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Shenyang |
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Shenyang is located to the
north of Hun River (named Shen Shui River in the ancient time), and
the ancient Chinese traditionally called the north of a river "yang".
So the city got its name as Shenyang. Shenyang is an ancient city with
a long history. Back to more than 7,200 years ago, ancestors of the
mankind lived and multiplied on this beautiful land. It was
subordinate to Yingzhou before Zhou Dynasty (about the 11th century
B.C.), subordinate to Liaodong County during the Period of Warring
States (475-221 B.C.), to Hou City in the Western Han Dynasty (206-24
B.C.). Shenzhou was set up in Liao Dynastry (960-1127), surrounded by
earthen walls. This was the start of the city of Shenyang. The city
continued to use the name Shenyang in Jin Dynastry (1127-1279). And in
Yuan Dynastry, the city was rebuilt and renamed Shenyang Lu. In 1625,
Nurhach, the Tai Zu Emperor of Qing Dynasty, transferred its capital
from Liaoyang to Shenyang, and in 1634, Huang Tai Ji, Tai Zong Emperor
of Qing Dynasty worshipped Shenyang as Shengjing, and it became the
capital of Qing Dynasty. In 1644, after the capital was moved to
Beijing in Qing Dynasty, Shenyang became an accompanying capital.
After Qing united the whole China, in 1657, it set up Fengtian
Government in Shenyang. In 1945, the city recovered its name-Shenyang. |
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Geography |
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Shenyang is located in the
southern part of Northeast China and in the central part of Liaoning
Province, 122°25′9″-123°48′24″ East Longitude, and
41°11′51″-43°2′13″North Latitude. The area of the city is 13,008
square kilometers, with an urban area of 3,495 square kilometers.
Most of Shenyang region rests on a plain, stretching flatly. Mountains
and highlands are mostly concentrating in the southeastern part, which
belongs to the extended part of Liaodong mountainous highlands. The
western part of Shenyang is the alluvial plain washed over by Liao
River and Hun River, slightly sloping from northeast to southwest.
Within the city, there are Liao River, Hun River, North Sha River,
Xinkai River and South Canal, etc. |
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Climate |
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It belongs to Temperate
Zone Semi-humid Continental Climate in Shenyang area, strongly
influenced by monsoon. There are sharp distinctions among the four
seasons. The golden tourist season stretches from April to October
each year.
Touring in Shenyang in spring and autumn, you only need light clothes
(such as jacket, sweater and suit). And it is rather hot in summer, so
T-shirt is OK. Compared with the southern part of China, it is cold
and dry in winter in Shenyang, so you should bring with you down
jacket or cotton coat. It would be a good idea to bring with you rain
ears in spring, summer and the period when summer gives place to
autumn. |
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Natural Ecological
Environment |
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Shenyang has a forest area
of 147,000 hectares, a meadow area of 82,400 hectares, a total water
resource volume of 3.26 billion cubic meters per year, and a water
area of 13,700 hectares. In the surrounding area of Shenyang, there
are scenic Huishan Mountain, Tianzhu Mountain and rivers with rippling
green waves, such as Hun River, Liao River, North Sha River, Xinkai
River and South Canal, etc. |
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Economy |
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Shenyang is one of the famous industrial cities in China keeping a
good name of "Equipment Department of PRC". Shenyang has abundant
property resources and large-scaled economy. Shenyang ranks the 5th
among all the cities in China with regard to its overall strength. At
the same time, the World Bank regards Shenyang as one of the most
competitive cities of the world.
Shenyang deals in all industrial aspects, and is capable of
manufacturing whole set products with high techniques. Also, Shenyang
is based on suburban agriculture with high industrialization and
comprehensive rate of com-modification. The new rising tertiary
industry has developed rapidly, such as: financial industry,
information service industry and tourism. Taking advantage of the
techniques and qualified personnel, Shenyang has solid strength in
technique development, industrialization of advanced techniques and
technological markets. As the regional central market, Shenyang has a
great impact on its neighbouring cities and even the whole China is
under its influence.
Facing the development of the new century, Shenyang would promote its
modernization of industry and agriculture. Developing tourism,
electronic communication industry, automobile industry, and
environment protection industry would form new pillar industries.
Actively participating in the international cooperation and
competition would promote the economic development of Shenyang and it
will surely play an important role as a central city. |
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Culture |
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The cultural art in
Shenyang is prosperous, and the literature creation and artistic
performances are blooming day-by-day. There have been new achievements
in cultural facilities construction and the mass cultural life is
enriched day by day. 22 cultural plazas have been built and come into
use. The cultural network of towns and streets in Shenyang is
improving day by day. In the whole city, there are 15 mass art houses
and culture houses, 2 museums, 19 public libraries, 1 archive
establishment. 7 art performing organizations, 1 city-level radio
station and 1 city-level TV station. And now, the pro-portion of
people receiving radio in the whole city is 97.22%, and the proportion
of people receiving TV programs is 98%. And for the whole year, there
are also outstanding achievements made in media publishing work. |
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A Survey of Tourist
Industry |
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Shenyang, a historically and culturally famous city, is the center of
politics, economy, culture and tourism in Northeast China. Shenyang's
tourist industry is heading towards industrialization. Through efforts
of all, the city functions have been greatly improved, and the solid
basis for Shenyang's tourist industry to develop towards
internationalization is laid.
Rich tourist resources, excellent geographical advantages, improved
tourist productivity level and huge potential for development
facilitate the growth of its tourist industry. There are, in Shenyang,
a total of 68 international and domestic travel agencies; 63
foreign-related hotels (guest-houses); 48 star-rated hotels and more
than 30,000 full-time employees in tourist industry. Its overseas
tourist markets extend to more than 130 countries, and its domestic
market extends throughout the country. Shenyang has 5 international
airlines, and a periodic charter flights to Southeast Asia, Russia and
Europe, etc.
Shenyang has become one of the top tourist cities of China, which
gives Shenyang a brighter future for the development of its tourist
industry. And Shenyang will make a unique presentation to the whole
world. Shenyang in the 21st century will be a famous tourist city in
the North, which is highly civilized, highly developed and well known
throughout the world. |
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Tourism Logo of Shenyang |
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The
tourism logo of Shenyang is diamond-shaped. Its pattern consists of 3
parts. On the upper half are the earth and the dove, which come from
the deformation of the initial letters of Shenyang-"S" and "Y". On the
lower half is the Dazheng Hall of Shenyang Imperial Palace, with the
word "Shengyang" on one side and "tourism" on the other. The meaning
of the whole pattern is that the famous historical city, Shenyang,
welcomes tourists from home and abroad. |
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Logo of Shenyang |
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The
Universe develops through competition, yet today's inner meaning is
the same as the past. The Sun Bird is a charred piece of ancient
woodcut which is unearthed at Shenyang Xinle Relics in 1978. According
to research, it is more than 7,200 years old. The original was 45 cm
long, in a very beautiful configuration, like a bird, like a fish,
like a sheep, yet was none of these. It is an invaluable asset of
China. Birds are singing and flying. The Sun Bird was the totem of
tribes in the Neolithic Age. The Xinle Tribe regarded it as a saint
patron and worshipped it generation after generation.
One city and one country should have its own origin, and have vigorous
life in its own. The Sun Bird is the symbol of the start of Shenyang
City, and it is also the symbol of the city's spirit and civilization.
The Sun Bird is young forever and leaves its good name for thousands
of generations. |
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City Flower of Shenyang |
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The
rose, which has been regarded as the symbol of good will and noble
wishes, is widely cherished by people all over the world. Many
countries select is as their national flower. It is widely planted
throughout our country and Shenyang, in particular, has a long history
of raising rose. In June every year, when rose is in full blossom, the
roses in clusters are brightly colored, graceful and fragrant.
Besides, the rose can grow in clod weather and even in unfertile soil,
therefore, Shenyang selects the rose as its city flower. |
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City Tree of Shenyang |
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The
tourism logo of Shenyang is diamond-shaped. Its pattern consists of 3
parts. On the upper half are the earth and the dove, which come from
the deformation of the initial letters of Shenyang-"S" and "Y". On the
lower half is the Dazheng Hall of Shenyang Imperial Palace, with the
word "Shengyang" on one side and "tourism" on the other. The meaning
of the whole pattern is that the famous historical city, Shenyang,
welcomes tourists from home and abroad. |
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Local Culture |
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Opera and Drama
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Ping Opera
Ping Opera is originated from Shenyang. Shenyang Ping Opera Theater
was recognized as one of the nation's key theaters in 1962. Artists
Han Shaoyun, Hua Shulan and Xiao Junting are representatives of the
three main schools of Ping Opera. They are influential persons in
the opera arena and are well known in the country. Their
representative works include "The Little Son-in-law", "The Tea
Bottle', "The Story of Beating Jinzhi". Since the reform and opening
up to the outside world, Shenyang Ping Opera Theater made
significant achievements in opera creation and presentation. Large
numbers of outstanding young artists came forth and won a host of
prizes, such as Wenhua Performance Prize, Plum Blossom Drama Prize,
Wenhua Prize for Directors and Music Creation Prize, etc.
"Mountainous Families" and "A Love for Yangko", two productions of
the troupe, won Wenhua Prizes for New Plays.
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Beijing Opera
Shenyang
Beijing Opera Theater is quite a large Beijing Opera performing
group in the country. This theater has a long history. It originated
from Ping Opera Working Group of Northeast China Literature
Association. Which was founded in 1947. In 1959, Shenyang Beijing
Opera Theater was formally founded. Having a strong lineup and
well-balanced types of roles, the theater is strong in artistic
creation and performance. Within the circle, there is a saying "Qi
in the South, Ma in the North and Tang outside the pass", because Qi,
Ma and Tang are representative per formers of Beijing Opera.
Everyone has his own style and created a performing school. Shenyang
Beijing Opera Theater has Tang Yunsheng, one of those three, and
other senior performers as Qin Youmei, Huang Yunpeng and Zhou
Zhongbo. In recent years the theater has also trained and employed
many young and middle-aged artists. Among them there are Chi Xiaoqiu,
who is praised as the foremost disciple of the Cheng School, and Li
Jingwen, who is called "the Queen of Wudan". Wudan is the general
name for the female military characters in Beijing Opera. The main
plays of Shenyang Beijing Opera Theater are "Riding alone for One
Thousand Li", "Yandang Mountain" "Hujia" and "Two Wolves Pass" etc.
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Modern Drama
Shenyang
Modern Drama Troupe was founded in 1948. Now it has 100 actors.
Within 40 years the troupe has presented to people many widely
welcomed plays, such as "The Camellia Lady", "Troops Coming to City
Wall", "The Story of the Confined Young Marshal", "Taking on a Wrong
Street-cart", "Lust under the Elm Tree", "The Light of Life" etc.
Among them, "Taking on a Wrong Street-cart" was written into the
history record of Chinese drama because of its achievements. It has
been performed in more than 200 cities of over 22 provinces in a
series of 1460 presentations. For those presentations the troupe
traveled more than 200,000 km.
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Acrobatics
Shenyang
Acrobatic Troupe was founded in 1951, and it's the earliest one of
those that was founded after the foundation of PRC. It now has more
than 160 actors, directors and compositors. During the presentation
the performing team explores the legacy of traditional acrobatic
art, and develops new skills and actions. With skillful acrobatic
actions and perfect overall effects, the troupe sets up a performing
style of harmonizing strength with gracefulness, traditional simple
style with modern sophisticated style. Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe has
ever since visited 200 cities of more than 80 countries, and won
many prizes in international acrobatic festivals. It has become the
ambassador of cultural exchange and a bridge for friendship between
nations. In 1998, Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe presented a refined
performance named "Dreams of the Sky". With fine qualified acrobatic
skills and a very large scale of performance, the evening party has
become the gift of the troupe for new millennium. The evening party
comprises Chinese acrobatics, dance, music and other kinds of
national art. High technology as sound and laser was employed to
achieve thrilling, shocking effects. The fantastic visions deeply
impressed the audience. They thought it a perfect performance. By
using these high-tech skills, the troupe has reached a height of
combining nationalism with modern times.
Folk Customs
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The Ceremony of the
completion of the Veritable Record of National Annals
In the grand imperial palace, a great work had been completed.
In 1636, the first orthodox national annals of Qing Dynasty-the
veritable annals of Emperor Wu, the first emperor of Qing-had just
been completed. The beginning of a prosperous dynasty had been
written into historic books. In order to celebrate this occasion.
Emperor Huang Taiji, who was also called Qing Taizong, decided to
hold the ceremony himself. The ministers, marshals and officials all
came to the palace to contribute their congratulations and pay their
respects to the emperor. They all eulogized the ruling emperor. The
country was then so strong and prosperous that all the neighboring
countries acknowledged the leadership of the Qing Empire. At such a
splendid celebration, incense is burned and fragrant smoke is
coiling in the palace. The sound of drums, horns and bells were
echoing in the forbidden palace. As the performers are playing and
dancing, it seems that the history is restored. The annals that
record the emperor's merits are written with nothing but the blood
and tears of the people. The big celebration just conveys people's
respect to the heaven and the earth.
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Intermarriage-the Sacrifice to Feudal Politics, and Diplomatic
Policy of Gaining Alliance
In the grand imperial palace, a great work had been completed.
In 1636, the first orthodox national annals of Qing Dynasty-the
veritable annals of Emperor Wu, the first emperor of Qing-had just
been completed. The beginning of a prosperous dynasty had been
written into historic books. In order to celebrate this occasion.
Emperor Huang Taiji, who was also called Qing Taizong, decided to
hold the ceremony himself. The ministers, marshals and officials all
came to the palace to contribute their congratulations and pay their
respects to the emperor. They all eulogized the ruling emperor. The
country was then so strong and prosperous that all the neighboring
countries acknowledged the leadership of the Qing Empire. At such a
splendid celebration, incense is burned and fragrant smoke is
coiling in the palace. The sound of drums, horns and bells were
echoing in the forbidden palace. As the performers are playing and
dancing, it seems that the history is restored. The annals that
record the emperor's merits are written with nothing but the blood
and tears of the people. The big celebration just conveys people's
respect to the heaven and the earth.
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The Inspection Tour of Emperor Qing Taizong
300 years ago, to the left of Tianzhu Mountain and on the south
bank of Shen River, there stood Shengjing, the capital of Qing
Dynasty before they moved across the Shanhai Pass. What a
magnificent city it was! At the end of Siping Street there were the
Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. In front of the majestic imperial
palace, the governmental building lined up on both sides of the
street. Accompanied by his wives and followed by guards and the
maids of honor, the emperor was going on an inspection tour. When he
came to one place he would examine the officials about their merits
and listen to people's complaints. The flags were swaying and the
weapons were shining. This was an imperial procession. All the
proprieties symbolized the mightiness of an imperial empire. Though
it has been a past story, it can still arouse your interest.
Festival Activities
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Shenyang Winter
Tourist Festival
In order to expand the opening up to the outside world, promote the
development of tourist industry of Shenyang, and activate people's
winter cultural and sport activities, Shenyang Municipal Government
decided to set up Shenyang Ice and Snow Festival. It's the third
largest winter festival in Northeast China after the success of
Harbin Winter Festival and Jilin Winter Festival. Based on folk
winter sports activities, the municipal government developed new
festival activities of higher level and better quality. The festival
aims at transferring the potential advantage of Shenyang winter
tourist resources into a real one. The main activities of the
festival include Ice and Snow World in Huishan Scenic Spot, ice
lantern garden carnival, flower exhibition, calligraphy, drawing and
photo exhibition, Shenyang Yangko Competition, etc.
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Lotus Festival at
West Lake Shenyang
Shenyang West Lake is in Qiandangpu Town, Xinmin City Liaoning
Province. The lake surface is altogether about 10,000mu, with
3,000mu natural lotus and 700mu island that stands at the center of
the lake. With both natural resources and human cultivation, the
lake is praised as "the hometown of Chinese lotus". Shenyang West
Lake now has become a big holiday retreat with services of tourism,
sightseeing and sports. The people's government of Xinmin County has
successfully held several lotus festivals since 1993. The West Lake
Lotus Festival starts from 25th, July to 10th, August each year. At
that time there come tens of thousands of visitors. The lotus and
the music concert are especially appreciated by the visitors. During
the festival, businessmen both at home and abroad come to
acknowledge the investment circumstances. Xinmin County now has
signed more than 1,000 economic cooperation programs, and altogether
exploiting foreign capital for about 1.98 billion yuan. The rapid
development of the tourist industry in Shenyang promoted the tourist
industry development of its subordinate counties. The lotus festival
now has become a motivating power to regional economy. Lotus is the
city flower of Xinmin. The people of Xinmin make friends with the
world through the lotus festival. Shenyang West Lake Lotus Festival,
a unique flower, blossoms in Asia.
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Strange Slope Chinese
Scholar-tree Flower Festiva
Shenyang Strange Slope Scenic Area has Chinese scholar-tree
forest of nearly 1,000mu. The flower blossoms in the last 10 days of
each May. The fragrant smell spreads and many people come here to
enjoy the nature and mold their temperaments. The main activities of
Strange Slope Chinese Scholar-tree Flower Festival include poems
composing and picture drawing on the spot, which take the Strange
Slope culture as the main theme; activities organized by travel
agencies and scholar-tree flower show organized by the press circle.
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International Folk
Dance (Yangko) Festival
In order to expand the opening up to the outside world, promote
the development of tourist industry of Shenyang, and activate
people's winter cultural and sport activities, Shenyang Municipal
Government decided to set up Shenyang Ice and Snow Festival. It's
the third largest winter festival in Northeast China after the
success of Harbin Winter Festival and Jilin Winter Festival. Based
on folk winter sports activities, the municipal government developed
new festival activities of higher level and better quality. The
festival aims at transferring the potential advantage of Shenyang
winter tourist resources into a real one. The main activities of the
festival include Ice and Snow World in Huishan Scenic Spot, ice
lantern garden carnival, flower exhibition, calligraphy, drawing and
photo exhibition, Shenyang Yangko Competition, etc.
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Shenyang Collage
Students Cultural Festival
Shenyang College Students Cultural Festival is the main cultural
activity of the 100,000 college students of more than 60 Shenyang
colleges. It's held every 2 years. It's called the "magnificent feat
of Chinese educational history". Five festivals have been held from
1990 to 1998. More than 600,000 students have taken part in over
2,400 campus cultural activities.
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 Information
provided by China National
Tourism Administration. |
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