Liaoning
Liaoning is a coastal province in Northeast China that is the smallest, southernmost, and most populous province in the region. With its capital at Shenyang, it is located on the northern shore of the Yellow Sea, and is the northernmost coastal province of the People's Republic of China. Historically a gateway between China proper and Manchuria, the modern Liaoning province was established in 1907 as Fengtian or Fengtien province and was renamed Liaoning in 1929. It was also known at that time as Mukden Province for the Manchu name of Shengjing, the former name of Shenyang. Under the Japanese-puppet Manchukuo regime, the province reverted to its 1907 name, but the name Liaoning was restored for a brief time in 1945 and then again in 1954. Liaoning borders the Yellow Sea (Korea Bay) and Bohai Sea in the south, North Korea's North Pyongan and Chagang provinces in the southeast, Jilin to the northeast, Hebei to the southwest, and Inner Mongolia to the northwest. The Yalu River marks the province's border with North Korea, emptying into the Korea Bay between Dandong in Liaoning and Sinuiju in North Korea. Liaoning is also one of China's leading provinces in research and education. As of 2023, two major cities in Liaoning ranked in the world's top 200 cities (Dalian 37th and Shenyang 124th) by scientific research output, as tracked by Nature Index.
One-Day Hebei Tour Itinerary Recommendations
Theme:
History + Food + Nature
Suitable for:
Short trips around Shijiazhuang/Baoding, self-driving or high-speed rail + taxi
Practical Tips
Ticket Prices:
Shenyang Palace ¥50, Tiger Beach ¥220, Benxi Water Cave ¥110
Transport Notes:
In Dalian, combine walking and taxis along Binhai Road; Benxi requires chartered cars between sites
Food Highlights:
Shenyang: Chicken skeleton (braised/grilled), Lao Si Ji Hand-Pulled Noodles
Dalian: Seafood焖子 (mengzi), sea urchin dumplings
Benxi: Grilled tofu skins, Changkuan braised pork trotters
Optimization Tips:
History lovers in Shenyang can swap in the "September 18th History Museum"
Dalian summer trips could extend to "Jinshitan Beach" (requires 2 days)
Benxi winter visitors may prefer "Hot Spring Temple" for soaking
(Note: Liaoning's attractions are spread out—focus on one city for depth!)
Option 1:
Shenyang Historical & Industrial Tour
Best for:
History buffs and industrial culture enthusiasts
Transport:
Shenyang metro + taxi
08:30-10:00 Shenyang Imperial Palace
One of China's two best-preserved imperial palaces; must-see: Ten Kings Pavilion & Dazheng Hall
10:30-12:00 Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence
Warlord-era architecture complex with Republic of China vibes
12:00-13:30 Lunch (Zhongjie Pedestrian Street)
Recommended: Laobian Dumplings (century-old shop), Lian Gui Braised Pancake
14:00-16:00 China Industrial Museum
Witness the glory of "Eldest Son of the Republic" with massive machinery displays
16:30-18:00 1905 Creative Cultural Zone
Art district transformed from old factories, perfect for photos
19:00 Xita Korean Food Night Market
Try: Xita Cold Noodles, Korean BBQ
Option 2:
Dalian Coastal Highlights
Best for:
Ocean lovers and romantic scenery seekers
Transport:
Dalian city buses/taxis
08:30-10:00 Xinghai Square
Asia's largest city square; feed seagulls with views of cross-sea bridge
10:30-12:00 Binhai Road Hike (Fujiazhuang → Yanwo Ridge)
Most beautiful coastline with mountain-meets-ocean views
12:30-13:30 Lunch (Fisherman's Wharf)
Recommended: Pin Hai Lou (seafood hot pot)
14:00-15:30 Tiger Beach Ocean Park
Polar animal shows (optional)
16:00-18:00 Donggang Music Fountain + Venice Water Town
European-style canals with magical evening lights
19:00 Zhongyuan Food Street
Must-try: Dalian-style fried焖子 (mengzi), grilled squid
Option 3:
Benxi Natural Wonders
Best for:
Nature lovers and photographers
Transport:
1.5-hour drive from Shenyang or high-speed rail to Benxi + shuttle bus
07:30-09:00 Depart Shenyang to Benxi
09:30-12:00 Benxi Water Cave
World's longest navigable underground river
12:30-13:30 Lunch (Xiaoshi Yizhuang)
Must-eat: Benxi Mutton Soup with steamed buns
14:00-16:00 Guanmen Mountain/Laobiangou (seasonal)
Autumn foliage (best in Oct) or summer retreat