Liaoning In-Depth Travel Guide (2024 Latest Edition)

I. Essential Pre-Trip Guide** ✅ **Best Time to Visit**: - **May–October**: Best time to visit coastal cities (swim in the sea in July and August) - **November–February**: Ice and snow season (Shenyang Imperial Palace snow scenery/ski resorts open) - **Avoid**: March–April, when there are more sandstorms ✅ **Transportation**: - ✈️ Plane: Shenyang Taoxian Airport (international hub)/Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport - 🚄 High-speed rail: Well-developed high-speed rail network in the province (Shenyang → Dalian 1.5 hours) - 🚗 Self-driving: Coastal Highway (Dalian-Dandong section is stunning) ✅ **What to Wear**: - Windproof jacket for coastal cities - Down jacket + non-slip shoes are required in winter (common temperature is -15℃) --- II. Must-Visit Cities and Attractions** **📍 Shenyang (History and Modernity)** - **Shenyang Imperial Palace** (Manchu characteristics are stronger than the Forbidden City in Beijing) - **Zhang's Mansion** (Witness to the vicissitudes of the Republic of China) - **Newly opened in 2024**: China Industrial Museum Smart Interactive Exhibition Area **📍 Dalian (Romantic City)** - **Xinghai Square** (Asia's largest city square) - **Binhai Road Hiking** (3 new glass plank roads) - **Jinshitan** (Geological wonders + Discovery Kingdom amusement park) **📍 Dandong (Border Town Scenery)** - **Yalu River Broken Bridge** (Must take a cruise to see North Korea) - **Hushan Great Wall** (Eastern starting point of the Ming Great Wall) - **New rules in 2024**: Hekou Scenic Area requires reservation 1 day in advance **📍 Benxi (Natural Wonders)** - **Benxi Water Cave** (The world's longest underground river that can be explored by boat) - **Guanmen Mountain** (Traffic warning for the Maple Leaf Festival in October) **📍 Anshan (Religious Culture)** - **Qianshan Scenic Area** ("Pearl of Northeast China", a Buddhist holy site) - **Jade Buddha Garden** (World's largest jade Buddha) --- III. New Experiences in 2024** 🏭 **Industrial Tourism**: - Shenyang BMW Factory VR Experience Hall - Dalian Shipyard Sightseeing Corridor (reservation required in advance) 🎿 **Ice and Snow Activities**: - Fushun Regao Paradise adds an indoor ski resort - Shenyang Qipanshan Ice and Snow World Night Light Show 🌸 **Seasonal Limited**: - Dalian Lushun Cherry Blossom Festival (late April) - Panjin Red Beach (the seepweed is reddest in September) --- IV. Authentic Food Map** 🍢 **Must-Eat List**: - Shenyang: Lao Bian Dumplings + Chicken Rack (recommended Qin Ji Chicken Rack) - Dalian: Stuff fried jelly + Seafood Barbecue (Zheng Huangqi Seafood Barbecue Food Stall) - Dandong: Fried clams with Zha Zi - Jinzhou: Barbecue (everything can be grilled) 🍺 **Featured Drinks**: - Shenyang Lao Xuehua Beer ("Mendao Lv" has a strong after-effect) - Dalian Soda (Taste of childhood) --- V. Recommended Classic Itineraries** **🏙️ 4 Days and 3 Nights City Tour** Day 1: Shenyang (Imperial Palace + Zhongjie) Day 2: Dalian (Xinghai Square + Binhai Road) Day 3: Dandong (Yalu River + Hushan Great Wall) Day 4: Benxi Water Cave → Return trip **❄️ 5 Days and 4 Nights Winter Tour** Day 1-2: Shenyang (Ice and Snow World + Bathing Experience) Day 3-4: Anshan (Qianshan Skiing + Hot Springs) Day 5: Liaoyang (Guangyou Temple + White Pagoda) --- VI. Accommodation Guide** 🏨 **Featured Recommendations**: - Shenyang: Conrad Hotel (Northeast's tallest hotel) - Dalian: The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel (European-style castle) - Dandong: River View Room (overlooking North Korea's night view) 💰 **Money-Saving Tips**: - Choose subway lines in Shenyang (Lines 1 and 2 are the most convenient) - Half price for five-star hotels in the off-season (March-April) --- VII. Avoiding Pitfalls** ⚠️ **Precautions**: - Most of the beaches in Dalian are pebble beaches (prepare beach shoes) - It is strictly forbidden to take pictures or videos of North Korea on the Dandong border - The temperature inside Benxi Water Cave is 12℃ all year round (bring a coat) 💸 **Consumption Tips**: - Keep an eye on the weighing in the seafood market (plastic bags may be filled with water) - Ask about the prices of extra services in Shenyang bathhouses --- **VIII. Photography Paradise** 📸 **Best Spots**: 1. Dalian Xinghai Bay Cross-Sea Bridge Sunset 2. Shenyang Imperial Palace Red Wall Snow Scene 3. Dandong Yalu River Broken Bridge North Korean side 4. Panjin Red Beach aerial photography --- **IX. Special Tips** • **Dialect Differences**: Dalian dialect has Jiaodong accent (different from Northeastern dialect) • **Cultural Experience**: Shenyang bathing culture is a must-try (recommended Qinghe Peninsula) • **Featured Transportation**: Dalian Tram (Route 201 vintage line) **🏭 Local Suggestions**: Liaoning tourism should be a "mixed experience" — visiting industrial relics in the morning, soaking in hot springs in the afternoon, and eating barbecue in the evening is the authentic Liaoning lifestyle! Take this guide with you and experience the unique mountain, sea, and industrial charm of the eldest son of the Republic! 🌉🏖️