The Cost of Living in Shenyang: A Comprehensive Guide

Located in northeastern China, Shenyang is a popular destination for expats due to its rich cultural heritage, affordable lifestyle, and booming economy. As the largest city in Liaoning province, it offers a combination of modern city life and traditional Chinese culture.Before relocating to Shenyang, it’s important to understand the cost of living in this city. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the expenses you can expect to incur when living in Shenyang.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Shenyang is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in China. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 2,500 CNY to 3,500 CNY per month. In contrast, a similar apartment in Beijing or Shanghai can cost upwards of 5,000 CNY per month.For those who prefer a more spacious accommodation, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost anywhere between 5,000 CNY to 8,000 CNY per month.If you wish to purchase a house in Shenyang, the average price per square meter is around 9,000 CNY, which is relatively affordable compared to other major Chinese cities.

Transportation

The transportation system in Shenyang is relatively advanced, with a network of buses, taxis, and the metro system. The price of a one-way ticket on the metro costs around 2 to 3 CNY, while a taxi ride of around 5 kilometers costs around 15 to 20 CNY.For those who prefer to cycle or use a motorcycle, the cost of renting one range from 300 to 600 CNY per month.

Food and Drink

Shenyang is known for its delicious cuisine, with a variety of local and international dishes available. The cost of food and drink in Shenyang depends on where you choose to dine.A typical meal at a local restaurant can cost around 30 to 50 CNY, while a meal at an international fast-food chain like McDonald’s may cost around 30 CNY. A cup of coffee at a local café costs around 20 CNY, while a bottle of imported beer costs around 20 to 25 CNY.For those who prefer to cook at home, the cost of groceries is relatively affordable. A liter of milk costs around 9 CNY, while a loaf of bread costs around 8 CNY.

Utilities

On average, the cost of utilities in Shenyang is relatively affordable. The cost of electricity, water, and gas for a standard apartment is around 600 to 800 CNY per month.For those who require access to the internet, the cost of a standard 50Mbps package costs around 100 to 150 CNY per month.

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Shenyang is relatively affordable compared to other major Chinese cities. The cost of a routine doctor’s appointment ranges from 100 to 200 CNY, while a visit to a specialist can cost around 300 to 500 CNY.For those who require medication, the cost of a standard antibiotic is around 15 to 20 CNY per package.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of living in Shenyang is relatively affordable compared to other major Chinese cities. The cost of accommodation, transportation, food and drink, utilities, and healthcare is reasonable and accessible for expats who wish to live and work in Shenyang.We hope this guide helps you to make a more informed decision when considering moving to Shenyang.

The Cost of Living in Shenyang: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to Shenyang – the largest city in Northeast China and the capital of Liaoning Province. With its rich history, diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and affordable cost of living, Shenyang is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to the best local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, as well as provide tips on the cost of living in Shenyang.

Local Attractions

Shenyang has a wealth of historical, cultural, and natural attractions that are worth exploring. Some of the top ones include:

– Shenyang Imperial Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for history buffs. It was once the residence of the Qing emperors and showcases the grandeur and opulence of the Qing dynasty architecture and furnishings.

– Mukden Palace: Another historic palace which dates back to the Qing Dynasty and was home to Yingzhen, the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

– Beiling Park: A large and picturesque park with scenic man-made lakes, walking trails, and ancient tombs, including the tomb of Huang Taiji, the founder of the Qing dynasty.

– Hunhe River: A beautiful and scenic river and a popular spot for locals to take relaxing walks or go boating.

Dining Spots

When it comes to dining in Shenyang, you’ll find a wide variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular local dishes include:

– San Xian Guo: A hot pot dish featuring three types of fresh ingredients like seafood, meat, and vegetables cooked in a simmering broth.

– Goubuli Baozi: A juicy steamed bun with a delicious pork filling which is a Shenyang’s famous snack.

– Laobian Dumplings: A well-known dumpling restaurant chain that originated in Shenyang and serves up mouthwatering handmade dumplings with an array of tasty fillings.

– Toast Time: A cozy and affordable café with a unique selection of toast-based dishes, desserts and drinks.

Cultural Experiences

If you want to dive deeper into Shenyang’s vibrant culture and history, here are some experiences to consider:

– Liaoning Provincial Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts that tell the story of Liaoning’s rich culture and history, including pottery, jade, and bronze objects.

– Wu’ai Market: Wuai is a local market where you can find everything from fresh produce to inexpensive clothing, fountain pens, leather goods, and more. Bargaining is encouraged, so don’t be afraid to haggle for prices.

– Xita Street: A bustling street with an abundance of shops and restaurants and where you can soak up the local atmosphere and do some souvenir shopping.

Local History

Besides its attractions, Shenyang has a fascinating history that you can explore through its landmarks and museums. Here are a few notable historical sites:

– Zhaoling Tomb: One of the most magnificent and best-preserved tombs from the Qing dynasty. It is the final resting place of Emperor Huang Taiji and his Empress.

– South Mausoleum: An imperial mausoleum of the Qing dynasty with a unique architectural style that blends Islamic, Mongolian and Han culture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those who want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– Daoyutai Underground City: An underground city built in the 1960s during the Cold War era that was used as a military command center. Now it’s open to the public for guided tours.

– Fuling Tomb: A less well-known but equally impressive mausoleum from the Qing dynasty that is worth a visit.

– Shenyang Botanical Garden: A beautiful garden oasis in the city where you can enjoy a serene walk among the flowers, plants, and trees.

Cost of Living

As for the cost of living in Shenyang, you’ll find it to be quite affordable compared to other major Chinese cities. Public transportation is affordable, and there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and accommodations available. A basic meal can cost as little as 30 RMB ($4.50 USD), and mid-range hotel rooms can be found for around 350 RMB ($50 USD) per night. Taxis are also inexpensive, with the average fare being around 12 RMB ($1.80 USD) for a short ride.

In conclusion, Shenyang is a gem of a city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and modernity. With affordable prices and plenty to see and do, it’s an ideal destination for budget-savvy travelers looking for an authentic Chinese experience.