Welcome to Benxi, Liaoning

🌆Benxi, Liaoning — An Underrated Treasure Travel Destination

Hello everyone👋, today I must highly recommend Benxi, Liaoning! It’s like a beauty hidden away, boasting stunning natural scenery and unique cultural charm, yet often overlooked. Stop focusing only on popular spots, follow my guide to Benxi and start a different kind of journey!

🌟Best Time to Visit

Benxi has its own charm in every season, but autumn🍁 is the best time to travel. From late September to mid-October, Benxi looks like a spilled palette, with maple leaves covering the hills in intoxicating red—every photo is a masterpiece. In spring, enjoy blooming wildflowers; summer offers a cool escape; winter lets you experience the fun of ice and snow. No matter when you come, you’ll find unique surprises.

🚗Transportation Guide

External Transportation

● Airplane: The nearest airport to Benxi is Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. After landing, you can take the airport shuttle bus to Shenyang Station or Shenyang South Station, then transfer to a high-speed train to Benxi. The train ride takes just over ten minutes, very convenient.

● Train: Benxi has Benxi Station and Benxi Xincheng Station. Many cities have direct trains to Benxi, so you can choose the train that suits your departure city.

Internal Transportation

● Bus: Benxi’s bus routes cover most attractions, with fares generally between 1 to 2 yuan, economical and affordable.

● Taxi: Taxi starting fares are moderate, making it convenient to get around the city. If traveling with friends, splitting the fare is cost-effective.

● Car Rental: For more freedom, you can rent a car and drive yourself. Car rental prices in Benxi are reasonable, and you can stop anytime to enjoy the scenery along the way.

🏨Accommodation Recommendations

Benxi City

● City Center: Convenient transportation, complete facilities, and a variety of hotels and guesthouses at different price levels. If you want to shop and taste local food, staying downtown is a great choice.

● Along the Taizi River: Offers beautiful river views and a peaceful environment, perfect for those who prefer tranquility.

Near Scenic Areas

If you plan to visit Guanmeng Mountain or Laobian Valley, consider staying at a farmhouse near the scenic spots. You can experience rural life and save travel time.

🍲Food Guide

● Xiaoshi Lamb Soup: You must try a steaming bowl of Xiaoshi lamb soup in Benxi. Tender lamb and offal in a rich broth, topped with chopped green onions and cilantro—absolutely delicious! I recommend “Yu’s Lamb Soup Restaurant,” known for authentic flavor and loved by locals.

● Huanren Pancakes: A specialty from Huanren area, made from coarse grains, thin and crispy. They pair well with various dishes, offering a unique taste.

● Stir-fried Thorny Buds with Eggs: Thorny buds are wild vegetables from Benxi, rich in nutrients. Stir-fried with eggs, it’s fragrant and tasty—a must-try farmhouse dish.

🌈Attractions Introduction

Guanmeng Mountain National Forest Park

● Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

● Ticket Price: 90 yuan

● Opening Hours: 07:00 - 17:00

● Highlights: Known as the “Little Huangshan of Northeast China,” its autumn maple leaves are a major highlight. The colorful leaves and clear streams create a fairy-tale scene. The park has many hiking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Laobian Valley

● Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

● Ticket Price: 60 yuan

● Opening Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

● Highlights: Famous for its “elegant” scenery. The babbling streams and uniquely shaped rocks, combined with stunning autumn red leaves, are enchanting. Walking along the creek lets you enjoy nature’s peace and beauty.

Wunv Mountain

● Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

● Ticket Price: 80 yuan

● Opening Hours: 08:00 - 17:00

● Highlights: Wunv Mountain was the capital of the Goguryeo kingdom, rich in history and culture. From the summit, you can overlook Huanlong Lake, a spectacular view. The mountain also has many ancient ruins worth exploring.

Benxi Water Cave

● Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

● Ticket Price: 165 yuan

● Opening Hours: 08:30 - 16:00

● Highlights: The world’s longest water-filled karst cave, with diverse stalactite formations beautifully illuminated. Taking a boat tour inside feels like entering a mysterious underground world.

📅Itinerary Suggestions

3-Day Tour

● Day 1: Benxi Water Cave - City Food Street
    Morning: Arrive in Benxi and head straight to Benxi Water Cave to experience the wonder of the underground cave.
    Afternoon: After the cave, return to the city to stroll Food Street and taste Benxi’s specialties.
    Evening: Take a walk along the Taizi River and enjoy the night view.

● Day 2: Guanmeng Mountain National Forest Park
    All day: Explore Guanmeng Mountain, admire the maple leaves, hike, and breathe fresh air.
    Evening: Stay at a farmhouse near the park to experience rural life.

● Day 3: Wunv Mountain - Return
    Morning: Visit Wunv Mountain to learn about Goguryeo culture and enjoy views of Huanlong Lake.
    Afternoon: End the trip and prepare to return.

5-Day Tour

● Day 1: Benxi Water Cave - City Food Street
    Same as Day 1 of the 3-day tour.

● Day 2: Guanmeng Mountain National Forest Park
    Same as Day 2 of the 3-day tour.

● Day 3: Laobian Valley
    All day: Visit Laobian Valley, walk along the creek, and enjoy the red leaves and streams.
    Evening: Stay at a farmhouse near Laobian Valley.

● Day 4: Huanren County - Huanlong Lake
    Morning: Visit Huanren County and the Wunv Mountain Museum to learn about Goguryeo history and culture.
    Afternoon: Take a boat tour on Huanlong Lake and enjoy the scenery.
    Evening: Stay overnight in Huanren County.

● Day 5: Return
    Morning: Explore the county town and buy some local specialties.
    Afternoon: End the pleasant trip and head home.

💡Tips

● When visiting Benxi in autumn to see the maple leaves, temperatures can be low, so bring warm clothes.

● Follow safety rules and regulations when visiting scenic spots.

● Pay attention to food hygiene to avoid stomach issues.

Benxi is truly a treasure travel destination with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and rich culture. Follow my guide for an unforgettable trip! Pack your bags and start a spontaneous journey to Benxi now!💕