The four stupas or towers were built outside the city walls of Shenyang by the Manchu, possibly as a method of asking for blessings to expand their kingdom. Within a short period, the Manchu managed to invade the Ming Empire and made Beijing their capital. Shenyang was soon relegated to a role of a provincial capital and the four beautifully crafted towers were no longer the highlight of their prowess.
The Four Towers are located in four directions and are obviously remnants of a series of buildings that ran outside the city walls of Shenyang. Perhaps the walls were demarcations of the Manchu superiority but yet they decided to shroud it in a more subtle religious approach.
Though the four towers differ slightly in proportion, they were probably meant to be identical when they were designed. Each tower is about 85 feet tall and the North Tower is the best preserved, whilst the others are in various stages of ruin. The North Tower is connected to the Falun Temple which is also relatively well preserved. The West Tower and the adjoining Yanshou Temple underwent renovation recently and is located close to downtown Shenyang.
The classical stupa architecture dictates that each structure should have a wide base, a round shaped body and a conical spire at the top. The spire is usually crowned with a gold fitting encrusted with precious stones. The East Tower is located close to Shenyang apartments which are an excellent option for long stay or business travellers to this city. Those in search of an exemplary apartment Shenyang should not look beyond Somerset Heping Shenyang. It is well located within the city allowing easy access to shopping malls and the business district.
