3 Days 2 Nights in Benxi in the Golden Autumn, Enjoy the Capital of Chinese Maple Leaves, Experience the Poetic Northeast!

Benxi in late October is a fairy tale world set ablaze by red leaves—
Forests dyed in layers, mountains covered in red, maples, birches, oaks, and lindens intertwine into a sea of crimson waves,
Known as "the place with the reddest maple leaves in China."
With a slow pace, fewer crowds, and wild scenery, it’s perfect for a relaxed autumn trip with your parents!

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🗓 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Benxi → Stay by the hot spring temple in the small town at night
Take the high-speed train/bullet train directly to [Benxi Station] (about 1.5 hours from Shenyang/Dalian), then taxi to Xiaoshi Town or near the hot spring temple (about 40 RMB).
Check into a unique guesthouse or hot spring hotel (under 500 RMB/night), take an evening stroll along the Taizi Riverbank, and enjoy an authentic iron pot stew with sauerkraut and pork belly, warming you to the heart.

Day 2: In-depth tour of Guanmenshan National Forest Park
The main attraction of the day—[Guanmenshan] (ticket 90 RMB),
Known as the "Little Yellow Mountain of Northeast China," mid-October is peak red leaf season!
Hike the wooden plank trails through the colorful valley, recommended route:
🍁 Maple King Peak Viewing Platform → Red Leaf Valley → Peach Blossom Garden → Little Dragon Gate, all flat and easy, suitable for elders to complete comfortably.
In the afternoon, you can visit [Dashihu] (ticket 60 RMB) or soak in a hot spring on the way back to relax.

Day 3: Explore Benxi Water Cave + Return
In the morning, visit Asia’s longest underground river—[Benxi Water Cave] (including boat ticket 120 RMB), take a boat through the karst cave, cool and magical, parents will love this "story-filled" attraction.
After exiting the cave, stroll around, buy some Huanren mountain products, frozen pears, and millet crisps as souvenirs, then head back.

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💰 Budget Details (per person):
- Transportation (round-trip high-speed train + local taxis): 800 RMB
- Accommodation: 500×2 = 1000 RMB
- Food + snacks: 100×3 = 300 RMB
- Tickets + boat + local transport: 300 RMB
✅ Total: about 2400 RMB, with a 3000 RMB budget you can travel comfortably and even upgrade to a hot spring room!

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This autumn, don’t just focus on the ginkgo in the south,
Come to Benxi, step into a burning red dream,
Let your parents smile as brightly as childhood at the end of the maple leaves.