Shenyang. China

The capital of the Liaoning province, Shenyang has made significant strides in overcoming its reputation as an factory city that may have been the inspiration of William Blake’s vision of ‘dark satanic mills’. While Shenygng is a sprawling metropolis, its subway eases traffic, the urban landscape is improving, and there’s a buzz that points to this city’s people becoming more confident, secure, positive and even  urbane. Shenyang boasts has its own Imperial Palace, tomb complex and decent museums, as well as several lovely parks.