The ancient Mukden was once the stronghold of Manchu rulers. Today, renamed Shenyang, it is the provincial capital and largest city of the Liaoning Province in North-eastern China. Being the political, economic and cultural hub of the region, Shenyang apartments are in high demand for visitors looking for long stay accommodation. It also has historical significance, being the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. If you are travelling during winter, expect to be greeted by frosty weather. Enjoy a stunning view over the rooftops and keep warm at the Somerset Heping Shenyang, a modern contemporary hotel with all the comforts laid on.
The Manchus conquered Shenyang in 1625 while on a mission to expand their kingdom. Shenyang was made the capital and Qing Empire was born. Manchu ruler Nurhaci had a large imperial palace built to make his mark. In 1643, immediately before they penetrated the Great Wall and invaded the Ming Empire, four towers and temples were built by the Manchu rulers.Construction was completed on the four outer sides of the city’s wall. Each tower was given a name: the east tower, Yongguang Temple; the south tower, Guangci Temple; the west tower, Yanshou Temple and the north tower, Falun Temple. Shorty thereafter, the Manchus conquered and transferred their capital to Beijing and the Qing Empire which lasted from 1644 to 1911, began. Despite the shift in capital, the Manchus still held Mukden in high regard and stored some of their wealth and treasures in the towers.
The pagodas would initially have looked identical but have not remained so. The eastern, southern, and northern towers had to be reconstructed in the 1980s. The western pagoda was destroyed in 1968, leading to the discovery of ancient artefacts in a hidden room. It was rebuilt, along with Yanshou Temple in 1998.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
