Natural beauty, history beckon one and all to the northeast

Living in Shenyang, my wife's hometown in Liaoning province, I welcome the Chinese leadership's emphasis on revitalization of the northeast region playing a bigger role in Chinese modernization.

With the Chinese government's structural and policy focus during the past three decades being on developing other key regions of the country, the northeast region fell behind in the pecking order of popularity and economic growth. Yet in the northeast, we find a region of diverse importance; it is a key industrial hub, home to several ethnic groups, rich in many natural resources, such as Shenyang Palace Museum, which was first built in 1625 and paved the history of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Having lived for many years in other parts of the country, including Shanghai, the island province of Hainan and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, I dare to say the down-to-earth soul of the northeast people is very much shaped by the history of the region since 1900 or thereabouts.

When it comes to the idea of desired destinations and development in China, the world thinks of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, which are amazing places to visit and even settle down. Only a relatively small number of people realize how much Liaoning province has to offer. For example, the region is known for being the foundation of the German automotive industry in China with several BMW factories, and vibrant ancillary industries which supply auto parts and other equipment. Yet rather than technology, State-owned enterprises' reforms, or modernizing agriculture, I feel there is a need to promote and develop the region's wonderfully unique tourism sector.

After we moved to Shenyang more than seven years ago, I was amazed to make these historic discoveries. But they don't compare with the charm of hopping in your car and embarking on a road trip into the beauty and history of the province's countryside.

Where is the world's longest underground river cavern? It is in Benxi city, just an hour's drive from Shenyang. Another couple of hours drive will take you to the lush landscape and pristine valleys of Laobian River, the crystal clear rivers and farms of Qingshan River of Kuandian county, Dandong city. And further south to the border, you will find the famous Yalu River bridge connecting China with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Shenyang city itself boasts a charming Korean town, a Muslim town, and is home to several international consulates. And a historic hospital that sits on the Zhongshan Square roundabout was originally built by the Japanese after they invaded and occupied Shenyang, which witnessed the painful chapter of China's modern history.

In the heart of the city, the government's urban planners have created a riverside paradise for urban residents and visitors along the Hun River. The urban green space includes more than 20 kilometers of lush green parks, along which you find kayaking, endless bicycle paths, creeks, thoroughbred horse clubs, the city's world-class exhibition center, and the architectural masterpiece, the Shengjing Grand Theater.

All these sites are worth visiting but they don't obscure the region's strategic role in China's electric vehicle revolution, with companies and facilities at the center of some of the world's most important innovations in manufacturing and robotics situated here. The blend of economic development, history and natural diversity can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The author is a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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