Travel to China

Stanley Market

Home to Stanley Market - famous for the wide variety of relatively inexpensive goods such as Chinese souvenirs, rattan products, handicrafts and designer labels - Stanley offers more than just shopping. It also boasts a relaxing beach, a plethora of waterfront restaurants and bars, and the 18th century Tin Hau Temple. Stanley Prison, which is still in use today, is also historically important, as this is where Hong Kong civilians were held during the Second World War.

Temple of heaven

Situated in the south of the city, this stunning temple park was built between 1406 and 1420. It was here that the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed, through an elaborate ritual, to the gods for good rains and good harvests. There are four main areas: the Round Altar, Echo Wall, the Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The distinctive outline of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a symbol of Beijing, and a whisper at any point on the echo wall can be heard anywhere else along its length. Admission: CNY35.

Yu Gardens

The 400-year-old Yu Gardens were built in the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Jia Jin. Recognized as a significant national heritage site, the Gardens are a remarkable representation of a southern Chinese-style garden. Visitor highlights include the Jade Exquisite—one of the three most famous jade stones in East China. More recently, a shopping bazaar has developed around the attraction. Loud, bustling and full of character, tourists can brush up on their bargaining skills as they shop for souvenirs and gifts. Admission: CNY20.

Liaoning Provincial Museum

In a city short on museums, this treasure trove of relics and such is a true surprise in terms of scope. Considered as one of northeast China's largest museums it harbors more than 3,000 items of historical awe. The main attraction is the skeletons of two mammoth dinosaurs, which spread out across the first floor. Visitors can also gape at classic Chinese paintings, pottery, porcelain, copperware and even embroidery, many of which date back to ancient times

Pagoda of Buddhist Ashes

Given the number of pagodas that freckle Shenyang's landscape this is the best of the lot in terms of architectural accomplishment. Built in 1044 AD, during the height of the Liao dynasty, it ladders 13 stories tall (50 meters) displaying the classic pyramidal design that pagodas are recognized for. Inside houses a display of original artifacts including a recently found gold-plated, copper Buddha figure. A major restoration took place a few years back making the pagoda very tourist friendly. Admission: CNY4.

Summer Palace

Despite possessing the kind of name that hints of royalty, or, at the very least, a famous rich person, this dome of fun caters to people in swim trunks. Twisting water slides, wading pools, and regular swimming areas for laps and floating on colorful tubes create a permanent mid-July atmosphere. The more serious minded can huff and groan in the center's gym. And for true family convenience, the center offers several dining options.

Shengjing Ancient Cultural Street

This magnificent thoroughfare that fronts the Imperial Palace offers a stunning array of classic Chinese architecture from the Qing dynasty. The street is highlighted by the ornate Fujinmen Gate on the east end and the Huaiyuanmen Gate on the west end. Between the two gates, visitors can shop for souvenirs, paintings and calligraphy. The street also hosts many cultural festivities including dragon dancing and lantern shows.

Nanguan Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Spotting a Catholic church in Shenyang is odd enough, but when it exhibits classic Gothic-style architecture, it grades as a true tourist attraction. Erected in 1878 this gray hulk of a building barely survived the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Today it stretches 120 feet into the China sky, easily standing out in Shenyang's ho-hum industrial landscape. Visitors are welcome, but are asked to please respect the sanctity of the church during services.

Canal Water System Scenic Spot

This wandering thread of greenery is a perfect example of Shenyang's commitment to shedding its industrial past for an environment that is more people friendly. Both banks of the South Canal offer walking paths that are bordered with perfectly manicured lawns, trees and flower gardens. The path system stretches for miles making it ideal for jogging and walking. The paths have numerous access points leading to Shenyang's shopping and dining options.

Panda Bear

The Panda Bear is a probably the most famous Endangered Animal. It lives in six small areas located in China,where it's called  "Xiongmao", which means Giant Cat Bear.

The Panda was believed to have magical powers that could ward off natural disasters and evil spirits.  Writings about the Pandas can be traced back 3,000 years.  They were even kept as pets by Chinese Emperors.

The Panda was first introduced to the Western world in 1869 by a French missionary.  He sent a pelt to a Museum in Paris.

Panda Bears eat over fifteen different kinds of Bamboo.  Because of a inefficient intestinal system the Panda must feed for 12 to 16 hours a day, they can consume 22 to 40 pounds of Bamboo each day.  When they eat fresh Bamboo shoots they eat about 84 pounds every day.

The giant panda bear only exists today in China. The habitat, suitable for the bamboo on which it survives, is a cold, damp coniferous forest. The elevation ranges from 4,000 to 11,000 feet high. In most of the areas in which they still roam wild, they must compete with farmers who farm the river valleys and the lower slopes of the mountains.

Only the possibility to see one of these amazing creatures worth travel to China. They are only 1000 left in the world :( , many of them starv to death because of the lack of new bamboo areas to move to.