Benxi Travel Guide

Plan a trip to Benxi, China with this comprehensive travel guide featuring the must-visit places, the best things to do, the food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Benxi is a city in Eastern Hills, located in the northeast region of Liaoning Province in China. Benxi is a fascinating place to visit since it has a mix of natural and cultural attractions. From the city’s rich history and industrial heritage to the natural wonders of the region, there is something for everyone.

Introduction to Benxi

Benxi is a modern city in eastern Liaoning that is known for its rich history and culture, stunning scenery, and industrial heritage. The city spans an area of 8,000 square kilometers and has a population of over 1.5 million people. Benxi is home to several natural parks, scenic mountains, and up to 104 tourist attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Benxi

Benxi has a lot of interesting places to visit for any tourist. These places are divided into two categories: culturally important attractions and natural attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

There are a lot of museums and historical places to visit and explore in Benxi.

  • Benxi Shuidong National Park: This park is located in the eastern part of Benxi and is home to the country’s largest underground river system. It has a network of over one hundred caverns that are interconnected, with many containing underground rivers, waterfalls, and lakes.

  • Benxi Museum: This museum contains a comprehensive collection of artifacts from various periods in China’s history. The museum is divided into several halls, each showcasing a different type of artifact, such as pottery, calligraphy, paintings, and jade.

  • Qianshan National Park: This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Benxi. It is home to one of the Five Great Mountains of China and offers a great panorama of the city. The area features an abundance of natural attractions such as waterfalls, hot springs, and gardens.

Natural Attractions of Benxi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Benxi offers plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic views for the nature lover.

  • Benxi Water Cave: This cave is a natural wonder located in Benxi Shuidong National Park. The cave is home to the longest underground river in China, and visitors can take a boat ride to explore it.

  • Xiaoheitan National Forest Park: This park is great for hiking and camping. It includes many scenic spots like the flower garden, Changshou Lake, and Qixing Mountain.

  • Longhua Mountain: This mountain is located in the northwest of the city and is known for its natural beauty. It has several peaks, and visitors can hike along a well-defined trail to explore its natural beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Benxi

Benxi has several hiking and biking routes established for visitors to explore the great outdoors. These include:

  • Qianshan Mountain: This mountain has several trails for both hiking and cycling, and during the summer, it is famous for its scenic views of the surrounding region.

Best Things to Do in Benxi: Activities and Tours

Benxi offers several activities and tours that visitors can enjoy while exploring the city. These include:

  • Bamboo Rafting on the Shijia River: Visitors can take a scenic ride on the river on a bamboo raft and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

  • Fishing: Fishing is a traditional activity in Benxi, and visitors can enjoy it at several locations in the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Benxi

A week-long itinerary for Benxi could look like this:

  • Day 1: Qianshan National Park
  • Day 2: Xiaoheitan National Forest Park
  • Day 3: Benxi Water Cave
  • Day 4: Benxi Museum and Historical places in the city
  • Day 5: Longhua Mountain
  • Day 6: Qianshan Mountain for hiking and cycling
  • Day 7: Bamboo Rafting on the Shijia River

Food and Drink Scene of Benxi

Benxi offers a rich culinary culture with a wide range of local dishes to try and beverages that are unique to the area.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Benxi Joint Meat: This dish is made by cooking different types of meats like pork, chicken, and beef together with tofu, mushrooms, and other vegetables.

  • Benxi Preserved Vegetables: These vegetables come in a wide range of flavors, with pickled turnips being the most popular.

Local Beverages

  • Tea: Benxi is famous for its tea, and visitors can enjoy several types like green tea, black tea, and scented tea.

  • Sorghum Liquor: This liquor is made from sorghum and has a high alcohol content. It is a popular beverage served with local dishes.

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

Benxi has a variety of accommodations to cater to different budgets and preferences. The most popular accommodations in the city include:

  • Changsha Hotel Benxi: This hotel is conveniently located in the city center and offers comfortable rooms and great amenities like an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center.

  • Yueda Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located in the Longhua Mountains and offers great views of the surrounding area.

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

Benxi is famous for several local products that make great souvenirs, including:

  • Benxi Ironware: This is a traditional craft in Benxi, and iron products handcrafted in the city are unique souvenirs that visitors can take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Benxi

Benxi has a rich and vibrant culture that visitors should learn about while in the city. Respect for elders is important. Plus, observing customs during festivals and celebrations is also recommended.

Best Time to Visit Benxi

The best time to visit Benxi is during the spring, summer, or autumn months when the weather is mild and the city’s natural scenery is at its best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Benxi

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Prepare for outdoor activities appropriately.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural sites.
  • Enter religious sites without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Benxi

Benxi is a relatively safe city with low levels of violent crime. Visitors should take normal safety precautions such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding dark and isolated areas at night.

Health in Benxi

Visitors to Benxi should make sure to have up-to-date vaccinations and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and other insect bites that can cause illness.

Getting to Benxi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Benxi is easy with several options available, including air, train or bus.

Airports Near Benxi

  • Shenyang Taoxian International Airport: This airport is about 78km from Benxi.

Bus Stations Near Benxi

  • Benxi Bus Station: This is the main bus station in the city that serves several routes in the region.

Other Options

  • Train: There are several trains that operate from other cities to Benxi Railway Station.

How to Get Around in Benxi

Public transportation, taxi cabs and rental cars are all available options for getting around Benxi.

Where to Go Next from Benxi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shenyang: Shenyang is the provincial capital of Liaoning and is located about 100km away from Benxi.

Conclusion

Benxi is a city with rich culture and plenty of natural attractions for visitors to explore. By following this travel guide, you can ensure that you get the most out of your time in Benxi, China.

Benxi Watercave National Park Benxi Watercave National Park Boat ride atop crystal clear water of Benxi Watercave National Park Boat ride atop crystal clear water of Benxi Watercave National Park