Anshan | A Severely Underestimated Hidden Gem!
Anshan in Liaoning, this underestimated small city in Northeast China, hides so many surprises. Save this guide now and unlock the charm of Anshan!
🚗 Transportation Guide
• High-speed/Regular Train: Very convenient from nearby cities. Shenyang to Anshan takes half an hour by high-speed train, one hour by regular train; Dalian to Anshan takes two hours by high-speed train, four hours by regular train.
• Air Travel: Anshan Tengao Airport has limited flights. It's recommended to fly to Shenyang Taoxian Airport and then take a high-speed train, about two hours in total.
• Self-driving: Shenhai Expressway is very convenient, about one and a half hours from Shenyang, about four hours from Dalian.
🏞 Must-visit Attractions
• Qianshan Scenic Area: A national 5A-level scenic spot, known as the "Pearl of Northeast China," where Buddhism and Taoism coexist. The classic hiking route includes Wuliangguan - Jiapianshi - Tianshang Tian - Wufoding (cable cars available for sections); the cultural route from Longquan Temple to Dafo Temple is not to be missed, where you can also see the world's largest jade Buddha. Enjoy pear blossoms in spring, red leaves in autumn, and rime in winter.
• Yufo Garden: Home to the world's largest jade Buddha, carved from 260 tons of Xiuyan jade, combining jade culture with Buddhist art, truly impressive.
• Angang Museum: Learn about the brief history of China's steel industry, see giant blast furnaces and old locomotives, and feel the industrial pulse of the "Eldest Son of the Republic."
• Tangangzi Hot Springs: One of China's four major hot spring rehabilitation centers. Enjoy hot springs, mud therapy, and fish therapy for ultimate relaxation.
🍱 Local Delicacies
• Niuzhuang Meat Pie: Thin crust with generous filling, especially delicious with pork and celery or chive and shrimp fillings. The most authentic ones are found in Haicheng's Niuzhuang Town.
• Anshan Nanguo Pear: Sweet and juicy, a fall-season exclusive, don't miss it.
• Sauerkraut Hot Pot: Stewed in copper pots, perfect for warming up in winter.
• Xiuyan Lamb Soup: Fresh broth with tender meat, delicious with scallion pancakes.
• Grilled Chicken Rack on Iron Plate: Essential night market snack, available at Zhanqian Street night market.
🏠 Accommodation Recommendations
• Downtown: High-end options include Anshan Wuhuan Hotel and Anshan Times Pullman Hotel; budget-friendly choices include Home Inn (Railway Station) and Hanting Hotel (Yufo Garden).
• Qianshan/Tangangzi Hot Spring Area: For hot springs, try Tangangzi Hot Spring Sanatorium or Qianshan Hot Spring Resort; for traditional kang beds and farm-style meals, choose farmhouses at the foot of Qianshan.
• Xiuyan County: Xiuyan Wankelai Hotel, located near the jade carving market.
📅 Itinerary Planning
• Classic 2-Day Tour
Day 1: Anshan City - Qianshan Scenic Area (hiking + Longquan Temple) - Overnight at hot spring hotel.
Day 2: Yufo Garden - Angang Museum - Taste Niuzhuang meat pies - Return.
• In-depth 4-Day Tour
Day 1: Same as Classic Tour Day 1.
Day 2: Same as Classic Tour Day 2.
Day 3: Xiuyan Yaoshan/Qingliangshan - Xiuyan Manchu Museum - Jade carving experience.
Day 4: Haicheng Niuzhuang Ancient Town - Tai'an Liaohe Wetland - Return.
🎈 Travel Tips
• Purchase the all-in-one tourism card (188 yuan for 19 scenic spots) in advance through the WeChat mini program "Anxiang Zhiyou."
• Some sections of Qianshan are steep; seniors and children should be careful. Remember anti-slip measures when hiking in winter.
• Those with high blood pressure or heart disease should follow medical advice when using hot springs, and don't soak for more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Qianshan is about 20 km from downtown; Bus No. 8 goes directly there. Self-driving or chartered cars are more convenient for visiting Xiuyan County.