"Northeast Super League": From Shenyang’s Moment to the Global Spotlight

The "Northeast Super League" opener recently kicked off amid widespread excitement, with the league's growing profile transcending borders and drawing international attention.

Several international influencers from Russia and the Republic of Korea watched the Shenyang vs. Jixi opener. Beyond the game, they explored the city experiencing its cultural tourism and wellness offerings, industrial heritage, cross-border shopping, and distinctive economic sectors. They shared authentic, vivid, and multifaceted portrayals of the city with international audiences, helping to raise Shenyang's profile on the international stage.

Kim Junbum, an influencer from the Republic of Korea, cheers at the "Northeast Super League" opener 

Photo by Zhang Qi

"Fight, Shenyang!" Kim Junbum, an influencer from the Republic of Korea, led a group of visiting international influencers in a rousing cheer, their powerful chants echoing through Tiexi Stadium. After the match, he posted an 11-minute vlog documenting his first experience at the "Northeast Super League", a Super League football match that brings together teams from the three provinces in northeast China (Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, and Liaoning Province) and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. As a football fan, he described the event as "a real thrill".

Russian influencer Artem Uskov sings "The Great Northeast is My Hometown" while holding a football-shaped fridge magnet 

Photo by Huang Fei

International influencers pose with "Dongdong", a giant mechanical tiger 

Photo by Zhang Qi

Breaking with Shenyang's traditional image as an industrial, historic city, the influencers' itinerary highlighted modern vitality and everyday urban life. During the visit, international influencers explored the city's emerging sectors, such as the silver economy, the beauty economy, and the pet economy, gaining firsthand insight into Shenyang's soft power as it shifts from an industrial powerhouse to a vibrant and livable city.

International influencers paint with senior residents at RENAFAN Shenyang Nursing Home 

Photo by Huang Fei

An international influencer photographs the Liaoning Provincial Museum's prized "Jade Pig-Dragon" 

Photo by Zhang Qi

International influencers explore cheongsam culture at Shengjing Outlets (Shenyang Olympic Sports Center Branch)

Photo by Huang Fei

Through the lenses of visiting international influencers, Shenyang appears both cosmopolitan and warmly down-to-earth. From guobaorou (crispy sweet-and-sour pork) to sizzling Xita barbecue and the diverse snacks at the Xiaoheyan Morning Market, they paint a rich portrait of Northeastern Chinese cuisine. Park Seohee, a food blogger from the Republic of Korea, said, "I've been to many morning markets in Northeast China, but Xiaoheyan is the most vibrant and bustling. The food and the warmth of the people here are truly captivating."

Russian influencer Alexei (right) savors an egg burger at the Xiaoheyan Morning Market 

Photo by Huang Fei

Over the three-day visit, the visiting international influencers transformed from observers into natural ambassadors for Shenyang. Russian influencer Alexei even saved detailed "Recommended Shenyang Tours" on his phone. "Shenyang is a city worth savoring again and again. I'll keep sharing my discoveries with my followers," said Alexei.