Shenyang Old City Walls

The Shenyang Old City Walls represent one of the most significant historical landmarks in Northeast China, serving as the original defensive fortifications of Shenyang during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These walls were constructed in the 14th century and played a crucial role in the rise of the Qing Dynasty, as Shenyang served as the early capital before the Manchu rulers moved to Beijing. The walls originally formed a square-shaped enclosure with eight gates, stretching approximately 10 kilometers in circumference and standing about 11 meters high. While much of the original structure has been lost to time and urban development, several restored sections and gates remain as testament to Shenyang's historical importance as the political and military center of Manchuria. The walls showcase traditional Chinese military architecture with their massive rammed earth construction, brick facing, and strategic gate towers that once controlled access to the city.