Liaoning

Written by Anthony
Last update April 25, 2026

The China Journey - China -

Liaoning, the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty, was home to two emperors, with historical landmarks like the Shenyang Imperial Palace showcasing its rich imperial heritage.

About Liaoning

Liaoning Province, located in the southern part of Northeast China, is known for its rich history and diverse culture.

With a population of over 41 million, its capital, Shenyang, is the economic and cultural hub.

The province covers an area of 148,700 square kilometers of land and 150,000 square kilometers of sea.

Its coastline stretches for 2,290 kilometers.

Known as a major industrial base, Liaoning plays a key role in the revitalization of Northeast China.

The region is home to unique dialects, including Mandarin and local languages.

It also boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its deep historical significance.

Visitors can explore various natural wonders and cultural landmarks, including 577 national-level tourist attractions, with six of them being 5A-rated.

If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Liaoning Travel Guide.

Category	Detail	Category	Detail
Nicknames	Feng Tian, Republic’s First Son, Eastern Ruhr	Administrative Code	210000
Administrative Level	Province	Region	People’s Republic of China
Geographical Location	Southern part of Northeast China	Area	148,700 km² (land area)
Subdivisions	14 prefecture-level cities, 59 district-level districts, 16 county-level cities, 17 counties, 8 autonomous counties	Government Location	45-9 Beiling Street, Huanggu District, Shenyang
Postal Code	110000-125000	Climate	Temperate monsoon climate
Population	41.82 million (as of 2023)	Famous Attractions	Jiayuguan Great Wall, Wunvshan Mountain City, Shenyang Imperial Palace, Qianshan Mountain, Benxi Water Cave
Airports	Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, Yingkou Lanqi Airport, Anshan Tengao Airport	Train Stations	Shenyang Station, Shenyang North Station, Dalian Station, Anshan Station, Jinzhou Station
License Plate Code	Liao A – Liao P	GDP	3,261.27 billion RMB (2024)
Abbreviation	Liao	Capital	Shenyang
Ethnic Groups	Han, Manchu, Mongol, Hui, Korean, Xibe, and others	Languages	Beijing Mandarin, Northeastern Mandarin, Jiao-Liao Mandarin
Official Website	https://www.ln.gov.cn/	Ports	Dalian Port, Yingkou Port
Phone Code	024, 0411-0412, 0415-0419, 0421, 0427, 0429	Higher Education	Dalian University of Technology, Northeastern University, China Medical University, Liaoning University, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Dalian Maritime University

Liaoning Administrative Divisions Overview

Liaoning Province has a clear and stable administrative division structure, consisting of three levels: province, city, and county.

As of 2025, the province governs 14 prefecture-level cities, including two sub-provincial cities, Shenyang and Dalian, and the Shenyang-Fushun Reform and Innovation Demonstration Zone, a provincial special economic zone.

There are 100 county-level administrative units, including 59 district-level cities, 16 county-level cities, and 25 counties, with 8 ethnic autonomous counties.

The province also has 1,354 township-level administrative units, forming a comprehensive grassroots governance network.

The administrative layout balances geographical and economic characteristics, ensuring regional coordinated development and providing institutional support for revitalizing Northeast China’s old industrial base.

Cities in Liaoning (Ranked By GDP)

Scenery in Liaoning

Liaoning Province’s tourism industry has seen both expansion and quality improvement, with over 627 million visitors and 560 billion RMB in revenue in 2024, showing a 23% and 12% growth, respectively.

The province’s attractions are diverse, with over 500 A-level scenic spots, including seven 5A-level sites like Shenyang Imperial Palace and Benxi Water Cave.

The region’s tourism is centered around nature, history, and culture, offering both natural wonders like Benxi Water Cave and cultural landmarks such as the Shenyang Imperial Palace.

In addition, the province has successfully integrated red tourism, historical landmarks, and theme park experiences into its offerings.

With its well-developed tourism infrastructure, the region continues to boost both domestic and international travel, becoming a key economic driver for Northeast China.

Famous Attractions & Sites in Liaoning

Food in Liaoning

Liaoning’s cuisine is based on northeastern flavors, blending features from the Manchu, Korean, and other ethnic groups, characterized by rich, salty, and savory tastes with an emphasis on stews and braised dishes.

Influenced by the cold climate, the diet often includes high-calorie foods such as sauerkraut, vermicelli, and meat, and makes use of local delicacies like Liao Dong mushrooms and Bohai seafood.

Staple foods include noodles and rice, with breakfast often consisting of porridge and pancakes, and dinner featuring a hearty “four dishes and one soup.”

The food culture emphasizes family gatherings, with feasts featuring whole chickens or fish, while traditional dishes like Manchu hotpot and sachima are prepared with modern techniques like iron pot braising and caramelization, reflecting the fusion of agricultural and hunting traditions.

Must-eat Food in Liaoning

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Liaoning Overview

Liaoning Province boasts a rich and comprehensive intangible cultural heritage (ICH) system, with 76 national-level ICH projects, including 2 listed on UNESCO’s Human Heritage List, and 218 provincial-level projects.

These encompass folk literature, traditional music, dance, drama, performing arts, traditional sports, crafts, medicine, and customs, highlighting the diverse ethnic cultures of the Manchu, Korean, and others.

The province has cultivated 58 national-level and 279 provincial-level ICH inheritors and established numerous ICH protection facilities, bases, and workshops.

Policy measures include special protection plans and digital initiatives to enhance dissemination.

The integration of ICH with tourism has created unique cultural products, such as performances at cultural landmarks and eco-tourism sites, attracting millions of visitors.

This ICH distribution fosters both cultural preservation and regional economic growth.

National ICH in Liaoning

Liaoning Photo Gallery

China Province Basic Info

Anhui

Fujian, Home to Mazu Beliefs, Nanyin, and Hakka Tulou

Gansu

Guangdong, the Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road

Guangxi, Ba Gui Culture & Iconic Guilin Mountain Views

Guizhou Province: Basic Info, Culture & Food

Hainan

Hebei

Heilongjiang, Best China’s Ice-Snow Tourism Destination

Henan

Hubei

Hunan, Heart of Chu-Han Culture and Red Culture

Inner Mongolia, Kingdom of Grasslands, Ocean of Songs, Homeland of Wine

Jiangsu, a land of Wu charm and Han elegance

Jiangxi

Jilin, Snow Paradise, Changbai Mountain, and Winter Fishing

Ningxia

Qinghai

Shaanxi, A Birthplace of Chinese Nation & Civilization

Shandong, Land of Qi and Lu, Hometown of Confucius

Shanxi

Sichuan, Land of Shu Civilization, Hotpot, and Pandas

Taiwan, a Cultural Blend of Hakka, Indigenous, and Western Influences

Tianjin

Tibet/Xizang

Xinjiang, Ethnic Customs of the Western Regions

Yunnan, A Cultural and Natural Paradise with Scenic Wonders

Zhejiang, A Timeless Land of Jiangnan Charm

FAQs About Liaoning

What is Liaoning, China famous for?

Liaoning is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and industrial legacy. It has seven national 5A-level scenic spots, including Shenyang Imperial Palace and Benxi Water Cave, and is an important old industrial base.

What language do they speak in Liaoning?

The official language of Liaoning is Mandarin Chinese. Due to its multi-ethnic population, languages like Manchu and Korean are spoken in some regions. The local dialect has a unique accent and expressions.

What is Liaoning traditional food?

Liaoning’s traditional food is based on northeastern flavors, blending Manchu and Korean influences. Representative dishes include Sauerkraut Vermicelli, Manchu Hotpot, Sachima, and Iron Pot Stew with meat and vegetables.

What is the climate in Liaoning?

Liaoning has a temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and long, while summers are hot and rainy. Spring and autumn are short, with spring being dry and windy, and autumn being cool and pleasant.

What is the weather like in Liaoning in a year?

Spring (March-May) is dry and windy with a large temperature difference between day and night.
Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy with an average temperature of 20-25°C.
Autumn (September-November) is cool and less rainy, ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter (December-February) is cold and dry, with temperatures often below -10°C, especially in northern mountain areas.

Anthony

I’m Anthony, the founder and editor of The China Journey. I create practical, experience-based guides covering travel, food, and culture across China, with a focus on helping international travelers make clear planning decisions.

Interesting Articles for You

Year of Wood Tiger 1974 and2034 Personality Fate Forecast - Wood Tiger 2026 - The China Journey - Liaoning, Birthplace of the Qing Dynasty and Imperial Capitals 2026 - The China Journey

Zodiac Year

Liaoning

Table of Contents

About Liaoning

Liaoning Administrative Divisions Overview

Cities in Liaoning (Ranked By GDP)

Anshan

Yingkou

Panjin

Jinzhou

Chaoyang

Benxi

Fushun

Dandong

Huludao

Liaoyang

Tieling

Fuxin

Scenery in Liaoning

Famous Attractions & Sites in Liaoning

Shenyang Imperial Palace

Zhang’s Mansion

Liaoning Provincial Museum

Xi Tower

Little Potala Palace

Bijiashan Mountain

Beiputuo Temple

Benxi Water Cave

Benxi Grand Canyon

Guanmen Mountain Forest Park

Heifengguan Ancient Town

Tuan Mountain National Ocean Park

Lengyan Temple

White Tower Park

Venice Water City

Pushihe Forest Park

Guandong Huludao Ancient Town

Old Courtyard Scenic Area

Jade Buddha Temple

Hetuala Castle

Yulong Creek

Ivory Mountain

Lotus Wetland Park

Bird Fossil National Geological Park

Dahei Mountain National Forest Park

Haitang Mountain

Ulanmutu Scenic Area

Food in Liaoning

Must-eat Food in Liaoning

Majia Shaomai

Haicheng Xianbing

Laobian Dumpling

Goubangzi Smoked Chicken

Xiaoshi Lamb Soup

Beef Huoshao

Chao Chazi

Liaoyang Ta Tang

Dandong Menzi

Dandong Fried Cold Noodles

Haicai Baozi

Teppanyaki Squid

Pork Stewed with Vermicelli

Liuyaohua

Tan Rou

Xianyu Bingzi

Tiegou Dun

Basi Digua

Suan Cai Cuan Bai Rou

Conghua Ganglu

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Liaoning Overview

National ICH in Liaoning

Dandong Drum Music

Fushun Di Yangge

Jinzhou Dragon Dance

Haicheng Stilt Dance

Fuzhou Shadow Puppetry

Northeast Drum

Northeast Er Ren Zhuan

Shenyang Northern Wrestling

Xiuyan Jade Carving

Fuxin Agate Carving