With the latest visa-free policies now in effect, travel from Ireland to China has become significantly easier for Irish and European citizens. From March 14, 2024, to December 31, 2025, China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from twelve countries, including Ireland. The Ireland Sino Institute has launched a six-day tour of Liaoning Province to take full advantage of these new policies, providing a seamless travel experience for Irish and other European travelers eager to explore China without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Aerial-View-of-Shenyang-Imperial-Palace Great Wall of China Hushan Section Explore China with the Ireland Sino Institute China Has It All: History, Culture, Food, Beauty, Music, Safe Streets, Affordable Living, Openness, Opportunity, and Hospitality. Here are more details about the tour designed by the Ireland Sino Institute to promote Ireland-China exchanges. Day 1 – Shenyang: The City of Dreams and Vibrant Themes Upon your arrival at Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our knowledgeable experts ready to assist you. They will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, where you can take some time to settle in. This will be a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with the upcoming itinerary at your own pace. After acquainting yourself with what lies ahead, you can indulge in some much-needed rest to rejuvenate for the exciting journey that awaits. Aerial View of Shenyang Imperial Palace Day 2 – The Shenyang Love Affair: Imperial Palace and Imperial Tombs Shenyang Imperial Palace: Our expert will guide you through a journey, showcasing the grandeur of ancient China. Witness the ornate Dazheng Hall and Phoenix Tower, immersing you in a historical voyage. Shenyang Zhaoling Mausoleum: Explore this UNESCO site nestled in Beiling Park, offering a peaceful glimpse into the Qing Dynasty’s past. Fuling Tomb: Discover the legacy of Nurhachi with our knowledgeable guide. This UNESCO site offers a deep dive into the Qing Dynasty’s origins. China Language And Cultural Immersion at the Ireland Sino institute Day 3 – Ireland Sino Institute Chinese Language and Cultural Immersion Travel by high-speed train to Tieling, diving into Chinese culture at the Ireland Sino Institute. Learn basic Chinese with native experts and immerse in the local lifestyle through real-world interactions. Experience a harmonious blend of cultures with traditional Chinese music and a glass of Guinness. Explore the artistry of tea brewing in a Chinese tea ceremony at the Ireland Sino Institute. Moxibustion at the Ireland Sino Institute Day 4 – Ireland Sino Institute Traditional Chinese Medicine Escape Moxibustion Treatment: Experience holistic healing guided by experts using ancient techniques. Chinese Fire Cupping Therapy: Enhance your energy flow with therapeutic fire cupping therapy. Acupuncture: Achieve holistic well-being with world-class acupuncture in a tranquil atmosphere. Great Wall of China Hushan Section Day 5 – Whispers from the Wall: Exploring the Hushan Section of the Great Wall of China Journey from Tieling to Hushan and explore the Hushan Great Wall’s majestic paths with our expert. Visit the Great Wall History Museum for strategic tales of Hushan’s section. Walk the Yalu River Broken Bridge, symbolizing resilience and history. Guangyou Temple Liaoyang Day 6 – Eternal Echoes of the Orient: Lush Lands of Liaoyang Guangyou Temple: Explore this ancient Buddhist sanctuary with our experts. Baita Park: Climb the White Pagoda for stunning views and discover cultural gems amidst natural beauty. Liaoyang Museum: Explore a treasure trove of artifacts with expert guidance. The Ireland Sino Institute, a non-profit organization headquartered in Liaoning Province, China, has been fostering Ireland-China relations since 2012 through various initiatives. Their team, which includes both Irish and Chinese experts, ensures visitors enjoy a great experience. Their website also has a section on the Latest Ireland China News and Updates. Six Memorable Days in Northeast China Lorem Ipsum is simply dumy text of the printing typesetting industry lorem ipsum.
Liaoning Governor Appoints Pat McCarthy Investment Ambassador
On February 18, 2025, Governor of Liaoning province Wang Xinwei appointed Pat McCarthy as an Investment Ambassador for Shenyang, recognizing his and his team’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between Ireland and Liaoning. These efforts have particularly enhanced cooperation in investment, trade, education, and tourism between Ireland and China. Our team is committed to driving millions of euro in investment into Shenyang. Pat McCarthy About Shenyang Shenyang was recently designated as an International Central City in Northeast Asia. Recognized as both a National Historical and Cultural City and an International Comprehensive Transportation Hub, Shenyang covers an area of 12,860 km² and is home to approximately 9.2 million residents. Its administrative divisions include 10 districts and 2 counties, earning the city its status as a State-Classified Megacity. Rich in cultural heritage and historical significance, Shenyang boasts over 1,500 historical and cultural landmarks, including three UNESCO World Heritage sites, most notably the iconic Shenyang Imperial Palace. This vibrant historical landscape contributes to the city’s recognition as China’s Happiest City, a title it has proudly maintained for three consecutive years. In addition to its cultural prominence, Shenyang is a vital hub for equipment manufacturing, leading significant developments in automotive manufacturing, aviation, and high-end equipment production. Shenyang: Integrating Trade, Manufacturing, and Logistics for Global Competitiveness The city of Shenyang has emerged as a prominent investment destination, driven by strategic developments such as the Shenyang Area of the China (Liaoning) Pilot Free Trade Zone—commonly referred to as Shenyang’s National Free Trade Zone. Established under China’s national strategy to promote trade liberalization and economic openness, this zone provides substantial tax incentives, streamlined customs processes, and simplified regulatory procedures, significantly enhancing the ease of doing business and reducing operational costs for enterprises. Complementing the Free Trade Zone, the Shenyang Comprehensive Bonded Zone specifically caters to production, assembly, manufacturing, and logistics operations. Businesses operating within the Bonded Zone benefit from additional customs duty exemptions, deferred taxes, and advanced warehousing facilities, making it ideal for enterprises engaged in global supply-chain activities. For example, a European automotive-parts manufacturer might initially establish its Asian headquarters or trading office in Shenyang’s Free Trade Zone to leverage its investment incentives, simplified business registration, and favorable administrative environment. The company could then import raw materials directly into the adjacent Comprehensive Bonded Zone for assembly, benefiting from duty-free or deferred-duty arrangements during production. Once assembly is completed, finished products can be quickly and efficiently exported to Europe or Central Asia via the nearby China-Europe Railway Express Assembly Centre. This integrated system positions Shenyang as an attractive investment hub, offering enterprises a comprehensive, cost-effective, and seamless solution for global supply-chain management. Shenyang: A National Hub of Higher Education and Technological Innovation Shenyang plays a critical role in China’s innovation landscape, distinguished by its extensive academic and research infrastructure. As home to 45 institutions of higher learning and 79 national-level innovation platforms, the city serves as an intellectual powerhouse, fostering significant scientific and technological advancements. This rich concentration of universities and institutes provides companies in Shenyang unparalleled access to highly skilled talent, cutting-edge research, and opportunities for collaboration. Moreover, Shenyang has been officially recognized as one of China’s 15 key sources of scientific and technological innovation, highlighting its strategic importance to the national innovation agenda. This status attracts substantial government investment and policy support, further enabling local and international businesses to innovate and rapidly commercialize technologies. For enterprises establishing operations in Shenyang, this environment not only accelerates research and development processes but also enhances their competitive position within global markets, particularly in advanced manufacturing, electronics, automotive technology, and emerging high-tech industries. Shenyang will continue to build itself into a premier national hub by enhancing its business environment, streamlining administrative processes, and providing efficient, high-quality services to attract and support foreign investment and technological innovation. Pat McCarthy Shenyang’s Vision 2030: Enhancing International Public Services and Communities For more news on the Irish community in China, visit Ireland-China News. If you are interested in Ireland-China investment opportunities in Shenyang, explore our services at Ireland-China Focus. For inquiries, connect with the Ireland Sino Institute.Shenyang will strengthen its provision of international public services by improving the quality of care at nine international hospitals and enhancing educational standards at six international schools. By 2030, the city plans to establish twelve modern international communities equipped with comprehensive facilities and amenities. Free Trade Zone offering tax incentives and simplified customs Comprehensive Bonded Zone for duty-free production and logistics 45 universities and 79 innovation platforms driving technology 2030 plan: hospitals, schools, modern international communities
China Internship Program 2025
China Internship Program 2025 In July 2025 the Ireland Sino Institute unveiled a groundbreaking China Internship Program designed to deepen cultural exchange and professional development. Participants will live and work in Liaoning Province, study Mandarin through immersive lessons, and contribute to teaching and community projects while receiving free accommodation and a monthly stipend. The program offers three tailored packages—Explorer (3 months), Voyager (6 months) and Ambassador (12 months)—to suit different levels of commitment and ambition. For more Ireland China stories, visit our Ireland China News. Explorer 3 Month Internship Package During the three-month Explorer Package, participants receive 15 hours of Mandarin lessons and 5 hours of conversational practice weekly. The program provides free accommodation with high-speed Wi‑Fi and a monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB. Participants get Z‑visa sponsorship and gain professional experience at the institute’s headquarters in Liaoning Province where living costs are low. Voyager 6 Month Internship Package Starting in August 2025, the six-month Voyager Package (priced at €14,000) offers a richer cultural immersion. Participants receive 15 hours of Mandarin lessons and 5 hours of real-life conversational practice each week. The program includes an exclusive guided tour of China that deepens understanding of its history and society. This package provides free accommodation with Wi‑Fi, a monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB, Z-visa sponsorship and a professional placement at the institute’s headquarters in Liaoning Province, where living costs are low. Ambassador 12 Month Internship Package The twelve‑month Ambassador Package, priced at €28,000, offers the ultimate China internship experience, combining a full year of cultural immersion, intensive language study, and meaningful teaching work. Participants receive 15 hours of expert-led Mandarin lessons and 5 hours of real-life cultural engagement each week, including family meals, language exchanges, and community activities. The program features an exclusive guided tour of China, showcasing both world-famous landmarks and authentic hidden gems. As an Ambassador for Rural Development, you will contribute directly to improving education in rural communities, where learning English can be a vital pathway out of poverty. This package includes free accommodation with Wi‑Fi, a monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB, Z‑visa sponsorship, and a professional teaching placement through the Ireland Sino Institute in Liaoning Province, where living costs remain affordable. More than just an internship, the Ambassador Package is a transformative year of personal growth, cultural impact, and professional development that prepares you to become a true global leader. 3-Month, 6-Month, and 12-Month Internship Packages Available Immerse Yourself in Mandarin and Master the Language of the Future Gain Hands-On Teaching Experience Full Z Work Visa Sponsorship