### Benxi Hidden Gem | Escape the Crowds & Unlock a 2-Day Stunning Autumn Getaway

| Escape the crowds & unlock a 2-day autumn wonderland itinerary.### 🌿 Benxi Secret Realm | Crowd-Free 2D1N Autumn Escape (With Hidden Photo Spots)

**📍 Itinerary: Symphony of Fall Colors & Geological Wonders**
**Day1: Geological Marvels + First Taste of Maple Forests**
- **Morning**: Head straight to "Benxi Water Cave" – the world's longest water-filled karst cave! Cruise through underground rivers at a constant 12°C, where stalactites transform into jade elephants and galaxies under colored lights (boat ticket included in ¥140 combo pass).
⚠️ *Tips*: Slippery inside – wear anti-slip shoes! Bring a light jacket, and turn off flash to protect stalactites.
- **Afternoon**: Shoot prehistoric petrified wood at "Petrified Wood Kingdom" near the cave, or hike to free secret valleys behind the mountain.
- **Evening**: 30-min drive to "Guanmen Mountain" foothills. Stay at viral homestay "Xiaoshi Yizhuang" – a Northeastern "Jiangnan-style" retreat! Must-try: freshly made scallion pancakes. Overnight in Manchu-style rooms (~¥300/night).

**Day2: Maple Immersion + Cultural Finale**
- **Full day at "Guanmen Mountain"**: Liaoning's #1 maple viewing spot! Take ¥20 shuttle uphill, hike down via wooden trails (7hrs total). Key spots:
✅ **Maple King**: Scarlet leaves like burning flames (best shots at dawn)
✅ **Dragon Gate Gorge**: Capture crimson leaves reflected in streams (low-angle shots)
✅ *Hidden gem*: Secluded "Singing Emerald Valley" at summit (requires ¥20 private transfer)
- **Alternative**: Add "Maple Valley" glass walkway for aerial red-sea views (1.5hrs from Guanmen).

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**🚗 Budget Transport Hacks**
- **From Shenyang**: 20-min bullet train to Benxi Station (¥15), then tourist bus to Water Cave (40min/¥15).
- **Self-drive**: Shen-Dan Expressway → Benxi North Exit → Benhuan Highway (1hr total, ¥10/day parking).

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**🍲 Must-Eat Benxi Delicacies**
1. **Xiaoshi Lamb Soup**: Visit iconic "Xiaoxiao Yangtang"! Tripe soup + fried ribs + ox-tongue biscuits (¥70/pax).
2. **Làgǔ Tofu**: Benxi-exclusive! River-crustacean pudding with velvety texture (available at Xiaoshi Yizhuang).
3. **Tiecha Mountain Taoist Vegetarian Feast**: Wild mushrooms & tofu stew – light yet flavorful.

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**⚠️ Pro Tips**
- **Peak Avoidance**: Best foliage Sept 25-Oct 10; skip first 3 days of National Week.
- **Tickets**: Book Guanmen/Water Cave tickets 30 days early via "Benxi Smart Tourism" platform (student discounts available).
- **Skip**: Huli Village's sparse maples aren't worth the detour.

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**📸 Offbeat Experiences**
- **Wunü Mountain Morning Mist**: New UNESCO site! Summit views of Huanlong Lake clouds + cliffside ruins (2hrs from downtown).
- **Hot Spring Temple Snow Soak**: Winter-only! Nurhachi's imperial 44°C alkaline springs (pair with rainbow trout feast).

> **Autumn Epistle**: Benxi's maples live not just on branches, but in stream reflections, lamb-soup steam, and ancient cave sediments. Bring a slow-travel heart for Northeast China's most vibrant color explosion!