About Benxi:
Benxi City is located in the southeastern part of Liaoning Province and is a renowned steel city in China. Rich in mineral resources, it also boasts magical and beautiful natural landscapes. The most famous attraction in Benxi is the “Benxi Water Cave.” In its “Best of China” feature, China National Geography praised the Benxi Water Cave: “Parting the clouds to glimpse the cave’s mouth, the mist clears to reveal depths untold; stalactites gush milky drops through millennia, still trickling cold to this very day.” Benxi is also known as the “hometown of maple leaves,” with the autumn scenery painted in dazzling colors. Additionally, Benxi’s hot springs are quite famous. The Hot Spring Temple, once enjoyed by Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty, is now a renowned resort for health and sightseeing.
Transportation:
Air: Benxi is relatively small and does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. Most visitors travel to Benxi by high-speed rail or bus.
Train: Benxi Railway Station is located on Jiefang South Road in the city. Buses No. 20, 25, 26, 30, 4, 5, 7, and 8 within the city can take you there.
Long-Distance Bus: Currently, Benxi has two long-distance bus stations. The Benxi Long-Distance Bus Central Station, also known as Dongfen Station, has frequent departures and serves as the main hub for long-distance travel in Benxi. The Yongfeng Station, about 300 meters south of the railway station, offers daily buses to Shenyang.
Bus: Benxi has over 20 bus routes, most of which operate on a one-yuan flat fare system.
Food:Most dining spots in Benxi are concentrated in the city’s bustling commercial areas. There are many restaurants near Yongfeng Pedestrian Street and Dongming Pedestrian Street. Dishes like grilled lamb ribs, old Sichuan flavors, spicy noodles, and malatang near Hualian Mall are popular among local youths. Visitors also enjoy the local barbecue. Other notable local foods include mushroom dishes, Panlong cakes, jadeite cakes, and pork rib and cabbage with wood ear soup.
Shopping:Liaoyan, one of China’s three famous inkstones produced in Benxi, makes for a great gift or personal keepsake. Other options include ginseng, deer antler, tender thistle shoots, and black fungus. Benxi has numerous commercial districts and malls, making shopping very convenient.
Accommodation:There are many lodging options in Benxi, and hotel prices are quite affordable. For convenience, I stayed at Jiupinjia Leisure Hotel near the Benxi Water Cave and Huaximu Hot Spring Resort, not far from Lüshigu Valley.
Best Time to Visit:Spring and autumn.
Itinerary:
DAY1: Nationwide — Benxi — Benxi Water Cave;
DAY2: Benxi Branch of China Geological Museum — Petrified Wood Kingdom Theme Park — Huaximu Hot Spring Resort;
DAY3: Lüshigu Valley — Return.
DAY1: Benxi Water Cave – A Rare Underwater Karst Cave in the World
As summer-like heat sweeps in at the tail end of late spring, people in the bustling city begin searching for a natural escape from the heat. The Benxi Water Cave is located in Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province. It officially opened to the public in the 1980s and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, serving as a prominent travel highlight for Benxi.
The Benxi Water Cave Scenic Area is currently the world’s longest underground water-filled karst cave. The cave is vast, deep, and cool, making it a newly popular summer retreat in Northeast China. With millions of visitors each year, it has been hailed as the “Treasure of the North,” the “Wonder of the World,” and “First-Class in Asia.”
Many wonder about the formation time of the Benxi Water Cave. Some say it formed hundreds of millions of years ago, while others claim it’s tens of millions of years old. However, research by experts in the late 20th century determined that the cave was formed during the early to middle stages of the Middle Pleistocene, approximately 400,000 to 500,000 years ago, initially taking shape after fissure water accumulation and tunnel expansion. The cave also displays fossils of large mammals like woolly rhinoceroses and dinosaurs from the Quaternary period, extinct long ago, offering children a vivid glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric life and fostering a sense of awe for nature.
Unlike most caves in China, the most stunning sights in the Benxi Water Cave can only be seen by boat. As you glide through the cave, you’ll truly understand the breathtaking feeling of ever-changing scenery. The winding, rippling waters blur the line between liquid and stone, while colorful light beams shoot up from the cave floor onto the inverted stalactites, creating a scene almost as mythical as the Dragon Palace described in Journey to the West.
I believe the most fascinating part of exploring an underwater karst cave is observing its bizarre stalagmites and stalactites. For young children, in particular, it’s a chance to discover beauty that adults might overlook and to appreciate nature’s artistry from a different perspective.
After passing through narrow passageways, you’ll suddenly emerge into an unusually spacious area where sharp, striking stalactites hang precariously from the ceiling. Walking through, you might instinctively cover your head, fearing the hanging rocks might fall. However, this fear turns out to be unfounded, as stalactites are formed through chemical reactions and accumulated over tens of thousands of years, resulting in extremely solid structures.
Under the play of magical lights, these oddly shaped stalactites shimmer even more than winter icicles. Their diverse and ever-changing forms guide visitors deeper into the cave, revealing a spectacular and eye-opening array of natural beauty.
The most delightful aspect of the Benxi Water Cave is that it’s not only a fantastic place to admire stalactites but also offers the chance to take a boat ride along the narrow, winding underground river. With the cool breeze brushing past, you’ll experience a unique summer escape. Who would’ve thought that what was once an uninhabited wasteland has now transformed into this indescribable marvel of nature?
DAY 2: Benxi Travel – Hot Springs Are Also a Highlight Here
The Benxi Water Cave Scenic Area is vast. On the second day, we returned to the scenic area, this time mainly to visit the Geological Museum and the Petrified Wood Kingdom Theme Park.
In the Benxi Water Cave, there is a Mulan Square. The city flower of Benxi is the Magnolia sieboldii, and many of these flowers are planted within the water cave scenic area. The graceful Magnolia sieboldii fills the entire scenic area with fragrance. This flower possesses a unique charm—its pure petals leave an unforgettable impression at first sight, and its mysterious fragrance lingers in the mind long after it’s been inhaled.
The Benxi Branch of the China Geological Museum is located within the Benxi Water Cave Scenic Area, which is part of the National Geopark. This museum is also one of the must-visit places for tourists traveling to Benxi. The entire museum is divided into six exhibition halls: Earth Science Hall, Life Evolution Hall, Mineral Resources Hall, Geological Relics Hall, Comprehensive Hall, and Multi-function Hall.
The museum houses over 30 nationally significant specimens and more than 3,300 rare specimens. Among them, the Yixian Pterosaur of Jinshan Mountain, the Benxi Ankylosaurus, and the Yanornis martini Eating Fish are the world's only fossil specimens. The Sinosauropteryx and the Caudipteryx are among the finest of the few existing worldwide, while fossils such as Nothosaurs, Ichthyosaurs, Crinoids, Turtle Groups, and the Nine-Dragon Wall are considered rare treasures.
History seals itself away in various forms, waiting to be explored and discovered. Beside the Benxi Water Cave lies the Petrified Wood Kingdom Theme Park, preserving a history of over a hundred million years. Visitors to this park will be filled with wonder and amazement.
Covering an area of 11.6 hectares, the Petrified Wood Park consists of nine major functional areas: the Petrified Wood Boutique Square, Jungle Adventure, Leisure Plaza, Fun House, Dinosaur Detective, Dinosaur Door Opener, Petrified Wood Carnival Square, and Volcanic Lava Viewing Area.
The Petrified Wood Kingdom is a theme park centered around 140-million-year-old petrified wood, home to a unique collection of petrified wood in the world. Petrified wood is formed when ancient trees are buried by volcanic ash, and all organic material in the wood is replaced by silica, resulting in what we now see as petrified wood.
The renowned scholar Wang Xiaobo once said, “The reason genuine historical relics captivate us is that they have endured the test of time, and through them, you can feel history is still alive.” When standing beside these ancient pieces of petrified wood, one forgets their own existence, breathing in air fragrant with vegetation and feeling the ancient aura—a perfect gift bestowed by nature.
As an old saying goes, “After undressing and bathing, one remains lingering.” These few words perfectly capture the intoxicating, dreamlike qualities of hot springs. The northeastern region is rich in hot springs, and coming to Benxi naturally includes experiencing the sensation of “feeling as if your skin and bones have been renewed” after a bath.
Huaximu Hot Spring Resort is located within the Tanggou Yidong Guanshan Lake International Hot Spring Tourism Resort in Benxi. Built upon the region’s superior hot spring resources, it is a comprehensive, distinctive leisure resort integrating hot spring therapy, boutique guestrooms, gourmet dining, and recreational entertainment. It is also the first hot spring hotel developed within the resort, covering a total area of over 10,000 square meters.
Huaximu—upon first hearing this name, I was deeply drawn in by its artistic and upscale tone. The character “Mu” (meaning “to bathe”), captures the essence of Huaximu.As the saying goes, “The highest goodness is like water.” Soaking in the gently flowing warmth of the hot spring, enjoying a moment of tranquility and beauty, is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures.
The hot springs here are classified as medical thermal mineral water and can help treat conditions such as arthritis, skin diseases, indigestion, and numbness in the limbs. Moreover, the spring water is smooth and delicate, like fine nectar, not only beneficial for healing and wellness but also offering natural skin-beautifying effects.
After soaking in the hot springs, one should definitely enjoy the cuisine at Huaximu. The food here has the most authentic flavors of the northeast, where traditional dishes are not only visually appealing but also delicious. The resort’s specialty restaurant includes one main dining hall, one VIP private room, and five deluxe private rooms. Local specialties such as mutton soup, river fish, and wild mountain vegetables are combined with rural, organic ingredients to create richly flavored local dishes.
The lamb chops served fresh from the kitchen fill the air with the rich aroma of mutton from afar. Roasted over charcoal, the meat becomes even more fragrant and enticing. A sprinkle of invigorating cumin spices makes the flavor simply irresistible. Gently picking up a piece and placing it in your mouth, you’ll savor its tenderness—it’s unbelievable how delicious it is.
This dish of shrimp is not only tender in texture but also creatively plated. A ship sailing into the vast ocean, with Zhuge Liang gazing thoughtfully into the distance—diners at the table can’t tell whether they’re looking at the boat or the dish.
On weekends, bring your children to the Youth Farm at the Huaximu Resort to experience farm life, run and play with the small animals, and find an ecological haven away from the hustle and bustle of city living.
The area features three main themed zones: an amusement park, a farm, and a caravan site. On this small hillside, you’ll find animals such as sika deer, peacocks, and ponies. You can feed them with picked vegetable leaves—an excellent opportunity to get close to nature.
If you’re lucky, you might even encounter adorable flocks of sheep. Groups of little lambs graze on the hillsides, forming a peaceful, idyllic scene with black swans playing in the water in the distance. The joyful sheep break free from their pens and run through the mountains. How long has it been since you last observed the playful antics of small animals up close? For children living in the city, this is undoubtedly a vivid lesson in nature.
After playing, you can also stop by the “Sunshine Snack Break” to enjoy fruits and pastries. Pure, natural juices and drinks are refreshing in one gulp, and the wholesome yet delicious snacks instantly boost your appetite, dissipating the midday heat in no time.
DAY 3: Green Stone Valley – Home to Asia’s Largest Moss-Covered Stone Group
The omnipresence of reinforced concrete in cities has shaped modern people’s gentle approach to life. What used to make people burst into laughter or tears a decade ago now barely elicits a smile. People who have seen countless skyscrapers seem to crave nothing more than lush pastoral scenery. The pure land of nature washes away tired souls, and returning to nature has become an aspiration for urban dwellers—even if only for a short while...
Benxi Green Stone Valley National Forest Park is located in Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Liaoning Province, and is part of the Benxi Tanggou National Forest Park. It earned its name due to the abundance of moss and waterfalls throughout the valley. This also brings to mind Japan’s Saiho-ji Temple, equally famous for its lush moss coverage, which is why many Japanese tourists visit Green Stone Valley. Aside from man-made structures like visitor centers and ticket offices, the valley is filled with the ecology and nature that modern society severely lacks.
Upon entering the scenic area, you’re greeted by cool breezes. Nestled among green hills and vegetation, the valley’s streams appear even more tranquil. As the saying goes, “Clear waters have no fish,” but in Green Stone Valley, there are many pools enclosed by large rocks. The lively fish seem to know this is their sanctuary, swimming freely in the crystal-clear waters—an enviable state of unrestricted freedom.
“When the woods ended at the stream’s source, a mountain appeared, with a small opening that seemed to glow. We left the boat and entered through the opening.” Visiting Green Stone Valley inevitably draws comparisons to the paradise depicted in “The Peach Blossom Spring.” Along the way, branches flourish and streams babble, accompanied by birdsong, creating an incredibly relaxing atmosphere.
The “paradise” feel of Green Stone Valley is largely due to its above-average forest coverage. Located about 30 kilometers from the Benxi Water Cave, it boasts a forest coverage rate of 90%, aligning perfectly with the modern pursuit of the natural philosophy of “good mountains, good water, good life.”
After walking a few dozen steps, the landscape suddenly opens up. The land is flat and open, with neat houses, fertile fields, beautiful ponds, mulberry trees, and bamboo—just like the idyllic descriptions. Passing through layers of rolling hills into the valley, you’ll be stunned by the sight before you: fragrant grass, murmuring springs, small bridges, and quaint houses, all exuding peace and serenity.
The wildflowers in the valley shine brilliantly like stars in the sky. Dappled sunlight filters through dense foliage onto the translucent petals. A gentle breeze blows, and the colorful flowers sway like graceful ballet dancers—utterly enchanting.
The word “beautiful” succinctly captures the essence of Green Stone Valley. While Tao Yuanming’s Peach Blossom Spring is indeed beautiful, it lacks the vitality and natural charm found in Green Stone Valley.
The winding wooden bridge carries an air of secluded paths leading to quietude. Shouting loudly while walking across the bridge, the valleys on either side respond with long, echoing sounds. Surrounded by emerald-green, lush rocks, rushing rivers, and smooth, green moss, you’ll truly feel the tranquility and elegance of Green Stone Valley.
I dream of a day when I can feed the horses, chop wood, and travel the world, finding my own sanctuary in this hurried and noisy city. On summer mornings, Green Valley awakens to the chirping of birds, spending the day surrounded by fruits and fragrant flowers, fully immersed in the poetic and picturesque melodies of mountains and rivers.
Text and photos: Member of the Self-Guided Travel New Media Alliance — Luobang Jinshi