Shenyang Travel and Relaxation Guide: Check Out Beiling Park!

Before coming to Shenyang, I was always torn: I wanted to visit historical sites but worried about getting too tired, and I wanted to stay in a comfortable hotel but was concerned about being too far from the city center. That was until I discovered the Haose Ruiz Hotel in Yuhong District, paired with a trip to Beiling Park, which made for the perfect "relaxing getaway" ✅! After a 3-day, 2-night stay, I can confirm this is a no-miss guide for food, accommodation, and fun—save it now! 🏨 Hidden Gem in Yuhong District: The Many Surprises of Haose Ruiz Hotel I compared nearly 20 hotels before choosing this one, and it’s truly the best value for money! Located at 38 Xihe Nan Road, it’s just a 5-minute walk from Jilihu Street Metro Station. For those driving, it’s even more convenient with a spacious above-ground and underground parking lot equipped with charging stations—no more stress about finding a parking spot 🚗. When I arrived with lots of luggage, the front desk staff kindly helped carry it upstairs and even upgraded me to a smart room with a bathtub—such thoughtful service really won me over 💖. The moment I opened the door, I felt instantly at ease! The latex mattress was so soft it felt like sinking into a cloud ☁️. With a pull of the electric curtains, sunlight streamed perfectly onto the floor. The fully smart-controlled room is a lazy person’s dream—just say "turn on the air conditioning" or "adjust the lights," and it responds. Even the toilet is smart, adding a high-tech touch. The bathroom is impeccably designed with separate wet and dry areas, and some rooms even feature a large bathtub 🛁—perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of sightseeing. The soundproofing deserves special mention; even with the windows open, I couldn’t hear any street noise, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep for light sleepers like me. Breakfast is the hidden gem 🥳! Served from 7 AM to 11 AM, it’s a dream for late risers. There’s a wide variety of options: Chinese dishes like chicken racks, freshly cooked wontons, and fried dough sticks, as well as Western options like toast, fried eggs, and salads, plus fresh fruits and desserts. I had the wontons two days in a row—they were thin-skinned, generously filled, and served in a flavorful broth. Pairing them with Shenyang’s signature chicken racks was incredibly satisfying. After breakfast, you can hit the 24-hour gym, which is fully equipped with brand-new machines, and even use the free laundry room to dry your clothes—perfect for long stays. The surrounding area is packed with dining and entertainment options! Nearby shopping malls like Biele City and Wanda Plaza offer one-stop shopping [__LINK_ICON]. Craving Northeastern specialties? A 10-minute walk takes you to Tongji Xiaoguan for crispy and tender sweet and sour pork, or a 15-minute cab ride to Menjia Dayuan for iron pot stew with cornbread soaked in rich broth 🤤. If you want to experience Shenyang’s bathhouse culture, nearby Yuanqi Hot Springs and Yazhi Yongle Hui are within walking distance—enjoy a soak and a spa session for ultimate relaxation! 🌳 Beiling Park Guide: A Journey Through History and Nature Getting to Beiling Park from the hotel is super convenient. Take Metro Line 1, transfer to Line 2, and get off at Beiling Park Station (Exit A) to arrive at the main entrance in just 40 minutes 🚇. As the largest World Cultural Heritage site among the "Three Mausoleums Outside the Great Wall," it offers a blend of historical grandeur and the refreshing greenery of an urban oasis, with stunning scenery in every season. Must-See Highlights 1. Main Architecture of Zhaoling Mausoleum: The "front court, rear sleeping quarters" layout is incredibly grand! Enter through the Zhenghong Gate to find eight pairs of stone statues along the Sacred Way, including the famous "Big White" and "Little White" stone horses, said to be modeled after Emperor Huang Taiji’s steeds, with lifelike expressions. The Long’en Hall, the main building, features yellow glazed tiles and a granite base, with intricately carved beams and columns showcasing the pinnacle of early Qing architecture. The square city, resembling a "city within a city," offers a breathtaking view from its corner towers. Although the underground palace beneath the Treasure Mound is not open to the public, standing before the hall still evokes a sense of imperial majesty. 2. 300-Year-Old Pine Forest: With over 2,000 ancient pines, some over 300 years old, this "living relic" is a must-see. The most famous "Sacred Tree" requires three people to encircle it, its gnarled branches beautifully contrasting with the red walls and golden tiles. Other unique trees include the "Couple Tree" and "Turtle Tree," each with its own number for protection, making this a "botanical museum" 🌲. Watching locals practice Tai Chi under the ancient pines in the early morning is a heartwarming blend of past and present. 3. Lotus Lake and Fangxiu Garden: In summer, 30,000 lotus flowers bloom, creating a romantic scene. The "Tech Moon" holographic projection, added in 2025, displays classical poetry on lotus leaves—stunning at night. The 40,000-square-meter Fangxiu Garden exudes Jiangnan charm with its bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers. Spring cherry blossoms and autumn ginkgo trees make for perfect photo backdrops. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Enhance Your Visit - Save on tickets: Entry is free before 7 AM or after 5 PM (mausoleum area closed). Students and seniors with valid ID get half-price tickets, saving you a good amount 💰. - Must-try cultural experiences: On weekends at 10:30 AM and 3 PM, there are royal ceremony reenactments showcasing the grand "Heaven Worship Ceremony" of the early Qing dynasty. On the first and fifteenth of each month, you can also try intangible cultural heritage activities like Manchu paper cutting and cheongsam making. Activate the AR guide to virtually recreate early Qing sacrificial scenes—it’s much more engaging than just looking at the buildings. - Seasonal highlights: From March to May, the Flower Festival features Hanfu parades where you can interact with "Huang Taiji" cosplayers. In mid-to-late October, the 100-meter ginkgo avenue turns golden—7 to 9 AM offers the best lighting for photos. In summer, there are Friday night cave concerts, but you’ll need to book in advance. Nearby Food Recommendations Don’t miss these delicious spots when you’re tired from exploring! At the east gate, Jinyumi Dumpling House serves cornmeal dumplings with smooth, chewy skins and fragrant celery-pork filling. On Taishan Road, the Giant Electric Grilled Skewers are crispy and tender with a secret oil glaze, perfectly paired with spicy seafood. By Lotus Lake, the lotus leaf-wrapped rice is light and refreshing, while the sauerkraut pork noodle with chili oil at the Shengjing snack stall in the park is incredibly appetizing. The 2025 limited-edition lotus ice cream is both visually stunning and delicious ✨. 📝 Bonus Tips & Practical Advice This trip perfectly balanced "cultural experiences" and "relaxation"! Spend your days admiring ancient pines and red walls at Beiling Park and exploring intangible cultural heritage, then unwind in the hotel’s bathtub and enjoy its smart amenities at night. No rushing around—this is what travel should feel like. 💡 Final Tips: - Book the hotel 3 days in advance for weekends; weekdays often have special deals. Family rooms cost just over $200 and include breakfast for three—great value. - Plan to spend 3-4 hours at Beiling Park. Rent a $5 electronic guide to avoid missing historical stories. Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll walk about 15,000 steps a day. - Photography tips: Flash photography is prohibited inside the mausoleum, drones are not allowed near the Treasure Mound, and the pine forest can be slippery on rainy days—be careful. Whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or as a culture enthusiast, the Haose Ruiz Hotel + Beiling Park combo is a perfect match! This trip let me experience both the rich history and vibrant local life of Shenyang 🌟. Pack your bags and set off now!