Panjin Travel Guide

Discover Panjin, the hidden gem of Northeast China with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about cultural attractions, natural wonders, best food and drink experiences, where to stay, transportation options, and more.


Panjin is a city situated in Northeast China, in the province of Liaoning. Located in the Central Plains, Panjin is a hidden gem with a rich cultural heritage and fascinating natural wonders. It’s perfect for adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at what Panjin has to offer and help you make the most of your trip.

Introduction to Panjin

Panjin is renowned for its natural beauty and the world-famous Red Beach, which is a natural wetland covered with unique red seaweed during the autumn months. The city has a population of 1.38 million and covers an area of 4,084 square kilometers. This area is rich in mineral resources, especially oil, which has made Panjin a prosperous city.

List of Places to Visit in Panjin

There are many attractions to explore in Panjin, ranging from cultural museums and historical places to outdoor adventures and scenic views. We’ve compiled a list of must-visit destinations in Panjin.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Panjin Museum: This museum is home to a fascinating collection of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the cultural history of Panjin. It features displays on the area’s oil industry, ancient and contemporary art, and local traditions and customs.

  2. Lailong Pagoda: Built in the Tang Dynasty, this pagoda has a history of over 1,300 years. This historic site is a popular spot for visitors seeking a glimpse of China’s past.

  3. Panjin Ancient City: The ruins of this city date back to the Western Han Dynasty and span over 2,000 years of history. Visitors can explore the ancient streets, buildings, and temples, which give a peek into what life was like during the city’s heyday.

Natural Attractions of Panjin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Red Beach: This is the most popular attraction in Panjin - a natural wetland that is world-famous for its red seaweed. The best time to visit is from late August to early October, when the red seaweed blooms cover an area of over 160 square kilometers, creating a unique and stunning landscape.

  2. Dawanzi Wetland Park: The park is situated on the banks of Liaohe River and covers an area of 210 hectares. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, including the wetland birds, fish, and other aquatic animals.

  3. Panjin Shuangtaihekou Nature Reserve: This reserve is home to a vast array of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as red-crowned cranes, white-naped cranes, and black-billed gulls. The reserve offers hiking and bird-watching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Panjin

For those who love outdoor activities, Panjin offers many great hiking and biking routes that are perfect for nature lovers. Here are some of the best spots:

  1. Liaohe Estuary National Nature Reserve: This reserve offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in China, featuring miles of untouched beaches and wild forests. It’s perfect for hiking and wildlife photography.

  2. Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area: This scenic area offers numerous hiking trails, and visitors can take in stunning panoramic views of the entire city from the mountaintop.

  3. Panjin Red Beach Nature Reserve: This reserve offers various hiking trails, and visitors can explore the unique and stunning landscape of the Red Beach and its surrounding areas.

Best Things to Do in Panjin: Activities and Tours

Panjin offers a range of fun activities and guided tours to make your trip more enjoyable. Here are some popular options to consider:

  1. Red Beach Helicopter Tour: For a breathtaking view of the vast Red Beach, take a helicopter tour that will take you above this natural wonder and the surrounding wetlands.

  2. Hiking and Boat Tour Combo: A guided tour that takes you hiking through the Panjin Red Beach and gives you an entirely different perspective from a boat ride through the wetlands.

  3. Fenghuang Mountain Cable Car Ride: Take a cable car ride to the top of scenic Fenghuang Mountain for gorgeous panoramic views of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Panjin

Here is a week-long itinerary that you can follow to make the most of your time in Panjin:

  • Day 1: Visit the Panjin Museum to learn about the history of the city, then take a stroll through the Panjin Ancient City and Lailong Pagoda.

  • Day 2-4: Spend three days exploring the Red Beach, Dawanzi Wetland Park, and Shuangtaihekou Nature Reserve.

  • Day 5: Go hiking in the Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area, and then take a cable car for a stunning view of the city.

  • Day 6: Take a helicopter tour to see the Red Beach from above.

  • Day 7: Spend the morning exploring Panjin’s food and drink scene, followed by souvenir shopping.

Food and Drink Scene of Panjin

The food scene in Panjin is reputed for its seafood, and the locals take their culinary heritage seriously. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Liaoning cuisine: This local cuisine consists of unique dishes that use locally sourced ingredients such as mandarin fish, black-boned chicken, and lamb skewers.

  2. Seafood: Fresh seafood is abundant in Panjin due to its proximity to the sea. Try the grilled squid, kelp soup, and fried oysters.

Local Beverages

  1. Chrysanthemum tea: This tea is made from dried chrysanthemum flowers and is believed to have numerous health benefits.

  2. Liaohe River beer: This locally brewed beer is a must for beer lovers.

Where to Stay in Panjin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Panjin has various accommodations to cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some top-rated options:

  1. Shuangtaizi District: For those who want to stay in the heart of the city, Shuangtaizi District is the best option, with various mid-range and high-end hotels.

  2. Dawa County: This region on the outskirts of Panjin offers some stunning resorts and guesthouses, great for those who want to spend time amidst nature.

What to Buy in Panjin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to take home souvenirs and local products from Panjin, here are some options to consider:

  1. Red seaweed products: Local artisans make various handicrafts using red seaweed, such as wallets, bags, and accessories.

  2. Panjin jade: Panjin is famous for its jade, and you’ll find various products like necklaces, earrings, and figurines in shops around the city.

Local Culture and Customs of Panjin

Panjin has a rich cultural heritage that is largely influenced by its location and history. The locals practice traditional customs, and visitors are encouraged to show respect and learn about them during their visit.

Best Time to Visit Panjin

The best time to visit Panjin is during the Autumn months from late August to early October, when the famous Red Beach is at its most stunning. However, the city is enjoyable throughout the year, and different seasons have their charms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Panjin

It is essential to be mindful of cultural differences when traveling to Panjin. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting temples and other religious sites.

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Chinese to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disrespect local customs or traditions.

  • Don’t take pictures of people without their permission.

  • Don’t vent anger, frustration or raise your voice in public as it’s considered impolite.

Safety and Health

Panjin is a safe city to travel to, but it’s necessary to take precautions, as with any destination.

Safety in Panjin

  • Be vigilant of pickpocketing and scams while traveling in crowded areas.

  • Follow traffic rules while riding bicycles or motorcycles.

Health in Panjin

  • Take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent the spread of diseases such as Dengue and malaria.

  • Drink bottled water or boiled water to avoid any water-borne diseases.

Getting to Panjin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Panjin has several transportation options for travelers.

Airports Near Panjin

  1. Shenyang Taoxian International Airport: Located approximately 90 kilometers away from Panjin, this airport connects to major international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Panjin

  1. Panjin Bus Station: This station has extensive connections to various cities in China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Shenyang.

Other Options

  1. Taxis: Taxis are readily available, and the city’s street signs make it easy to navigate.

  2. Rental Cars: For those who prefer to drive themselves, car rentals are available in Panjin.

How to Get Around in Panjin

Panjin is relatively small and easy to navigate, and there are numerous transportation options available. Buses, taxis, and bicycles are readily accessible and reasonably priced.

Where to Go Next from Panjin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Panjin is an excellent base from which to explore some of the neighboring destinations, offering tours and trips to nearby locations. Here are some popular options:

  1. Shenyang: This provincial capital is a fascinating blend of old and new, and it’s only a two-hour train ride from Panjin.

  2. Dalian: This coastal city boasts some incredible architecture and beautiful beaches and is a five-hour drive from Panjin.

Conclusion

Panjin is a city of natural beauty, fascinating history, and an exciting food scene. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore a unique destination, you should definitely add Panjin to your list. We hope this guide has been helpful and informative, packing everything you need to know about one of China’s hidden gems.

Location of Panjin within Liaoning (China) Location of Panjin within Liaoning (China) Panjin Red Beach Panjin Red Beach