Live Your Best Lives
October in Benxi is the most vibrant season of the year. The autumn winds blow, and the temperature plummets. As the temperature drops, the maple leaves gradually turn red, and until the leaves fall in late October, Benxi's autumn colors during this period are among the most vibrant in northern China. Speaking of autumn, besides the golden ginkgo trees and the vibrant colors of the mountains, rivers, and lakes, the most captivating aspect of our road trip was the fleeting glimpse of red—the maple leaves. In Benxi, you'll definitely be able to capture the most stunning autumn scenery.
Along the way, we drove on the Benhuan Highway to chase the autumn colors, crossed over mountains, passed through tunnels, or stopped to walk into a colorful ocean of autumn colors. Every frame left was a colorful visual feast in autumn.
The Benhuan Highway, part of National Highway G305, stretches 64.82 kilometers from Benxi County to Huanren County. Known as the "Chinese Maple Leaf Road," the road is lined with rolling hills, golden larch trees, and fiery red torch trees. From afar, the vibrant colors of crimson leaves blanket the mountains, creating a vibrant autumn scene. The entire Benhuan Highway offers a stunning autumn viewing experience. Famous maple viewing spots, such as Guanmen Mountain, Dashi Lake, Laobiangou, and Yanghugou, flank the highway.
Along the way, we had a clear division of labor. The man was responsible for driving and route selection, the woman was responsible for navigation and taking pictures, and our beloved little red car escorted us all the way.
Benxi has many mountains and a high vegetation coverage rate. The entire self-driving tour is circling in the valley. It can be said that the mountains on both sides are covered with maple leaves, the mountains are all red, the forests are dyed red, and the scenery is beautiful. Once autumn comes, the various colored vegetation on both sides of the road presents rainbow-like brilliant colors under the sun, just like "the car is driving in the mountains, and the autumn charm is accompanying people returning home."
As the car passed through the Bapanling Tunnel, the autumn atmosphere became stronger, and the mountains began to become colorful and beautiful. This gorgeous autumn scenery seemed to remind us that we are very close to the best section of Benhuang Highway for viewing maple leaves!
The further you go into the mountains, not only does the autumn feel more intense, but the sky also becomes bluer. You will also see tourists stopping their cars on both sides of the road to enjoy the autumn. Being there, you will be amazed by the maple leaves covering the mountains, their pure red and stunning beauty.
The feeling of the trees and mountains through the car window is truly breathtaking. The passion of autumn roars towards you, revealing its fiery and wild vitality. The ginkgo leaves on both sides of the road have turned yellow, telling a story of autumn.
Tips:
1. After getting off the highway in Benxi, navigate to Yanghugou and you will drive all the way on the Benhuan Line.
2. The highlight of the Benhuan Highway begins at the Bapanling Tunnel, where the autumn colors become increasingly vibrant.
3. The entire route will pass through tunnels and dangerous mountain roads, so you must be careful when driving.
We drove all the way to the westernmost section of the Hon-Huan Line, choosing Yanghugou as our first stop. Upon entering, the hillsides were blanketed in vibrant crimson leaves, illuminating the area like blazing flames in the sunlight. Yanghugou Village is an undeveloped scenic area, and the autumn colors of the mountains attract painters each year. Gradually, this beauty gained increasing recognition, and every October, visitors flocked to the area. Speaking with the villagers, I learned that October is the busiest month here, with more visitors than in the entire year.
Tips:
Note: The navigation should lead to Yanghugou Village. Yanghugou is inside the village. There is one entrance and one exit in the village. Normally, the navigation will lead to a parking lot, which is the entrance. There is only one main road in the village. If you miss the entrance, you cannot get in by driving to the exit and the car can only be parked on the side of the road.
The village can be divided into two parts. One part is the residential area, with farmhouses of all sizes next to each other, and the other part is the essence of autumn viewing. Except for vehicles in the village, other cars cannot drive deep into Yanghu Valley and can only be parked on the roadside in the residential area. If you want to see better autumn scenery, you have to walk forward. The autumn scenery extends all the way to the mountains, with a total length of about four kilometers, which will definitely amaze your eyes.
Maple leaves are within reach along both sides of the mountain road. In addition to being deep and penetrating, the maple leaves here also have an elegant beauty. Each maple tree has a different red color, with distinct layers of red.
Due to the large temperature difference in the mountains, the maple leaves in Yanghu Valley turn red the earliest and most thoroughly every year. The blue sky and maple leaves complement the autumn colors, and everything is just perfect.
It lives up to its reputation as a painter village. The deeper you go, the more you can feel the beautiful autumn scenery like an oil painting. The colorful colors also make people intoxicated, as if you are swimming in a painting.
If you are tired of walking, there are sheds on the roadside that rent tandem bicycles. The price is not very expensive. If you are interested, you can rent one and stop from time to time along the mountain road.
On a slope, we climbed up the hill and immersed ourselves in the maple forest all over the mountain. The sunlight shone through the red leaves and onto the earth. It was so beautiful that it was dizzying and both illusory and real.
Tips:
1. Address: Yanghugou Village, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province, G506 (Benxi-Huanxi Line)
2. There is a parking lot at the entrance of the village where you can park your car. If you stay overnight, you can park your car in the farmyard.
3. Yanghugou Village does not charge an entrance fee. If you are tired of walking, the village will have various tricycles to take you in or out of the mountain. The price is 5 yuan per person per trip.
4. The autumn colors in Yanghugou Village appear the earliest, starting in late September every year, and are at their peak around November 1st.
Along the Honkan Line are not only rolling hills but also countless rivers and streams, complementing each other: where there are mountains, there are maple leaves, and where there are maple leaves, there are trickling streams. There are numerous local farmhouses, offering home-style meals and accommodations. If time permits, you can stay overnight. Most of these have rural kangs, which are full of local flavor. To attract tourists, farmhouses are often built along streams or rivers. Another benefit of staying here is that you can enjoy the autumn scenery along the stream from your home, and at night, you can sit on the bank and look at the starry sky.
Walking along the river, you can see clear springs and gurgling streams. There is no artificial carving here, it is a purely natural landscape. Walking beside the trees by the river, the fresh air is sweet. Take a deep breath and cleanse your lungs. It is really comfortable!
Watching the interplay of maple leaves and the creek reminded me of Tao Yuanming's poem, "The drunkard's interest lies not in wine but in the joy of mountains and rivers." The mountain streams here branch out in a crisscross pattern, their waters not particularly strong, yet crystal clear. They flow past the village gates, where peasant women wash clothes on stone slabs. Perhaps life is as simple and beautiful as this seems.
Autumn is also the harvest season. You can see stalls selling nuts, mushrooms, and wild vegetables everywhere along the way. Compared with those in the city, they are really not expensive. If you like to eat them, you can buy some to try.
The hawthorn tree in front of the village also heralds the arrival of autumn. The treetops are full of red hawthorns. Standing under the tree is like a song of love for the hawthorn tree.
To capture a starry sky, we stayed at a farmhouse by the river. While the sky was clear during the day, it gradually began to overcast in the mountains by dusk. To avoid any regrets, we set up our tripod and managed to capture only a handful of stars that night. Even with the overcast sky, we were able to capture the Big Dipper by pointing our camera north. The seven stars form a spoon shape, making it one of the brightest stars in the sky.
Tips:
1. If you live in a farmhouse, you must choose one close to the river so that you can walk to the river and take pictures of the autumn scenery.
2. There is little light pollution in the mountains at night, so it is suitable for photographing the starry sky. It was very cloudy on the day I took the photo, so the effect was not very good.
3. It is best to take pictures of the starry sky before the moon rises. The moonlight cannot cover the light of the stars. I use the 600 rule, which means the shutter time is less than or equal to 600/lens focal length in seconds.
We stumbled upon Maple Queen while driving from Yanghugou to Dashihu. It's located on the side of a mountain road, right next to a stream. When we reached this area, the streamside was packed with cars, and people were gathered at the stream below. We followed a fork in the road down to the streamside, parked our car, and wanted to see what it was all about. Walking along the streamside, we found maple trees all along the bank, but the most striking one was the Maple Queen, the one everyone came for. Upon asking, we learned that this was the Maple Queen in the lake. It was truly different from the other maple trees, several times larger than the surrounding ones, and from a distance, it was lush and leafy.
Walking under the tree, the maple tree is even more shocking. The crown of the tree extends in all directions, and each tree presents maple leaves of different colors. Its temperament has a unique beauty from other maple trees, as if it is wearing a new autumn dress.
The entire maple tree is protected by a fence, and the local village has also arranged villagers to provide round-the-clock protection for the Maple Queen. As a maple queen with a history of over a hundred years, it is very rare in the entire Benxi. Its extremely beautiful appearance is unique compared to other maple trees.
Under the blue sky, the maple trees are more graceful. Their color is not a heavy red, but a combination of delicate yellow, red and green, which makes them more beautiful and colorful. Compared with the Maple King in Guanmen Mountain, although this one is not as big, it has its own unique maple feeling.
The stream flows at the foot of the Maple Queen tree, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, and the water is crystal clear. Stones are laid out in the stream beneath the tree as footholds, so be careful not to fall into the stream when taking photos under the Maple Queen tree. There are also camping tents of all sizes along the stream, and people fishing along the stream. Camping and enjoying the maple leaves in the warm autumn sun is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery.
Tips:
1. Address: Huli Village, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province, Dihua Line
2. Fenghou is located on the riverside of Huli Village. Parking is prohibited on the surrounding roads. Cars need to go along the intersection to the riverside. You can park by the river. Someone will charge a parking fee of 10 yuan.
3. The scenic spot is open to the public free of charge. Maple Queen is on the opposite side of the river and you have to walk on stones to get to the other side. The Maple Queen around National Day is a gradient color, and I am most proud of the color of this maple leaf.
The Benhuan Highway passes through Jianchang Town, a town planted entirely with rice. The highway here seems to extend from the paddy fields. In autumn, the rice paddies transform into a vibrant golden hue. A gentle breeze rustles the rice paddies, creating a vibrant musical score against the backdrop of distant green hills and the toiling figures of farmers. As the rice matures, farmers are still harvesting. Standing on the ridges and gazing out over the vibrant rice paddies, the vibrant colors resemble a palette, blanketing the earth in a golden carpet. The fields are awash in golden color – the color of harvest, a scene of happiness.
The endless expanse of rice paddies is divided into grids. Walking along the ridges, you can touch the waves of rice with your hands, and together with autumn, you can create a picturesque rural landscape. The golden rice fields and the graceful ridges complement the green hills and houses, forming a magnificent rural autumn landscape.
Tips:
1. Address: North side of the intersection of Tiechang Line and Benhuan Line, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province
2. Every autumn, the roadsides near the rice fields are filled with parked cars. The rice fields are planted by local residents. When taking photos, you should walk along the ridges of the fields and not destroy the fruits of other people's labor.
3. There are golden rice fields on both sides of the road. In early October, it is all golden here. If it is later, it will be harvested one after another.
Dashi Lake and Laobiangou are two scenic spots next to each other. There is a local saying that "Laobiangou is suitable for sightseeing, and Dashi Lake is suitable for taking pictures". Before coming here, we planned to visit both places, but plans did not change quickly. Many tourists who stayed in the farmhouse the day before had just come down from Laobiangou. They all said that the entire Laobiangou has not yet entered the maple leaf season, and there are not many red leaves in the entire mountain, so we also made adjustments and only chose Dashi Lake.
As soon as you enter Dashi Lake, the whole mountain is full of autumn atmosphere. At first glance, it is a kind of delicate beauty. The lakes, pools, rivers, waterfalls and colorful forests in the scenic area form a fresh and lively scene.
The maple forests all over the mountains "ignite" the entire mountain, emitting a shocking beauty and magnificence in red. The maple forests grow wildly according to the terrain, like gorgeous morning glow blooming in the rolling mountains, and like burning torches spreading in the lush jungle.
The autumn atmosphere of Dashi Lake begins at Huancui Lake. Upon entering the scenic area, Huancui Lake is a pool of emerald water, flowing into the river at the entrance. Through its surface, the lake reflects the vibrant colors of the mountains. In autumn, Huancui Lake resembles a fairy fallen to earth, a fresh rain brushing her clothes, leaving fallen leaves like brocade, and the rippling water beneath the forest resembles hair caressed by a gentle breeze.
Strolling along the lakeside, you'll be greeted by the rich, vibrant colors of autumn. Its beauty is a perfect blend of mountains, clouds, water, and maple leaves! The autumn scenery complements the azure sky, creating a refreshing and soothing experience.
Looking closer, you will see that each maple leaf is delicate and exquisite, with a slight green tint at the bottom of the fiery red leaves and veins radiating outwards to the center of the leaf. The red maple leaves are matched with the light flowing water, and the beauty of the combination of movement and stillness gives autumn more life.
Walk forward from Huancui Lake and you will reach Linyiyanqing in more than ten minutes. There is a plank road built along the stream and rocks near Linyiyanqing. At the same time, many wooden bridges are built along the stream. The nearby trees have become compact and dense, one next to the other. Walking on them is like walking through the woods.
When autumn arrives, the entire forest opens its colorful valves. Maple trees shade the banks of the stream, alternating between red, yellow, and green, with colors varying in depth. They wind along the mountain ranges, like a rich, colorful ribbon, winding around the stream and reflecting the mountains...
As we reach Fengzi Rock, the scenery no longer feels flat, but rather three-dimensional. The sound of water rushing through the canyon echoes throughout the valley. As we ascend the mountain path, we encounter craggy peaks and grotesque rocks, resembling giant bonsai created by nature. Large expanses of maple trees shade the mountainside, coating the peaks with a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.
Walking in it is full of the beauty of autumn. The mountains, rivers, grasses, trees and colorful maple leaves make you feel as if you are in a paradise, far away from the troubles of the world.
The maple trees scattered along the bank complement the splashes of water, creating a beautiful scene. There are many strange rocks of various shapes in the river, covered with mottled moss, staggered in the river, standing still to be washed, playing a melody of hardness and softness.
The sound of the pool water became smaller and smaller, and dissipated in the valley. The maple leaves at the bottom of the valley were dyed in different shades of red, making the entire valley more colorful.
Yuping Lake is located at the deepest part of Dashi Lake. Perhaps because the deeper you go, the greater the temperature difference, the heavier the night frost, and the thicker the frost, the more tenacious, more colorful, and more brilliant the maple forest becomes. Standing by the lake and looking out, the red mountains are layered, especially near the water's edge where there are reflections, like a picture within a picture.
In the valley opposite Yuping Lake, there is a silver waterfall falling from the sky, cascading through maple leaves, with jade beads splashing. If you listen carefully, you will be beside the waterfall, intoxicated by the rumbling sound, and press the shutter. What is captured in the lens is the poetic and picturesque scene of "the clear stream of the spring and waterfall intoxicates the maple forest".
As we walk deeper into the Yuping Lake, we see fewer and fewer tourists. Walking on the secluded maple forest path, the stream is accompanied by maple leaves, and the river reflects the red maples. At this time, the maple leaves are also more transparent and the shapes of the branch crowns are even more bizarre.
This wave of autumn water reflects the colorful mountains, as if embracing the entire autumn in its arms.
Tips:
1. Dashi Lake Address: Dashi Lake Scenic Area, Nanyingfang Village, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province
2. The entrance fee to the scenic spot is 80 yuan per person and the parking fee is 10 yuan.
3. The scenic area is very large. There is only a walking path in the first half, and there are sightseeing buses and walking paths in the second half. I personally recommend taking a sightseeing bus to the top in the second half, and then walking down along the path from the top.
4. Early October is the most beautiful time for Dashi Lake, and the maple leaves are just the right shade of red. After the first ten days of October, the leaves will begin to fall one after another.
The autumn pastures are like a fairytale, a healing wonder, their warm hues filled with hope and dreams. On our way to Tanggou, we encountered a small hillside across from the Huamuxi Hot Spring Hotel. The entire hillside resembles an alpine pasture, home to a variety of small animals, a sea of autumn flowers, meadows, ponds, and forests, rivaling the magnificent autumn scenery of the Northwest. In autumn, a visit to the pasture is a must, allowing your mind to wander freely. Pausing on the grasslands, you can watch the grass seeds ripen, the forests turn golden, and the sun fade into a gentle glow. In this fairytale world, you can bask in the warm autumn sunshine.
Autumn is not only colorful, but also a whole sea of flowers on the hillside joins in the fun. Large clusters of flowers are spread on the ground like a carpet, stretching as far as the eye can see. Feeling the cool autumn breeze, wandering in the charming sea of flowers, admiring the beautiful scenery like an oil painting, and embracing autumn.
Flowers of various colors extend all the way to the mountains and forests. The entire hillside seems to be the earth's palette, filled with the most beautiful colors in the world.
There is a road in the middle of the sea of flowers, which winds its way to the foot of the forest. Strolling in the sea of flowers, you can smell the fragrance of autumn.
I had wanted to take some photos of the ranch's animals, but perhaps due to the pandemic, they were all confined to the innermost enclosure, unable to be fed. Only a few swans swam aimlessly in the pond. The livestock enclosures were scattered neatly across the hillside, where the animals lived peacefully and calmly, unhurried and unhurried. Looking out over the mountains and forests, the sky was high and the clouds were light, the trees were painted in vibrant colors, and the atmosphere was poetic and tranquil, a world away from the world.
The small pond shimmered in the sunlight. Black swans sometimes swam ashore to bask in the sun, and sometimes swam into the water to find food and play. They also enjoyed the gorgeous autumn colors.
After getting tired of playing on the hillside, we found a swing and started swinging, looking at the blue sky and white clouds. We did nothing but quietly enjoyed all the beauty brought by the autumn scenery.
Tips:
1. Ranch Address: On the hillside opposite the Huaximu Hot Spring Hotel, Tanggou, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province
2. The entire hillside was built by Huaximu Hot Spring Hotel according to the ranch. The entire hillside is open and no tickets are required.
3. The ranch raises small animals such as goats, alpacas, swans, roe deer, rabbits, etc. They are kept in a pen during the epidemic, but can be fed when there is no epidemic.
When driving in Benxi, you can always encounter unexpected scenery. When you come to a winding mountain road, the road is built around the lake. There are mountains on one side and emerald green lake on the other side. The lake is vast and connected to the distant mountains. From a distance, it looks like a natural barrier. Looking into the distance, the lake is gurgling and the mountains are towering in various shapes. The colorful mountains and forests in autumn echo with Guanshan Lake in the distance, and the scenery is magnificent.
In autumn, Guanshan Lake's clear, turquoise waters ripple. Lying on the lakeside fence, facing the water, a gentle breeze brushed across my face and fingertips, bringing a cool, comfortable, and refreshing feeling. I marveled at the breathtaking beauty of nature, its breathtaking beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship. This pristine natural landscape, nestled between blue skies and clear waters, felt like wandering in a fairyland. Breathing the air here cleansed my lungs, and every breath was a refreshing and comfortable sensation. The scenery was so stunning that we lay on the fence, lost in thought for ages.
Tips:
1. Guanshan Lake Address: Near Shanjianyishe B&B, Xiaocao Line, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province
2. This Guanshan Lake is not in the scenic area. There is a fork in the road on the Xiaocao Line that can lead down to the lake. If you drive on the Xiaocao Line, you will see a long pavilion by the lake. That is the location of the lake. If there is any fork in the road nearby, you can drive all the way to the lake.
3. The lakeside is unattended, and there is only a guardrail near the pavilion, so please be careful when visiting.
The Xiaocao Line passes Guanshan Lake. Near the scenic area, there's an observation deck where you can stop for a break and take in the majestic mountains from a vantage point. The mountain range stretches as far as the eye can see. Due to differences in light and temperature, different peaks display varying autumn colors, with some areas showing more intense autumn colors while others haven't yet seen the end of summer.
Tips:
1. Observation Deck Address: Near Guanshan Lake Scenic Area, Xiaocao Line, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province
2. The viewing platform is located on the hillside opposite the Guanshan Lake Scenic Area. When the Xiaocao Line reaches the top of Guanshan Lake, there is an auxiliary road for parking, which is the location of the viewing platform.
3. There will be many stalls selling local specialties here, which are easy to see. Standing here, you can overlook the Guanshan Lake Scenic Area. The parking lot below is the scenic area parking lot.
It rained heavily on the way to Guanmen Mountain. Driving on the mountain road, the scenery had a hazy beauty, and we had to drive carefully. We both hesitated for a while whether to go into Guanmen Mountain in the heavy rain. After a series of mental struggles, we decided to go in. We bought raincoats before going in, but maybe we thought it was easy. The rain in the mountains got heavier and heavier, and we were basically soaked when we finally came out.
The rain in the mountains was intermittent, with occasional lightning and thunder, so remember not to use an umbrella. A raincoat wouldn't be able to withstand the heavy downpour. We changed our strategy: when it rained heavily, we'd take shelter in a pavilion. When it was light, we'd leave quickly, hoping to reach the next pavilion before the next downpour. The rain changed the scenery, making it even more vibrant. The colors became even more vibrant, and the mountain streams began to swell, adding to the atmosphere.
I didn't take a single portrait during the entire Guanmen Mountain tour. I looked so pitiful, soaked to the skin! But the maple leaves I took along the way were truly beautiful. Compared to sunny days, the autumn colors in the rain are more penetrating.
The rain was getting heavier, the visibility in the mountains was very low, and there was a lot of moisture in the mountains. As we walked along, the whole mountain felt like it was filled with fairy air.
Guanmen Mountain is famous for its saying, "No one can escape the mountains without seeing maple leaves." This saying is supported by the mountain's undisputed treasure: the Maple King. The 200-year-old "Maple King" is known for being the first maple tree to bloom and the last to fall, making it a must-see destination for visitors to Guanmen Mountain. To protect it, it's said that, like the Maple Queen, it's been insured at a significant cost.
In early October, the Maple King tree, still before reaching its peak crimson glory, boasts a crown so vast it even surpasses the Maple Queen tree. Unlike the Maple Queen's vibrant colors, the Maple King is at its peak, a vibrant crimson, towering over the river like a king. No other maple tree dares to compete with it. The leaves of the Eleven-pointed and Thirteen-pointed Maple trees, among the Maple King trees, are considered world treasures, and finding one is a truly remarkable feat. The sudden rise in the river caused by the rain has blocked access to the Maple King tree, preventing visitors from reaching it and requiring only a distant gaze from the observation deck.
In terms of its form, the Maple King is like a large bonsai, even more beautiful and charming than a bonsai. At this moment, the Maple King is quiet and elegant, with the sound of water pleasing to the ears. It combines movement with tranquility, strength with gentleness, softness with strength, movement with stillness, and they are all integrated into one.
The name of Longmenxia Dancong sounds very steep. There is a canyon between two mountains, forming a waterfall. This waterfall is also called the Crystal Curtain Waterfall of Longmenxia, and the pool below is called Longxiantan. It happened to rain, and the river water in the entire Longmenxia was very imposing, rumbling along the canyon and flowing down the mountain.
Guanmen Mountain itself is formed by a vast canyon, with a river at its bottom. The entire plank road is built along the river. When it rains, the water surface can reach five or six meters wide. The river meanders, sometimes wide, sometimes narrow, sometimes slow, sometimes fast. Red and yellow fallen leaves drift across the water, sometimes stranded in the shallow bay.
As we walked, the clouds became thicker and thicker, and the winds became lower and lower as we walked forward. The hazy mountain top had disappeared without a trace, and the area around the trees in front of us was completely white.
When the rain is light, strolling along the plank road is quite pleasant. Walking in the rain, I feel that the air I breathe is very fresh, and the air contains negative oxygen ions. Breathing more can also refresh my body and mind! Listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the leaves, everything is at its most beautiful in nature. If you listen to this sound of rain hitting the leaves at night, you will definitely fall into the sweetest dream.
Wucai Lake is very large, with mountains on both sides of the lake. A plank road has been built on one side of the lake, and you can enjoy the autumn scenery along the road. In autumn, the woods on the mountains beside the lake become colorful, and their reflections in the lake form colorful colors. Perhaps this is how Wucai Lake got its name.
Wucai Lake is close to the entrance of the scenic area. You have to pass by here when going up or down the mountain. The shivering video I took when going up the mountain was taken here. When I came down the mountain to here, the rain became heavier again. The whole mountain was covered with water vapor, and the surface of the lake was making continuous noises due to the rain hitting it.
After a burst of rain, the rain began to subside. I looked up at the Cangshan Mountain in the distance and the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. Between the mountains and waters, there was a vast expanse of mist. The sound of wind and rain was heard.
At this point, the unique experience of admiring Guanmen Mountain in the rain came to an end. We were both soaked, especially for a section of road in the mountains where the water level had risen to the road. We had to wade through the water all the way. It was an unforgettable experience. After leaving the scenic area, we were wet and cold all over, and quickly ran to the car to change clothes.
Tips:
1. Guanmen Mountain Address: Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park, Xiaoshi Town, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province
2. Ticket price is 90 yuan per person and parking fee is 10 yuan.
3. Recommended route: Take a sightseeing bus to Mingcui Valley, travel all the way to the top of the mountain, and then go down the mountain along the plank road. The fare is 20 yuan per person.
4. The peak season for maple leaves in Guanmen Mountain is probably mid-October. The maple leaves on October 1st are not yet at their reddest. Although the streams in Guanmen Mountain will become more abundant on rainy days, and the scenery will be more colorful and transparent, it is not recommended to go up the mountain. After personal experience, raincoats and umbrellas are not effective in protecting against rain.
DAY1: Shenda Expressway - Liaozhong Ring Expressway - Danfu Expressway Benxi - Xiaoshi Yangtang - Huanren direction - Tian Shifu - Nandian - Alkali Factory - Dongying Fangxiang - Yanghugou.
DAY2: Yanghugou – Benhuan Line – Dihua Line – Huli – Fenghou – Dashihu Scenic Area – Tiechang Line – Xiaocao Line – Huaximu Ranch – Tanggou.
DAY3: Tanggou - Guanshan Lake - Xiaocao Line Viewing Platform - Guanmen Mountain - Xiaoshi Xiaoxiao Lamb Soup - return.
Benxi experiences a significant temperature swing between morning and evening in October, with daytime temperatures reaching 20°C (75°F) and evening temperatures dropping to around 5°C (11°F) in the mountains. Winds can also be strong, so bring some warm clothing and a jacket, opting for light colors to complement the autumn colors in your photos. The scenic area has many mountain trails, so choose sneakers. Also, bring an umbrella and raincoat, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable in autumn, so be prepared for rain. Also, bring some essential medicine to prevent acclimatization.
Before setting off, check the vehicle, prepare the items you need on the road, and plan a navigation route; we drive a Toyota RAV4, which has a fuel consumption of 8-9 mpg per 100 kilometers. Prepare a fuel card. Driving an SUV on mountain roads is still a good choice. Before setting off, you must also check the weather in advance, prepare drinking water and food, download music, etc. to pass the time while driving.
We drove to Benxi during the National Day holiday. The autumn colors in some places have not yet reached their most beautiful time. I personally think that the best time to enjoy the autumn in Benxi this year is the five days before and after October 15th. The autumn colors at this time must be the most charming, and there will be much fewer people visiting than during the National Day holiday.
There are many scenic spots to choose from when driving on the Benhuan Highway. Except for Guanmen Mountain, Laobiangou and Dashi Lake, most of the scenic spots are free. When driving in Benxi, you must have eyes that are good at discovering beauty. Any autumn viewing spot will give you enough surprises. In addition to the places visited this time, I also recommend several lesser-known attractions: you can take pictures of autumn trains near Qingshiling Town, maple leaves in small wall cracks, etc. are all good attractions.
The cost of living in Benxi is not high, averaging 50 yuan per person. Entrance fees to scenic spots range from 50 to 100 yuan. The total cost of gas is about 500 yuan. Autumn is the peak season for accommodation, so prices are higher than usual. A two-night stay costs about 600 yuan. The total cost of the entire trip is 2,200 yuan.
You can choose a characteristic farmhouse, with a kang and farm-style food. A double room in the peak season costs a little over 200 yuan, and the location can be chosen near scenic spots such as Yanghugou, Laobiangou, and Dashihu. You can also choose a homestay, with a double room price ranging from 500 to 1,000 yuan, and the location can be chosen near Guanmen Mountain and Guanshan Lake. You can also choose a hot spring hotel, with a double room price ranging from 400 to 1,500 yuan. Tanggou is the most famous for hot springs, and there are also many local hot spring hotels. The most famous one should be Huaximu. It was late to book a room that day, so I didn't get one. It is said that their open-air hot spring swimming pool is very good, and the room price is around 1,000 yuan.
When you come to Benxi, you must eat Xiaoshi Lamb Soup. Some people who have not tasted it may not like it. Xiaoshi is a place name, so there are many Xiaoshi Lamb Soup restaurants. The most popular one should be Xiaoxiao Lamb Soup, which tastes really good. We had two meals of Xiaoxiao Lamb Soup when we arrived in Benxi and when we left Benxi. The two of us ordered their fried lamb chops, lamb offal soup, and ox tongue biscuits, all three of which were very good.
Tips:
The address can be used to navigate to the old store of Xiaoshi Mutton Soup brand (head office): No. 169, Yingbin Road, Xiaoshi Town, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province, with an average consumption of 70 yuan per person.
The fried lamb chops are crispy and fragrant, and a bowl of mutton soup is really stomach-warming, especially when we came out of Guanmen Mountain on the third day. We were soaked and cold all over, but I was no longer cold after drinking the mutton soup. The ox tongue biscuits are fragrant and chewy. Xiaoshi mutton soup is worth tasting.
Autumn is truly a healing season. When summer becomes a story and winter has yet to arrive, autumn brings all its beauty unexpectedly, outlining the most charming colors in the world. I always look forward to every charming autumn and the next autumn-seeking trip.
