A mansion, half the history of the Republic of China

### Shenyang Zhang's Mansion Self-Driving Travel Guide Notes **——Starting from Hebei, explore the Northeast legend of "Half the History of the Republic of China"** --- **Itinerary Overview** **Departure point**: Hebei (taking Shijiazhuang as an example) **Destination**: Shenyang Zhang's Mansion Museum **Total mileage**: Approx. 650 km **Driving time**: 7–8 hours (it is recommended to depart in the early morning to avoid the peak of the Beijing-Harbin Expressway) **Recommended days**: 2–3 days (can be connected with Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhongjie and other attractions) **Best season**: Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November, pleasant climate, suitable for sightseeing) --- **Itinerary Planning and Highlights** **Day 1: Departure from Hebei → Shenyang Zhang's Mansion → Night tour of Zhongjie** - **Driving route**: Hebei → Beijing-Harbin Expressway → Shenyang Ring Expressway → Qingnian Avenue → 46 Xiaoshuaifu Lane, Chaoyang Street (end of navigation). - **Morning**: Depart early in the morning and arrive in Shenyang around noon. It is recommended to prepare dry food in advance or have lunch in the service area. - **Afternoon**: Arrive at Zhang's Mansion before 13:00, and give priority to visiting **Daqing Building, Xiaoqing Building, and the Three-Entrance Courtyard**, and feel the blend of Republican architecture and history. - **Evening**: Walk to **Miss Zhao Si's Building**, listen to the love story of Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Yidi, and take pictures of the romantic small building under the sunset. - **Night**: Drive 10 minutes to Shenyang Zhongjie, experience the first commercial pedestrian street in China, and taste Northeast specialties such as Lao Bian Dumplings and Li Liangui Smoked Meat Pie. **Day 2: In-depth tour of Shenyang Imperial Palace → Return trip or surrounding expansion** - **Morning**: Visit **Shenyang Imperial Palace** (2 km from the Marshal's Mansion), explore the royal buildings of the early Qing Dynasty, and focus on Dazheng Hall, Chongzheng Hall, and Fenghuang Building. - **Afternoon**: Optional surrounding attractions: - **"September 18th" History Museum**: Learn about the modern history of Northeast China and feel the national memory. - **Xiaonan Catholic Church**: Gothic architecture, suitable for shooting artistic blockbusters (500m from the Marshal's Mansion). - **Return trip**: If time is sufficient, you can extend it to 3 days and add Qipanshan natural scenery or Liaoning River coastal cycling experience. --- **In-depth Guide to Zhang's Mansion** **1. Analysis of must-visit attractions** - **Daqing Building**: Romanesque architecture, the core area of Zhang's father and son's office. The iconic Tiger Hall displays a fierce tiger specimen presented by Tang Yulin, which is the historical site where Zhang Xueliang executed Yang Yuting. - **Xiaoqing Building**: A combination of Chinese and Western architecture, Zhang Zuolin spent the last moments of his life here. The building restores the bedroom and reception room of the fifth wife, Shou Yi, with exquisite details. - **Three-Entrance Courtyard**: Modeled after the layout of the Prince's Mansion, with the front court and the back bedroom. The first courtyard restores the Republican accounting room and Chengqi Office, the second courtyard is Zhang Zuolin's office area, and the third courtyard is the residence of the family members, displaying Zhang Xueliang's life deeds. - **Miss Zhao Si's Building**: A two-story western-style building in an independent courtyard, witnessing the 72-year love run between Zhang Xueliang and Zhao Yidi. The interior is furnished with French furniture, and the piano room and study are full of romance. **2. Tickets and opening hours** - **Through ticket**: CNY 50 (including the Grand Marshal's Mansion, Miss Zhao Si's Building, and Shenyang Financial Museum), half price for students/seniors. - **Opening hours**: Peak season (May 1–October 15) 8:30–17:30; Off-season (October 16–April 30 of the following year) 8:30–17:00, ticket sales stop 1 hour before closing. - **Note**: Through ticket attractions need to be visited in order. You cannot return after leaving the Marshal's Mansion. It is recommended to visit the main building complex first. **3. Shooting and experience suggestions** - **Ancient style dressing**: Cheongsams or Zhongshan suits are suitable in the courtyard, Republican student uniforms can be tried in front of Daqing Building, and light-colored long skirts are recommended for Miss Zhao Si's Building. - **Light and shadow time**: The light is soft in the early morning or evening, and the relief of Daqing Building and the words "Hongxi" on the shadow wall of the courtyard are the easiest to produce pictures. --- **Useful Tips** **1. Self-driving precautions** - **Parking**: There are few parking lots around the Marshal's Mansion. It is recommended to park in the Shenyang Imperial Palace parking lot (10 minutes' walk), the cost is about CNY 5/hour. - **Navigation tips**: Speed ​​limits are strict on some sections of Shenyang city, and you need to pay attention to speed bumps on Qingnian Avenue and Chaoyang Street. **2. Food recommendations** - **Lao Siji Che Mian**: Authentic Shenyang noodles, chicken soup base with pickled mustard tuber, CNY 15 per person. - **Zhongjie Ice Cream**: A century-old brand, try sesame sauce-flavored ice cream and Northeast popsicles. **3. Accommodation options** - **High-end experience**: Conrad Hotel Shenyang (Qingnian Avenue landmark, overlooking the city night view). - **Cultural homestay**: Courtyard homestay in the hutongs near Zhongjie, feel the old Shenyang life atmosphere. --- **Conclusion** Shenyang Zhang's Mansion connects Zhang Zuolin's heroic legend and Zhang Xueliang's family and country feelings with the profound heritage of "a mansion, half the history of the Republic of China". Driving from Hebei, crossing mountains and seas, you can not only touch the ingenuity of Republican architecture, but also stroll through the Shenyang Imperial Palace and experience the imperial city atmosphere of "the birthplace of a dynasty and the capital of two generations of emperors". Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a traveler pursuing romantic stories, this place can meet all your expectations for in-depth travel.