We’ve made a big move: from southern Germany to northeast China, to a city many have probably never heard of – Shenyang.

With a population of nearly 8 million, Shenyang is relatively small by Chinese standards. It doesn’t offer much that might attract an international audience, except perhaps its Forbidden City. Shenyang is the only city besides Beijing to host such an imperial landmark, where emperors and their courts once resided. Over the past century, however, Shenyang has been better known for its heavy industry and steel production. This industrial legacy explains why several automotive companies, including BMW, have operations here. My wife works for BMW and will spend the next three years in Shenyang as an expat.

A new chapter

We made the move in October, and I’m still adjusting to this new chapter. My first few weeks were spent exploring professional opportunities and searching for decent running routes in the city or in the surrounding areas.

On the professional front, there’s already been progress. I’m taking steps toward freelancing and will be supporting Ultra Gobi with the international expansion of their running events. I’m hopeful that additional marketing and content projects will follow. First on the list, though, is registering a business in China.

As for running, Shenyang is like most large cities I’ve run in. The skyline, architecture, and dazzling lights are impressive, but flat city running is only a second-best option for me. Fortunately, about an hour outside of Shenyang, I’ve discovered some trails that hint at more potential. The experience is quite different from the Bavarian Alps – fewer elevation gains, lots of stairs, and occasional views of a nuclear power plant from the summit – but at least it’s something.

Where are the trails?

The biggest challenge with trail running here: finding trails. None of the usual apps like Strava, Garmin, or Outdooractive reliably show paths in the area. On maps, it often looks like there are no trails at all, but when you arrive at the location, there are options – if you’re willing to take a chance on random turns. Sometimes it works out, but I’ve also found myself bushwhacking through dead ends more often than I’d like.

Adjusting to life here has been an adventure, both on and off the trails. Here’s to seeing where the next steps – and paths – will lead.