Laobian Valley + Benxi + Dandong, Autumn in Liaodong is Beautiful Enough to Make You Cry

Don’t just focus on Xinjiang for National Day autumn viewing! This hidden gem in Liaodong has fewer people and stunning scenery, a 5-day itinerary perfect for families with kids Looking for a quiet and beautiful autumn secret spot for National Day? Stop fixating on the popular Xinjiang! Autumn in Liaodong has already turned into a fairy tale, with red leaves, morning mist, karst caves, and the Red Beach all in one place, creating an atmosphere that’s second to none! In golden October, Liaodong hides countless autumn surprises: • The river valleys and streams of Laobian Valley are dyed in autumn colors, with morning mist swirling over the water, like a fairyland; • The maple leaves of Guanmen Mountain blaze like fire, covering the hillsides like a red carpet; • The red leaf coverage in Tianqiaogou reaches 90%, filling the view with rich autumn hues; • Benxi Water Caves hide a million-year-old stalactite gallery, full of surprises during exploration; • The Yalu River Broken Bridge stands quietly, telling the heroic stories of the Korean War; • The Red Beach turns into a pink ocean in autumn, where you can also encounter migrating birds heading south. A 5-day autumn viewing route in Liaodong designed especially for families with kids—save it and get ready to go! DAY 1: Gather in Shenyang, experience history and local life • Recommended stops: Shenyang Imperial Palace (learn about early Qing dynasty palace architecture with kids), Zhongjie Street (try Northeast China’s specialty snacks), Zhang Family Marshal Mansion (feel the history of the Republic era), September 18th Historical Museum (immersive history education), and in the evening, visit Xita Night Market to experience authentic Northeast China street life. DAY 2: Shenyang → Benxi, explore caves and enjoy maple leaves 1. Benxi Water Caves: First visit the 300-meter-long dry cave, with its uneven levels and caves within caves, full of mystery; then take a boat tour of the water cave to see various stalactite formations; finally, visit the Geological Museum for a geology lesson with the kids. 2. Guanmen Mountain: Head straight to the “Maple King” to see its fiery crown; stroll through the Four Seasons Pavilion and Maple Forest Painted Bridge, walking on a “red carpet” of fallen leaves; visit Colorful Lake to see the autumn scenery reflected on the water—every photo is a masterpiece. 3. Accommodation: Stay in Benxi city for convenient travel the next day. DAY 3: Benxi → Dandong, encounter autumn forest charm and old street nostalgia 1. Choose one for autumn viewing: ◦ If you choose Tianqiaogou, after National Day visit Xiaoyue Peak, Quntuofeng, and Tianshoutai, then walk the Ten-Mile Maple Avenue for even richer autumn colors; ◦ If you choose Laobian Valley, stroll along Yongge River Valley and Yingshui Bay, then visit Huilong Bay to see mid-mountain red leaves flowing like a river of red, as if stepping into a martial arts world. 2. Dandong Old Street: In the evening, wander the nostalgic old street, listen to century-old stories with the kids, and feel the unique charm of old Dandong. 3. Accommodation: Stay in Dandong city. DAY 4: Dandong → Yingkou, remember history and enjoy coastal autumn views • Morning: Visit the Yalu River Broken Bridge to learn about its history with the kids; then go to the Korean War Memorial Hall, where artifacts and historical materials help children remember that era; if time allows, visit Jinjiang Mountain Park and Moon Island. • Afternoon: Head to Tuanshan Ocean Park to check out the unique marine erosion landforms, the story-filled ancient ship corridor, and the fine Silver Beach bathing area; watch the Red Beach turn red under the sunset glow—an incredibly healing scene. • Accommodation: Stay in Yingkou city. DAY 5: Yingkou → Shenyang, visit the pink tidal flats before returning • Morning: Head straight to the Red Beach to see the “pink carpet” woven by Suaeda salsa; take photos with the kids at Dream Space, Corridor Bridge Dream, and Water Cloud Boat spots, and observe the migrating birds heading south, getting close to nature. • Afternoon: Return to Shenyang from the Red Beach, concluding a fulfilling autumn viewing trip. Bringing kids to Liaodong for National Day autumn viewing lets you enjoy spectacular autumn scenery while combining history, culture, and family interaction. Before the holiday arrives, start planning now!