Fuxin

Fuxin, in western Liaoning, is known for its open-pit mine ruins, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and agate culture, making it well suited to a short weekend trip or a family outing.

• Haizhou Open-Pit Mine National Mine Park: Once Asia’s largest mechanized open-pit coal mine, it reaches 350 meters deep, and its landscape appeared on an old 5-yuan banknote. From the viewing platform, you can look down over the layered mine walls, while the square displays a large electric shovel and a steam locomotive.

• Ruiying Temple: One of the larger Tibetan Buddhist temples in Northeast China, it is known as “Eastern Tibet” and the “Little Potala Palace.” The temple features red walls, golden roofs, a 108-turning-wheel corridor, and a 76-meter-high Kalachakra stupa. Admission is currently free, and the peaceful setting includes a distinctive dining experience at the monks’ dining hall.

• Haitang Mountain Scenic Area: A national 4A-rated scenic area, it preserves 267 cliff carvings from the Qing dynasty and is one of China’s larger groups of Tibetan Buddhist stone carvings. Pu’an Temple halfway up the mountain is known as the “Little Potala Palace of the East.” Ancient pines and unusual rocks line the route, where forest scenery and religious relics intertwine.

• Fuxin Agate Culture Museum: The museum showcases a wide range of agate carvings and is a good place to learn about the industry and culture of the “World Agate Capital.” The first floor offers a DIY bracelet-making activity, allowing you to create your own travel souvenir and making it suitable for children as well.

Classic 2-day, 1-night itinerary

• Day 1: Industrial heritage and agate culture
  • Morning: After arriving in Fuxin, head to Haizhou Open-Pit Mine National Mine Park. Take in views of the mine from the viewing platform, then visit the Haizhou Open-Pit Mine History Museum to learn about the development of this industrial city.
  • Noon: Head into the city to try Mongolian meat pies and lamb soup.

• Afternoon: Visit the Fuxin Agate Culture Museum to see the carvings and join a DIY agate bracelet-making activity.
  • Evening: Head to Fuxin Red Agate Night Market for Northeast-style barbecue, then stop by Xinhua Cold Drinks to buy sesame-paste ice cream bars.

• Day 2: Temples and mountain scenery
  • Morning: Drive to Ruiying Temple. Turn the prayer wheels near the Kalachakra stupa and take in the temple atmosphere and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Noon: Eat at the vegetarian dining hall near Ruiying Temple or in the town, choosing vegetarian dishes or farmhouse-style food.
  • Afternoon: Head to Haitang Mountain Scenic Area and follow the mountain road past cliff carvings, ancient pines, and unusual rocks.
  • Dusk: Begin the return journey after finishing the itinerary.

Must-try local food

Dining in Fuxin is generally affordable, with generous portions. Many local restaurants are tucked into residential areas and small streets.

• Xinhua Cold Drinks: Founded in the 1950s, this shop still uses the system of buying a ticket first and then collecting your ice cream. Ice cream bars cost 3–5 yuan, with sesame-paste and black-sesame flavors among the most representative. They are rich without being overly sweet.

• Mongolian Meat Pies: A local Fuxin specialty, with thin, soft pastry that pairs especially well with hot lamb soup. Choose a shop popular with locals, as the pies taste best fresh from the griddle.

• Xiaohua Juanju: This restaurant focuses on home-style dishes, with moderate prices and generous portions. Guobaorou, Three-in-One Pot, and eggplant boxes are popular choices, making it suitable for group meals.

• Pangzi Skewer Barbecue: Located in a residential area, it charges 10 yuan per serving of lamb skewers. Mushroom and shrimp paste skewers are a distinctive option, while the overall style is savory Northeast Chinese barbecue.

• Lin Family Bistro: Specializing in home-style dishes, it serves noodles with gravy for 10 yuan per bowl, along with affordably priced side dishes. The restaurant also gives customers complimentary fried meatballs, and fried chicken neck is another popular order.

Accommodation and transportation guide

• Where to stay: Consider Xishan Hotel, or choose accommodation around Jiefang Road in the city center. Xishan Hotel was converted from a long-established guesthouse for official visitors; it is clean and has a rear garden. Staying downtown makes it easy to walk to Xinhua Cold Drinks and the night market, with convenient access to transportation and food.

• Getting around: Fuxin has no shared electric scooters, but there are plenty of shared bicycles for short trips around the city. For Ruiying Temple, Haitang Mountain, or the Shijiazi Agate Market, driving or taking a taxi is recommended; local taxi fares are relatively affordable.

Practical tips

• Agate market hours: The Shijiazi Agate Market opens only on the mornings of the 3rd, 6th, and 9th days of each month according to the solar calendar, and closes at noon. Confirm the date and arrival time when planning your itinerary.

• Scenic area hours: The Haizhou Open-Pit Mine History Museum stops admitting visitors at 15:30 and is closed on Mondays. Haitang Mountain Scenic Area stops admitting visitors at 15:00, so plan the order of your visits in advance.
• What to wear: The mine park and Haitang Mountain can be windy, and some sections require climbing stairs. Wear sports shoes and bring a light jacket.
• Temple etiquette: When visiting Ruiying Temple and other temples, photography is not allowed inside the halls, and short skirts or shorts are best avoided. Remove sunglasses and hats before entering a hall.
• Buying agate jewelry: When shopping at Agate City or Gemstone City, compare several stores and negotiate the price with the seller.