Shenyang - Geography and Climate

Geography and Climate

Shenyang ranges in latitude from 41° 11' to 43° 2' N and in longitude from 122° 25' to 123° 48' E, and is located in the central part of Liaoning Province. The western parts of the city's administrative area are located on the alluvial plain of the Liao River, while the eastern part consists of the hinterlands of the Changbai Mountains, and is covered with forests. The highest point in Shenyang is 414 metres (1,358 ft) and the lowest point only 7 metres (23 ft). The main urban area is located to the north of Hun River, a major tributary of the Liao River. The average elevation of the urban area is 29 metres (95 ft). North Canal and South Canal flow to the north and south of the urban area respectively, which follows the historic course of Hun River.

Shenyang's climate is a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Koppen Dwa) characterised by hot, humid summers, due to the monsoon, and dry, cold winters, due to the Siberian anticyclone. The four seasons in Shenyang are distinctive. Nearly half of the annual rainfall occurs in July and August. Monthly mean temperatures range from −11 °C (12.2 °F) in January to 24.7 °C (76.5 °F) in July, for an annual average of 8.4 °C (47.1 °F). The frost-free period is 183 days, which is relatively long considering the severity of the winters. Extreme temperatures range from −33.1 °C (−28 °F) to 39.3 °C (103 °F).