Liaoning Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Liaoning, China? This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know, from must-see attractions to food and drink scenes. Read on!
- Introduction to Liaoning
- List of Places to Visit in Liaoning
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Liaoning
- Best Things to Do in Liaoning: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Liaoning
- Food and Drink Scene of Liaoning
- Where to Stay in Liaoning: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Liaoning: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Liaoning
- Best Time to Visit Liaoning
- Do’s and Don’ts of Liaoning
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Liaoning: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Liaoning
- Where to Go Next from Liaoning: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Liaoning
Liaoning is a province located in the northeast of China. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder why Liaoning is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.
List of Places to Visit in Liaoning
If you’re planning a trip to Liaoning, make sure to add these top attractions to your itinerary:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Shenyang Imperial Palace: Built in 1625, the Shenyang Imperial Palace is an impressive complex that served as the imperial palace of the Qing Dynasty.
- Mukden Palace: Also known as Fengtian Palace, this stunning palace was the former residence of the Qing emperors.
- Three Tombs: Located in Shenyang, these three tombs belonged to Emperor Nurhaci, his wife Empress Xiaoci, and their son Abahai.
Natural Attractions of Liaoning: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Benxi Shuidong National Park: This park is home to the Shuidonggou Waterfall, the largest waterfall in northern China.
- Xingcheng Ancient City: Located in Huludao, this ancient city dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is known for its stunning coastline and scenic views.
- Wunü Mountain: This mountain range is popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its picturesque landscapes and winding trails.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Liaoning
Liaoning offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, with endless biking and hiking routes to explore. There are many popular trails in the province, including:
- Fudong Road Trail: Located in Shenyang, this trail offers gorgeous views of the city, as well as nearby rivers and mountains.
- Shenyang Olympic Park Trail: This trail, located near the Olympic Stadium, offers a perfect blend of nature and modernity.
- Dalian Binhai Road Cycling Route: This scenic route is popular among cyclists, with its breathtaking coastal views and winding terrain.
Best Things to Do in Liaoning: Activities and Tours
Besides the attractions, there are many other things to see and do in Liaoning, including:
- Skiing in Yabuli Ski Resort: With its world-class facilities and beautiful mountain landscapes, Yabuli Ski Resort is a must-visit for skiers and snowboarders.
- Taking a hot spring tour: Liaoning is home to dozens of hot springs, offering a relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Visiting the Liaoning Acrobatics Theater: This theater in Shenyang is known for its gravity-defying performances and breathtaking stunts.
Week-Long Itinerary for Liaoning
If you have a week to spend in Liaoning, here’s a suggested itinerary:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Shenyang Imperial Palace and Beiling Park |
| Day 2 | Explore Mukden Palace and the Shenyang Botanical Garden |
| Day 3 | Visit the Fuling Tomb and the Bird Island |
| Day 4 | Hike the Wunü Mountain trails |
| Day 5 | Relax in one of Liaoning’s many hot springs |
| Day 6 | Visit Dalian Tiger Beach and Xinghai Square |
| Day 7 | Ski in Yabuli Ski Resort and take in the beautiful scenery |
Food and Drink Scene of Liaoning
When it comes to food and drink, Liaoning has plenty to offer. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Laobian Dumplings: These dumplings, originating from Shenyang, are filled with minced meat and vegetables, and are famous for their thin skin.
- Guandong stir-fried rice cakes: This dish, made from rice cakes, sliced meat, and vegetables, is traditionally cooked over an open flame and is a popular street food in Liaoning.
- Dongbei Suan Cai Yu: This fish dish is served in a sour and spicy soup, made with pickled cabbage and green peppers.
Local Beverages
- Dongbei Baijiu: This strong liquor is made from sorghum or wheat and is a popular drink in northeast China.
- Gao Shan Cha: A type of green tea grown in Liaoning, Gao Shan Cha is known for its earthy flavor and fresh aroma.
Where to Stay in Liaoning: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options in Liaoning, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular choices include:
- Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang: This 5-star hotel is located in downtown Shenyang and offers elegant rooms, a spa, and multiple restaurants.
- Dalian Yijia Express Hotel: This budget hotel in Dalian offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
- Green Tree Inn, Benxi Glyn Middle Road: This hotel in Benxi offers convenient access to the local attractions, with clean and modern rooms.
What to Buy in Liaoning: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking to buy souvenirs or gifts to bring back home, Liaoning has plenty of options. Some popular choices include:
- Wood carvings: Liaoning is known for its intricate wood carvings, with many local artists creating beautiful pieces of art.
- Pearls: The province is also famous for its freshwater pearls, which make for a unique and stylish souvenir.
- Chinese Medicines: With its long history of traditional Chinese medicine, Liaoning is a great place to purchase herbal remedies and supplements.
Local Culture and Customs of Liaoning
Liaoning has a rich cultural heritage, with many unique customs and traditions. Some things to keep in mind when visiting include:
- Respect local customs: Liaoning has a strong sense of tradition and is proud of its culture. Showing respect for local customs and traditions is essential when visiting the province.
- Dress appropriately: Dressing modestly and conservatively is expected when visiting religious or historical sites.
- Learn a few key phrases: While many locals in Liaoning speak Mandarin, some may also speak regional dialects. Learning a few key phrases can help you navigate the province more easily.
Best Time to Visit Liaoning
The best time to visit Liaoning is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable. Avoid visiting during the summer months (June to August), as temperatures can be hot and humid.
Do’s and Don’ts of Liaoning
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Liaoning:
Do:
- Try new foods: Liaoning has a diverse cuisine, with plenty of unique and delicious dishes to try.
- Be respectful: Showing respect for local customs and traditions is important in Liaoning.
- Take your time: With so much to see and do, take your time to fully explore and appreciate the province.
Don’t:
- Spit in public: Spitting in public is considered rude and disrespectful in China, including Liaoning.
- Touch people’s heads: In Chinese culture, the head is considered sacred, so touching someone’s head is seen as impolite.
- Photograph without permission: Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people in Liaoning.
Safety and Health
Liaoning is a relatively safe province to visit, with low levels of crime. However, it’s important to take normal precautions to ensure your safety, such as keeping your valuables secure and staying aware of your surroundings.
Safety in Liaoning
- Avoiding flashing expensive items in public.
- Stay alert to your surroundings.
Health in Liaoning
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- Make sure to pack any necessary medications or health products as a precautionary measure.
Getting to Liaoning: Transportation Options and Logistics
Liaoning has several airports, bus stations and train stations that offer convenient access to the province.
Airports Near Liaoning
- Shenyang Taoxian International Airport
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
- Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport
Bus Stations Near Liaoning
- Shenyang Long-distance Bus Terminal
- Dalian Long-distance Bus Terminal
- Jinzhou Long-distance Bus Terminal
Other Options
- Train: Liaoning is home to several train stations, providing easy access to other parts of China.
- Rental car: Renting a car is a great option for exploring Liaoning’s scenic countryside.
How to Get Around in Liaoning
Public transportation, such as buses and taxis, are readily available throughout Liaoning. It’s also possible to rent a car or hire a personal driver for longer trips or exploration.
Where to Go Next from Liaoning: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re looking to continue your travels after visiting Liaoning, here are a few nearby destinations to consider:
- Beijing: China’s capital city is just a few hours away from Liaoning by train or car, making it an easy and popular choice for visitors.
- Tianjin: A coastal city located in northern China, Tianjin offers a unique blend of modernity and history.
- Harbin: Known for its annual ice festival, Harbin is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience a winter wonderland.
Conclusion
Liaoning is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to northeast China. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hike the Wunü Mountain trails or relax in one of Liaoning’s many hot springs, this province has it all.
