The alluvial plain of Liao River in the west is its major topography, while its north-east and south-east parts are low hilly land. It has a temperate continental climate with an annual average temperature of 7.8 degree Celsius, rainfall of 734 millimeters, and a frost-free period of 159 days. It abounds in coal, petroleum, iron, and natural gas resources, in addition to limestone, marble and pearlite.

Being one of China's main industrial centers, Shenyang has built up an all-inclusive comprehensive industrial system comprising machine-building as chief branch, metallurgy, light industry and textiles, building materials, electronics, foodstuff etc. Its major agricultural crops are corn, sorghum, soybean, wheat, rice, cotton, tobacco and peanut.

Shenyang is the large concentration and distribution center for goods and materials in North-East China, and key communication hub of railways as well as road transport center in Liaoning Province. It has the biggest civil airport on North-East China, providing regular air service to over 40 cities at home and abroad.

Shenyang is also a famous historical and cultural city in China. The first emperor of the Qing Dynasty moved his capital here in 1625 AD. It became the leftover capital of the Qing Dynasty since 1644 AD. Its main scenic spots are the Imperial Palace, Baocheng in Crescent Moon Shape, Shisheng Temple and Liaobin Pagoda etc.

Shengyang has embarked on the road of development towards the economic center in north-east Asia.