Benxi

Benxi (本溪; Běnxī) is a city in eastern Liaoning, China, known for its steel and mining heritage and the forested mountains surrounding the urban area. Travellers mainly come for the Benxi Water Caves, autumn maple scenery, mountain parks and hot springs. Farther east, Huanren is home to Wunü Mountain and important Goguryeo historical sites. Many of the main attractions are outside the city centre, so allow extra travel time when planning a visit.

Benxi's history is much older than its modern industrial image suggests. Archaeological finds at Miaohoushan show that people lived in the area in prehistoric times. Farther east, Wunü Mountain in Huanren was an early Goguryeo stronghold, and remains of the mountain city can still be seen today.

Modern Benxi grew around coal, iron and steel. Heavy industry shaped the city through much of the 20th century, and that history is still visible in parts of the urban area. The contrast is quite noticeable: the city centre is industrial, while caves, forests and mountain valleys begin not far outside it.

Most visitors will spend time in three different parts of Benxi. Central Benxi has the railway station, most hotels and shopping areas, along with places such as Wangxi Park and Pingding Mountain.

Xiaoshi Town, east of the city, is the main base for Benxi Water Caves, Guanmenshan National Forest Park, Dashi Lake and nearby hot springs. Huanren is much farther east and has Wunü Mountain, Wangtian Cave and Huanlong Lake. If you plan to visit several places around Huanren, staying there for a night can save a lot of backtracking.

Benxi has four distinct seasons, with cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from about −16°C to −4°C, while July is the warmest, with temperatures around 20–29°C. Most rainfall occurs from June to August, particularly in July and August, so summer visitors should be prepared for rain.

Spring and autumn are generally mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Autumn, especially from late September to October, is a popular time to visit the surrounding mountains for maple foliage. Winters are cold and snowy, so warm clothing is essential, while summer visitors should bring light clothing, rain protection and comfortable walking shoes.

The nearest major airport is Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE), northwest of Benxi. Airport coaches run between the airport and Benxi Long-Distance Bus Station. The journey is normally around an hour, depending on traffic. If the coach schedule does not suit your flight, a taxi or ride-hailing car is the simplest alternative.

Benxi is on the Shenyang–Dandong high-speed railway, and train is usually the easiest way to arrive. From Shenyang, high-speed and D-series trains take roughly 25–45 minutes, with second-class fares usually around ¥19–29. From Dandong, most high-speed services take about 50–60 minutes. Direct trains from Dalian take roughly 2–4 hours, depending on the departure station and service.

• 41.29315123.753241 Benxi Railway Station (本溪站; Běnxī Zhàn), 3 Zhanqian Street, Pingshan District, ☏ +86 24 4202 4062. The main railway station in central Benxi, serving both high-speed and conventional trains. Taxis and city buses are available outside the station.  

Long-distance buses connect Benxi with nearby cities and towns, and are also useful for reaching places that are less convenient by rail, including Xiaoshi and Huanren. The main terminal is about 2 km northeast of Benxi Railway Station. Departure times for county and scenic-area routes can change, so check the timetable at the station before making a tight connection.

• 41.30961123.766182 Benxi Long-Distance Bus Station (本溪长客中心站; Běnxī Chángkè Zhōngxīnzhàn; Dongfen Bus Station), 166 Jiefang North Road, Mingshan District, ☏ +86 24 4385 0822. The main intercity bus terminal. Buses leave for destinations around Benxi and other parts of Liaoning, and the airport coach to Shenyang Taoxian Airport also uses this terminal.  

Air-conditioned city buses cost ¥2 per rideShenyang. They cover the railway station, shopping areas and most of the central districts, but buses become less convenient when travelling to mountain attractions outside the urban area. For Benxi Water Caves, Guanmenshan and other places around Xiaoshi, it is often easier to use a county bus, tourist service or taxi for part of the journey.

Taxis are common around Benxi Railway Station and the central districts. The current fare is ¥5 for the first 2.2 km (Oct 2026), with a ¥1 fuel surcharge per trip; after 2.2 km, the meter adds ¥1 for each 500 m (¥2 per km). The starting fare is ¥1 higher between 22:00 and 05:00. Taxis are required to use the meter.

For longer trips to attractions outside the city, the fare can rise quickly, so it is worth checking the approximate distance before leaving.

Ride-hailing apps are available in Benxi. DiDi, Banma KuaiPao and Wanshun Car-Hailing are among the more active platforms. Cars are easiest to find around the railway station, schools and other busy parts of the city. In mountain areas and around more remote attractions, there may be fewer cars available for the return journey, so arrange transport before leaving if necessary.

Benxi has been developing rules for shared bicycles, but a dependable citywide bike-sharing network should not be assumed. If shared bicycles are available where you are staying, they can be useful for short trips in the centre, but they are not practical for most of the major sights outside the city.

The area around Benxi Railway Station, the main shopping streets and Wangxi Park can be explored on foot. The city is hilly in places, however, and the main natural attractions are spread far beyond the centre, so walking is mainly useful for short trips within the urban area.

• 41.339124.0571 Spa Temple (温泉寺; Wēnquánsì), About 150 meters northwest of Benxi Tianzhu Bus Station, Bentong Road. 09:00–17:00. It is a historic attraction that combines a Buddhist temple with natural hot springs. According to historical records, the temple was founded in the late Ming dynasty by the monks Guanghui and Guangzhi. Because there was a natural hot spring beside the temple and a mountain ridge behind it, it was once known as Tangshan Temple. It was renamed Wenquan Temple in the early Qing dynasty and was renovated and expanded several times afterward.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 41.0701123.75662 Nantian Gate (南天门; Nántiānmén), Baiyu Village, Xiamatang Subdistrict, Nanfen District (along National Highway G304, between Xiamatang and Nanfen). Nantian Gate is a mountain scenic area in Baiyu Village, Nanfen District. Its name comes from a large natural opening in the rocky ridge that resembles a gateway in the mountains. The area includes steep cliffs, forested valleys, streams, the historic Nanfen mountain road and geological formations. It was once an important mountain route between Benxi and Dandong. Nantian Gate is also known as a filming location for the classic Chinese war film Heroic Sons and Daughters.  

• 41.167235125.2758763 Wangtian Cave (望天洞; Wàngtiāndòng), Wanwanchuan Village, Yahe Township, Huanren Manchu Autonomous County (bus from Benxi Railway Station to Huanren (桓仁; Huánrén) and from there a taxi), ☏ +86 24 4820 2332. 08:30–16:00; ticket sales end at 16:00. A large karst cave with underground chambers, narrow passages and limestone formations. Nearly 10 km of passages have been explored, although only part of the cave is open to visitors. The temperature inside remains cool in summer.  
• 41.2237123.81444 Dishui Cave (滴水洞; Dīshuǐdòng), 136 Nantianmen Road, Mingshan District. 07:30–18:00 from April 21 to October 10; 08:00–17:30 from January 1 to April 20 and October 11 to December 31. A mountain stream drops over a cliff more than 30 m high, forming a waterfall in front of several natural caves. The surrounding area is covered by forest and rocky slopes, making it a popular place for hiking and enjoying the scenery. The waterfall is particularly impressive after periods of rain. ¥40; a reduction to ¥20 has been proposed, check current price before visiting.  
• 41.298017124.0996665 Benxi Water Caves (本溪水洞; Běnxī Shuǐdòng), Xiejiawaizi Village, Xiaoshi Town, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, ☏ +86 24 4489 1162, +86 24 4489 1198. 08:30–16:00, with seasonal variations. A large limestone cave system divided into dry and water-filled sections. The main experience is a boat ride along the underground river, passing stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns and large cave chambers. About 2.8 km of the cave system has been developed, including a water route extending more than 2 km into the cave. The temperature inside remains around 12°C throughout the year, so a light jacket is useful even in summer. Around ¥150 for an adult ticket; prices may vary by season and ticket type.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 41.3368123.750266 Benxi Lake Park (本溪湖公园; Běnxī Hú Gōngyuán), 212 Xihu West Road, Xihu District, ☏ +86 24 4583 6627. Open 24 hours. Benxi Lake Park is a small historic park built around Benxi Lake, a spring-fed cave lake closely connected with the origin of the city's name. Visitors can see water flowing from the limestone cave into the lake, especially during the wetter months from May to October. Paths lead up the surrounding hillside and offer views over Xihu District. The park is relatively small, so it is better suited to a short visit than a half-day trip. Entry is free, and the park can be combined with other attractions in central Benxi. Free.  
• 41.099984124.4800027 Dashi Lake Scenic Area (大石湖风景名胜区; Dàshíhú), Xinchengzi Village, Dongyingfang Township, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, ☏ +86 24 4331 8888，+86 24 4331 9999Phone with wrong format. Apr 19–Oct 31, 08:00–17:00; last entry 17:00. Dashi Lake Scenic Area is a mountain-valley scenic area with lakes, streams, waterfalls, forest trails and rocky slopes. The main area includes Wulong Lake, where several pools and waterfalls are arranged along the valley, as well as Bingling Gorge and Mulan Valley. The scenery changes with the seasons: spring and summer are good for walking and viewing streams, while autumn is popular for colorful foliage. Some sections involve uneven mountain paths, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The site is fairly large, so allow several hours if you want to explore beyond the entrance area. Around ¥52–60 for an adult ticket; combination tickets with boat rides cost more.  

• 41.137806124.1490638 Guanmenshan National Forest Park (关门山国家森林公园), Chenying Village, Xiaoshi Town, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County (one hours bus ride from Benxi Long Distance Bus Station, alternatively a taxi will be around ¥100 one way), ☏ +86 24-46358366. 08:00-16:30; last entry 16:00. A forest park with mountain valleys, streams and hiking trails. It is especially busy in autumn, when the maple leaves change colour. Some trails involve uphill walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. ¥60.  
• 41.297514125.3943739 Wunu Mountain (五女山; Wǔnǚshān), 33 Taishan Road, Huanren Town, Huanren Manchu Autonomous County, ☏ +86 24 4819 6666. 08:00–17:00 Ticket sales end at 16:00. It is known for its steep cliffs, forest scenery, and views over Huanlong Lake. The mountain is also an important archaeological site, containing the remains of an early Goguryeo mountain city. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom. Visitors can hike, enjoy panoramic views, and explore the historical remains on the mountain. ¥70.  
• 41.293399124.3373910 Jiuding Tiecha Mountain (九顶铁刹山; Jiǔdǐngtiěchàshān), Xiaozhangbao Village, Tieshashan Village, Tianshifu Town, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, ☏ +86 24 4615 2999，+86 24 4682 7466Phone with wrong format. 08:00–16:30; ticket sales end at 15:30. A mountain area known for hiking routes, caves, temples and sites connected with Daoist history in northeastern China. The terrain is steep in places, so allow enough time for the climb. Check current ticket price before visiting.  
• 41.287683123.76321111 Wangxi Park (望溪公园; Wàngxīgōngyuán), Renmin Road, Pingshan District, ☏ +86 24 4282 0657. 07:30–21:00, daily. A large urban park on a hill in central Benxi, with walking paths, trees and viewpoints over the city. It is mainly used by local residents for walking, exercise and recreation.  
• 41.270811123.78853912 Benxi Pingdingshan Forest Park (平顶山森林公园; Píngdǐngshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán), Pingdingshan Huanshan Road, ☏ +86 24 4356 8599. 08:30–15:30. An urban forest park on Pingding Mountain, with hiking paths and viewpoints over central Benxi and the Taizi River. The climb can be fairly steep in sections. Free entry is commonly reported; cable car and some activities may require separate payment.  
• 41.246944124.13055613 Miaohoushan Site (庙后山遗址; Miàohòushān Yízhǐ), East of Shanchengzi Village, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County (On the southern slope of Miaohoushan, east of Shanchengzi Village. The archaeological site is outside the main urban area of Benxi, so private transport or a taxi is more practical.). Miaohoushan Site is a Paleolithic cave site on the southern slope of Miaohoushan. Archaeological excavations have uncovered human teeth, stone and bone tools, animal fossils and traces of fire, providing evidence of early human activity in northeastern China. The site is a nationally protected cultural heritage site rather than a conventional tourist attraction, and public access may be limited. Visitors interested in archaeology should check local access conditions before making a special trip.  

• 41.158763125.0937731 Daya River Rafting (大雅河漂流; Dàyǎ Hé Piāoliú), Laomanzi Village, Pulerbao Town, Huanren Manchu Autonomous County, ☏ +86 24 4821 9888. Apr 19–Oct 31, 10:30–14:00; last entry 13:00. Daya River Rafting is a seasonal rafting route through a mountain valley near Huanren. The official scenic-area description gives the rafting route as about 6.6 km, with alternating faster and calmer sections as the river narrows and widens. The surrounding area has forested slopes and exposed sandstone formations. Expect to get wet, so quick-drying clothes, secure footwear and a change of clothes are useful. Rafting may be suspended or adjusted because of heavy rain, low water levels or other weather conditions, so check with the scenic area before making a special trip. Ticket prices vary. Current online packages combining Longxi Valley and rafting start at about ¥138.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 41.32504123.685152 Dongfeng Lake Ice and Snow World (东风湖冰雪大世界（Dōngfēng Hú Bīngxuě Dàshìjiè）), Sanhuichang Village, Dongfeng Subdistrict, Xihu District (About 8 km from central Benxi. A taxi or ride-hailing car is the easiest way to get there.), ☏ +86 24 4599 7288. Winter only; usually around 09:00–16:30. Check the current season's opening dates and hours before travelling. A winter ski and snow-play area at Dongfeng Lake Resort. It has beginner, intermediate and advanced ski runs, as well as snow tubing and other ice and snow activities. It is relatively close to central Benxi, making it easier to visit than some of the mountain attractions farther outside the city. Opening dates depend on snow conditions, so check before travelling. Varies by season and ticket package.  (updated Oct 2026)

• Benxi International Maple Leaf Festival (本溪（国际）枫叶节; Běnxī Guójì Fēngyè Jié), Events take place at several locations across Benxi; the 2026 opening ceremony was held at the Benxi Lake Industrial Heritage Complex. Late September to October，2026 opening: September 28. An annual autumn festival held during Benxi's maple-leaf season. Events usually include cultural performances, markets, photography exhibitions and activities at scenic areas around the city. Peak foliage varies each year depending on the weather. Many public activities are free, although admission fees may apply at individual scenic areas. Many public activities are free; admission fees may apply at individual scenic areas. (updated Oct 2026)
• Benxi Ice and Snow Festival (本溪冰雪节; Běnxī Bīngxuě Jié), Dongfeng Lake Ice and Snow World and other winter venues across Benxi. Winter, usually December to February. An annual winter festival featuring ice-and-snow activities, winter sports, snow games, performances and seasonal events. The 2025 festival opened at Dongfeng Lake Ice and Snow World on January 18. Activities generally continue through the winter snow season, usually from mid-January to late February, although the programme and closing date vary depending on weather and snow conditions. (updated Oct 2026)

• Daily Markets on Dongming Second Road. Dongming Second Road (东明二路) is a bustling pedestrianised street located just north of Wangxi Park, stretching from Renmin Road to Beiguang Road. The daily markets here offer a vibrant array of goods, including fresh fruit, vegetables, homeware, and clothing. Alongside the market stalls, you’ll find coffee shops and street food vendors that add to the lively atmosphere. In the morning, the street comes alive with locals shopping for their daily produce, making it a vibrant and energetic experience—though perhaps not for the faint-hearted, as it can get quite crowded!

• 41.282707123.7580981 Haihexian Stove-Pot Fish & Steamed Seafood (Detai Branch) (海河鲜灶台鱼·蒸汽海鲜（德太店）; Hǎihéxiān Zàotái Yú · Zhēngqì Hǎixiān (Détài Diàn)), 50 m north of the intersection of Jiefang South 2nd Road and Zhuanshan Road, Pingshan District, ☏ +86 024 45590111. 09:30–22:00 daily. Specializes in stove-pot fish, steamed seafood and northeastern Chinese dishes. Private rooms and large tables are available, making it suitable for groups or shared meals. Paid parking is available nearby. Portions are generally intended for sharing, so groups may find it easier to order several dishes together Around ¥53 per person.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 41.182158123.8451282 Guxiangxi Courtyard (故乡溪小院; Gùxiāngxī Xiǎoyuàn), Beiyao Line, Sishanling Subdistrict, Nanfen District (Along Beiyao Line in Sishanling Subdistrict, Nanfen District.), ☏ +86 13841482255. 09:00–22:00 daily. A countryside-style restaurant serving northeastern Chinese farmhouse dishes, with an emphasis on freshwater fish. Menu items include grilled fish, smoked fish rolls, fish-tail tofu stew, fish-head soup and seasonal vegetable dishes. Private rooms and large tables are available for groups, and free parking is provided. Around ¥110 per person.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 41.296726124.1310763 Xinghong Lamb Soup (兴洪羊汤; Xīnghóng Yángtāng), 90 Chunguang Road, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, ☏ +86 13372883999. 09:00–21:00 daily. A local restaurant specializing in lamb soup and northeastern Chinese home-style dishes. Popular menu items include lamb soup, fried lamb chops, Xiaoshi-style potato slices, fried river shrimp and tofu dishes. Private rooms and large tables are available for groups, and free parking is provided. Pets are allowed. Around ¥50 per person.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 41.296274124.1312654 Huafu Lamb Soup Restaurant (Xiaoshi Main Store) (华福羊汤馆（小市总店）; Huáfú Yángtāngguǎn (Xiǎoshì Zǒngdiàn)), Shop 1, North Building 25, Chunguang Road, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County (On Chunguang Road, in the Lishui Jiayuan area.). 08:30–21:00 daily. A local restaurant specializing in lamb soup and northeastern Chinese dishes. Common choices include lamb soup, fried lamb chops, lamb skewers, corn cakes, fish dishes, fried river shrimp and red-mushroom potato slices. Private rooms and large tables are available for groups, and free parking is provided. Around ¥68 per person.  (updated Oct 2026)

• Rushi Bar (如是映画), 138 North Jiefang Road, Mingshan District. Located just a few minutes' walk from the Yitel Hotel, this unique venue serves as a photography studio by day, showcasing equipment in a functional space, and transforms into a relaxed bar by night. Patrons can enjoy drinks surrounded by the intriguing backdrop of studio gear, creating a laid-back atmosphere. The bar offers a decent choice of bottled import IPAs and wheat beers, along with a good selection of cocktails. Open from 17:00 until 00:30.
• Guangyan Craft Beer Bar (啤酒罐贴纸), 39 Yuming Road, Mingshan District. A craft beer bar that offers a range of beers all brewed on-site, including IPAs, wheat beers, and various flavoured options starting from ¥15. Open from 14:00 to 00:00.

• 41.3123.761 Halian Business Hotel (本溪海联酒店), 29 Jiefang North Road, Mingshan District, ☏ +86 24 4277 7777. This budget hotel is located just north of Benxi train station, offering rooms from around ¥130 per night.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 41.294044123.7595252 Home Inn Selected (Benxi Railway Station) (如家商旅酒店（本溪火车站店）Rújiā Shānglǚ Jiǔdiàn), 1 Jiefang South Road, Pingshan District, ☏ +86 24 4217 9999. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A mid-range chain hotel next to Benxi railway station, about a 2-minute walk from the station exit. It is convenient for travellers arriving by train and for those taking buses to attractions such as Benxi Water Caves and Guanmenshan. The hotel has a breakfast room, laundry facilities and luggage storage, while shops and restaurants are within walking distance. A practical choice for a short stay or an early train departure. Around ¥150–200 per night; prices vary by date and room type.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 41.296533123.762353 Guanting Holiday Hotel (本溪冠廷假日酒店（本溪火车站店）; Běnxī Guàntíng Jiàrì Jiǔdiàn (Běnxī Huǒchēzhàn Diàn)), No. 4 Shengli Road, Pingshan District (About 450 m from Benxi Railway Station, roughly a 5–8-minute walk.), ☏ +86 24 4874 8888. Check-in: After 14:00, check-out: Before 12:00. The hotel has a restaurant, fitness room, laundry facilities, luggage storage, meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi and free parking. A buffet breakfast is served from 07:00 to 09:30 for about ¥28 per person. Shops, restaurants and Shifu Square are within walking distance. The front desk is open 24 hours, and the hotel accepts international guests. Around ¥200–300 per night; prices vary by date and room type.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 41.312544123.7699694 Yitel Collection (Benxi Passenger Transport Terminal) (和颐至尚酒店（本溪客运站店）; Héyí Zhìshàng Jiǔdiàn (Běnxī Kèyùnzhàn Diàn)), No. 141 Jiefang North Road, Mingshan District, ☏ +86 24 4487 7777. Check-in: After 14:00, check-out: Before 12:00. The hotel has two restaurants, a fitness room, free guest laundry, luggage storage, meeting facilities, free Wi-Fi, free parking and food-delivery robots. Chinese and Western buffet breakfast is served from 07:00 to 10:00 and costs about ¥38 for adults. Rooms include heating and air conditioning, and many have voice-controlled lighting, curtains and other room functions. The front desk is open 24 hours, and the hotel accepts international guests. Around ¥200–280 per night; prices vary by date and room type. Recent listings show rates starting at roughly ¥200.  (updated Oct 2026)

The Benxi Shuidong National Park (本溪水洞国家公园 Běnxī Shuǐdòng Guójiāgōngyuán) is a large system of flooded caves which can be explored by boat. There are minibuses from Benxi Train Station.