Benxi

Benxi is known as the “City of Maples in China,” and the usual time to see the autumn colors is from late September to mid-October. Red mountain foliage, underground caves and clear streams make up the area’s main attractions. The itinerary below is arranged for 3 days and 2 nights, with dining, accommodation and travel tips included.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Benxi → Benxi Water Cave → Xiaoshi mutton soup

Arrive at Benxi Station around noon, then drive yourself or hire a car to Benxi Water Cave. This 5A-rated attraction has the world’s longest underground river that can be toured by boat. The cave stays at around 12°C year-round, and the stalactites can be viewed under the illuminated displays. Allow about 3 hours and bring a warm coat for the low temperature inside. In the evening, head to Xiaoshi Town to try Xiaoshi mutton soup. At night, you can visit Xiaoshi Yizhuang to enjoy the night scenery and light show.

• Day 2: Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park → Benhuan Highway (China Maple Avenue)

Set out for Guanmen Mountain in the morning. Known as the “Little Huangshan of Northeast China,” this maple-viewing spot is best explored by taking a sightseeing bus to near the “Maple King,” then walking downhill along the wooden boardwalk. Along the way, you can see red foliage and its reflections in Colorful Lake. In the afternoon, drive along the Benhuan Highway, where stretches of colorful forest line the road. Also known as the “China Maple Road,” it should be photographed only after parking at official viewing platforms.

• Day 3: Laobiangou (or Dashi Lake) → Wunü Mountain → Return trip

Spend the morning at Laobiangou, or choose Dashi Lake instead. Streams run through Laobiangou’s valleys, with maple leaves reflected on the water. Compared with Guanmen Mountain, its natural environment is more untouched and it sees fewer visitors. If time allows, head to Wunü Mountain in Huanren County in the afternoon. A World Cultural Heritage site, it offers views over Huanlong Lake and the surrounding mountains and waters from the summit. Return after your visit.

Main Attractions

Benxi Dining Guide

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Accommodation: Stay in Xiaoshi Town for the first 2 nights. It is relatively convenient for reaching the Water Cave, Guanmen Mountain and Laobiangou, helping reduce daily travel time. Travelers who want a hot-spring break can consider hot-spring hotels in Tangou or Huaximu. If you visit Huanren on the last day, you can also stay an extra night in Huanren County.

• Transport: Benxi’s attractions are spread out and far from one another, so driving yourself or hiring a car makes the itinerary easier to arrange and allows convenient stops to view the maples along the way. After arriving at Benxi Station by high-speed rail, you can use buses in the city and to the Water Cave. Public transport to attractions such as Guanmen Mountain and Laobiangou is less convenient, so consider hiring a local car.

Maple-Viewing and Travel Tips

• Maple season: The red-leaf season usually peaks from late September to mid-October. After October 15, falling temperatures or strong winds may cause the leaves to drop. Before setting out, check the “Benxi Maple Red Index Platform” for current color changes.
• Clothing and footwear: In October, daytime temperatures in the mountains are around 15°C, while early mornings and evenings may approach 0°C. Bring a shell jacket or light down jacket, along with comfortable, slip-resistant sports shoes. Mountain paths are often covered with leaves and can be slippery, so white shoes are not the best choice.
• Tickets: During maple season and holidays, buy tickets online at least 1 hour in advance and save the entry QR code to your photo album, as weak mountain signals can make entry difficult.
• Driving safety: The Benhuan Highway (China Maple Avenue) has many bends and large blind spots. Stop only at official viewing platforms for photos, and never park on a bend. Some mountain sections have few gas stations, so fill the tank before heading into the mountains.
• Shopping judgment: Be cautious before buying the “yellow watermelons” and local products sold along scenic-area roads. Some goods are marketed specifically to tourists and may involve high prices, average taste or deceptive sales tactics.