tour of Liaoning with Pat McCarthy’s expert team by your side.

And don’t forget to set up WeChat or Alipay — China’s two main mobile payment apps — before you arrive, and link them to your credit card in advance. Make sure you’ve used both apps normally for at least seven days prior to booking your flights. If you plan to use a VPN after arrival, avoid frequently switching IP addresses to prevent connection or security issues. I’ll write about these in an upcoming article to help you get fully prepared before your trip.