Benxi Watercave National Park

Benxi (本溪; Běnxī) is a city in Liaoning Province, China.

Benxi was once a heavy industry city and one of the largest iron and steel producers in China during its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it has shifted its focus toward tourism, serving as the gateway to the incredibly picturesque Benxi County. This area is home to numerous scenic spots, including Guanmen Mountain (关门山), Tanggou (汤沟), and Laotuding (老图顶) scenic areas, as well as the famous Water Caves (水洞). With an older population, the city exudes a relaxed and slower-paced atmosphere compared to other major cities in Liaoning, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a more tranquil experience.

Get in

From Shenyang

High-speed trains regularly run from Shenyang to Benxi, with journeys taking between 35 and 40 minutes depending on the service. Tickets typically cost around ¥30.

From Dalian

If you're travelling from Dalian, six high-speed trains operate daily, with the trip taking just under four hours and costing approximately ¥160.

Get around

Didi App

The Didi app has fewer drivers in Benxi compared to other major Chinese cities, making it more challenging to secure a ride, particularly during peak times.

Taxis

Hailing a red taxi is generally easy, with fares starting at ¥6.

Public buses

Public buses are also available, with fares beginning at ¥2. In addition to cash, you can use Benxi's public transport function on Alipay to pay via smartphone.

See

Boat ride atop crystal clear water of Benxi Watercave National Park

Landmarks

• Spa Temple (温泉寺; Wēnquánsì). 
• Nantian Gate (南天门; Nántiānmén). 

Caves

• Wangtian Cave (望天洞; Wàngtiāndòng) (bus from Benxi Railway Station to Huanren (桓仁; Huánrén) and from there a taxi). 
• Dishui Cave (滴水洞; Dīshuǐdòng). 

Lakes

• Benxi Lake (本溪湖; Běnxīhú). 
• Dashi Lake (大石湖, Dàshíhú). 
• Huanlong Lake (桓龙湖; Huánlónghú). 

Other nature

• Guanmen Mountain (关门山; Guānménshān) (one hours bus ride from Benxi Long Distance Bus Station, alternatively a taxi will be around ¥100 one way). Rolling hills and thick forest with lots of hiking paths. ¥60. 
• Wunu Mountain (五女山; Wǔnǚshān). Believed to be the site of Holbon, the first capital of the Korean kingdom of Gogureyo. 
• Jiuding Tiecha Mountain (九顶铁刹山; Jiǔdǐngtiěchàshān). 
• Wangxi Park (望溪公园; Wàngxīgōngyuán). 
• Pingding Mountain (平顶山; Píngdǐngshān). 
• Miaohou Mountain (庙后山; Miàohòushān). 
• Tang Valley. 

Buy

• Daily Markets on Dongming Second Road. Dongming Second Road (东明二路) is a bustling pedestrianised street located just north of Wangxi Park, stretching from Renmin Road to Beiguang Road. The daily markets here offer a vibrant array of goods, including fresh fruit, vegetables, homeware, and clothing. Alongside the market stalls, you’ll find coffee shops and street food vendors that add to the lively atmosphere. In the morning, the street comes alive with locals shopping for their daily produce, making it a vibrant and energetic experience—though perhaps not for the faint-hearted, as it can get quite crowded!

Drink

• Rushi Bar (如是映画), 138 North Jiefang Road, Mingshan District. Located just a few minutes' walk from the Yitel Hotel, this unique venue serves as a photography studio by day, showcasing equipment in a functional space, and transforms into a relaxed bar by night. Patrons can enjoy drinks surrounded by the intriguing backdrop of studio gear, creating a laid-back atmosphere. The bar offers a decent choice of bottled import IPAs and wheat beers, along with a good selection of cocktails. Open from 5:00 PM until 12:30 AM.
• Guangyan Craft Beer Bar (啤酒罐贴纸), 39 Yuming Road, Mingshan District. A craft beer bar that offers a range of beers all brewed on-site, including IPAs, wheat beers, and various flavoured options starting from ¥15. Open from 14:00 to 00:00.

Sleep

• Halian Business Hotel (本溪海联酒店), 29 Jiefang North Road, Mingshan District, Tel: +86 24 4277 7777. This budget hotel is located just north of Benxi train station, offering rooms from around ¥130 per night.
• Home Inn Hotel (如家商旅酒店本溪火车站店), 1 Jiefang South Road, Pingshan District, Tel: +86 24 4271 7999. Another budget option right on the doorstep of Benxi train station, this hotel from the budget Chinese chain offers rooms starting from around ¥170 per night.
• Guanting Holiday Hotel (本溪冠廷假日酒店), 4 Shengli Road, Pingshan District, Tel: +86 24 4874 8888. Opened in 2021, this quality mid-range hotel features decent amenities, including a gym, and is conveniently located just across the road from the train station in the heart of Benxi. Rooms start from around ¥300 per night.
• Yitel Collection (和颐至尚酒店), 143 Jiefang North Road, Mingshan District, Tel: +86 24 4487 7777. This quality mid-range hotel, part of a Chinese chain, is just a short taxi ride from the city centre, offering a quieter atmosphere. Rooms start from around ¥300 per night.

Go next

The Benxi Shuidong National Park (本溪水洞国家公园 Běnxī Shuǐdòng Guójiāgōngyuán) is a large system of flooded caves which can be explored by boat. There are minibuses from Benxi Train Station.