Winter in North East China

Why would anyone want to visit N.E China in winter, Shenyang (where I reside) with a population of some 8m+ is off the main tourist routes and is often overlooked. Wedged between North Korea to the south and Siberian Russia to the north, North East China in winter can be bitterly cold.

Shenyang has a lot to offer being the founding capital of the Manchu's Qing Dynasty. History is everywhere in Shenyang with some fantastic historic sites, all World Heritage listed.

A smaller version of the Forbidden City (without the crowds), two Manchu tombs of founding Qing Dynasty Emperors also numerous temples and mosques.

Winter in North East China, and guess what it's been snowing again, the rivers and lakes are frozen, great time for some winter activities.

With two Ski fields in close proximity and while not world class they are very suited for most levels beginner through to more experienced, equipment is available to rent (very cheap) one area provides four alpine ski runs served by five cable ski-lifts that give access to the mountain area of 50acres.

Do you like Ice Skating, there are lots of places to go in the winter. Nanhu Park and Beiling Park both have lakes that are cleared for skating, and skates can be rented by the hour. Many shopping malls have rink's so you can skate year round if you wish.

Shenyang is the home to the Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival and is an exciting and fun site to visit.

With a multitude of Snow Sculptures and Ice Carvings, Large sculptures of animals, palaces and natural scenes with detail that make some look almost lifelike.

I have only just touched the surface; North East China has a lot more to offer, beautiful mountains, forests lakes and rivers, ancient temples, palaces, little known and rarely visited sections of the great wall. Shenyang is a great hub to explore North East China it, has so much to offer. I hope you enjoyed this brief insight as much as I enjoy living here, I hope to share more very soon.