How has everyone been? I wonder if the trees and mountains where you live are transitioning into autumn. In Shenyang, the temperature has dropped to around 50°F (10 ℃) since the middle of September. This will be our 2nd time experiencing winter here. In this blog post, I would like to share some winter gear that I think will be useful for people planning to move to Shenyang in the future.

Shenyang is located in the northeastern part of China, at a similar latitude to Aomori prefecture in northern Japan. Last year around December, the temperature in Shenyang dropped to -20 °F(-28 ℃). It feels that Shenyang has very short periods of spring, summer, and autumn but a very long winter. Even last March, it was quite cold, however, Shenyang doesn’t get much snow.

Picture from Google Maps above.↑

I would suggest that you wear winter gear that keeps your body well-covered during the cold season. The locals seem used to wearing lighter jackets outside, but we are not! Especially when you have to be outside when the temperature is between 10 °F (-12Celcius) and -20 °F(-28℃), having at least one long winter jacket as the picture attached below.

I often forget too, but you will definitely need a warm hat and gloves. If your gloves are compatible with your phone screen, that’s even better.

I found it difficult to use my phone with my bare hands when I was outside in 1 °F (-17 ℃). Also if you have a neck warmer that covers up your jaw and just below your eye, it is also helpful. It can be very painful if your face is exposed to Shenyang’s cold wind.

The other thing that you want to be aware of is how cold it can be to go outside in jeans. You want to have more layers as shown in the picture below.

These are also great for children. ↓

I bought these thicker leggings in Japan from my friend’s recommendation.

I love this one too because it really works to avoid the cold wind!

The picture below is when we went outside to visit a local festival around February.

For the winter boots, it’s a plus if the boots are anti-slip and waterproof.

If you plan to move to Shenyang during the winter, I suggest packing your basic winter jackets in your suitcase. Adjusting to a new life can be challenging; having winter gear for the long winter can give you some peace of mind.

We actually had to go shopping to buy our winter clothes in October last year, and it was freezing… Our packages from the US didn’t arrive when we expected.

But please don’t worry too much IF you forget to pack your winter clothes. There are shopping malls where you can find winter clothes. Just keep in mind that some local stores won’t take credit card. I suggest bringing some Chinese yuan in cash, and especially it would be better to exchage them in your home country, as I’ve heard that access to currency exchange can sometimes be limited for foreigners in China.

Here are some shopping options for winter gear!

MUJI

Address：和平区太原南街2号万达广场1层

Underground Shopping Center

It is located under Taiyuanjie pedestrian street. You can enter from any entrance that looks like the picture below, but the underground shopping center is huge, so you might get lost, but you will be able to get out eventually!

Sam’s Club（山姆会员商店）※Membership Only

Address：大东区机校街与临河路交叉口北160米

I found some Halloween costumes in Sam’s Club.

UNIQLO（优衣库(印象城店)

Address：和平区中华路15号印象城1-2楼

The stores that I shared above sell thinner clothes, but I really recommend that you get at least a thicker and longer winter jacket.

This is all for today! I would be grateful if this information helps someone who needs it in the future! Shenyang will be so cold in a few months! I will be careful not to catch a cold. Please take care of yourself too!

Thank you for reading my blog!