The truth can be harsh, and this is the current state of Benxi.

🌄 Hello, everyone! The breeze in May is gentle and pleasant, making it the perfect time to travel! If you haven't decided where to go yet, why not come to Benxi? With its picturesque landscapes and natural charm, it's sure to give you an unforgettable travel experience. Next, I'll share this super-detailed Benxi travel guide for May with everyone~ 📍 Location: Benxi is located in the southeast of Liaoning Province, surrounded by cities such as Shenyang and Dandong. It has a prime geographical location and convenient transportation. No matter where you're coming from, you can easily reach it. 🚗 Transportation Guide: ✈️ By Plane: Benxi doesn't have an airport, but it's very close to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, about 60 km away. From the airport, you can take an airport bus directly to Benxi city center. The journey takes about 1 hour, and the ticket price is very affordable, making it very convenient. 🚄 By High-Speed Train: Benxi has Benxi Station and Benxi New City Station. If you're traveling from Shenyang, the high-speed train can get you there in as little as half an hour. There are many trains, so travel times are very flexible. 🚌 By Bus: Benxi's bus system is relatively complete, and it can take you to most of the main attractions in the city. Download the Benxi Bus APP before you travel to check routes and times at any time, which is super convenient. 🚕 By Taxi: The starting price is CNY 5 (within 3 km), and then CNY 1.5 per km. Remember to confirm the pricing method with the driver before you travel. 🚗 By Car: Driving gives you a high degree of freedom. You can arrange your itinerary freely and stop at any time to enjoy the scenery along the way. However, there are many mountain roads in Benxi, so be sure to drive safely and cautiously. 📅 3 Days and 2 Nights Itinerary: 🎈 Day 1: Benxi Water Cave → Guanmenshan National Forest Park Morning: 🌊 Head to Benxi Water Cave, a national 5A scenic spot and the world's longest water-filled cave that can be explored by boat. Once inside, take a boat through the underground river. Under the colorful lights, the stalactites of various shapes are magnificent. Don't miss the "Jade Elephant Drinking Water" and "Snow Mountain Reflecting the Sun" landscapes. 📍 Tips: The temperature inside the cave is around 12℃ all year round, so be sure to bring a light jacket. If you're afraid of the cold, you can also rent a warm coat in the scenic area. It is recommended to arrive before 8am to avoid the peak crowds. Afternoon: 🌳 Come to Guanmenshan National Forest Park. In May, the forests here are gradually turning green, and the streams are gurgling. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk is like being in a natural oxygen bar. It is recommended to visit the "Mingcui Valley" and "Maple King" viewing spots to experience the charm of nature. 💰 Ticket Price: CNY 90 for adults, including the shuttle bus in the scenic area. If you don't want to walk, you can take the bus directly to various attractions. Evening: Choose a hot spring hotel near Xiaoshi Town, and soak in a hot spring to wash away the fatigue of the day. Huaxi Mu and Fengxiang Valley are good choices. 🎈 Day 2: Dashi Lake Scenic Area → Laobiangou Scenic Area Morning: 🌊 Dashi Lake Scenic Area is the source of the Taizi River. The waterfalls are magnificent. Walking along the trail, you can also see the "Five Dragon Lake" waterfall group. In May, the mountain flowers are just beginning to bloom, making it a beautiful place to take pictures. It's simply a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 📍 Transportation: You can drive or charter a car to get there. The parking fee at the scenic spot is CNY 10. Afternoon: 🌳 Laobiangou Scenic Area is famous for its maple leaves. Although May is not the season to see red leaves, the spring valley is quiet and peaceful, making it perfect for hiking. Stroll along the stream, admire the "Black Bear Gazing at the Moon" and "Nine-Bend Sky Water" attractions, and enjoy a leisurely time. 💰 Ticket Price: CNY 60, and the tour takes about 3 hours. Evening: Back in Xiaoshi Town, be sure to try the local specialty, Xiaoshi Mutton Soup. Baoxiang, Limei, and other old restaurants are recommended. The mutton soup is free to refill, and it's absolutely delicious when paired with a baked wheaten cake! 🎈 Day 3: Wunv Mountain Scenic Area → Huanlong Lake Cruise Morning: 🌄 Wunv Mountain is the birthplace of the ancient Goguryeo Dynasty and a World Heritage Site. Climb to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Huanlong Lake. There are also Goguryeo Royal City ruins on the mountainside, including the remains of city walls and palace foundations. History buffs should not miss it. 📍 Tips: The mountain is a bit steep, so remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes. Tickets are CNY 80, and the scenic area has a shuttle bus that can take you to the entrance of the mountain. Afternoon: 🚢 Come to Huanlong Lake and take a cruise on one of the largest freshwater lakes in Northeast China. The islands in the lake are scattered like stars. It is recommended to explore Wanle Island. After the lake tour, take a detour to Tanghe Ancient Town to experience the Manchu folk customs. You can also visit the Manchu Museum to learn more about Manchu culture. 📌 Useful Tips: 1. Ticket Purchase: It is recommended to purchase a combo ticket in advance through a travel platform, such as the Benxi Water Cave + Guanmenshan combo ticket, which can save you a lot of money. Some scenic spots also offer half-price discounts for students and the elderly, so remember to bring relevant documents. 2. Accommodation Options: ◦ High-End Enjoyment: Huaxi Mu Hot Spring Hotel not only has comfortable rooms, but also comes with a private hot spring, allowing you to enjoy a private hot spring time. The price is about CNY 1,000/night. ◦ Value for Money Choice: Budget hotels in Xiaoshi Town are priced at CNY 200–300/night, and it is very convenient to travel and eat. 3. Precautions: ◦ The temperature difference between day and night in the mountainous areas of Benxi is large, so remember to bring a windproof jacket to avoid getting cold when going out at night. ◦ May is the peak tourist season, especially during the May Day holiday. There are large crowds of people in the scenic spots, so try to arrive at popular attractions earlier to avoid peak hours. ◦ When traveling, please protect the environment and do not litter, so that the beautiful scenery can be maintained. The landscape and cultural history of Benxi are intertwined, forming a unique charm. Come here in May to feel the gifts of nature and experience the charm of historical culture. I believe you will fall in love with this city! Pack your bags and let's go! 💖