Having endured Fuxin, I really don’t recommend coming in July July 25
Fuxin in July is truly underrated🌿 This small city in western Liaoning hides 8,000 years of Yulong culture, Tibetan-style ancient temples, and Asia’s largest open-pit mine. The best part is there aren’t many tourists, prices are affordable, and every stroll feels like a cinematic scene.
📸 A perfect spot for photos, even phone shots look professional
Haizhou open-pit mine national mining park is a must-see! The 350-meter-deep giant pit looks like a cyber canyon cracked open in the earth. At dusk, blue and purple light plays on the terraced steps, creating a full industrial vibe⛰️ It’s free to enter. Bring a white or red long dress and stand at the edge of the viewing platform to instantly capture a “post-apocalyptic wasteland” look.
The 267 Qing dynasty cliff carvings on red stone at Haitang Mountain are called the “Little Dunhuang of Northeast China.” The red walls and golden roof of Puan Temple at the summit are also known as the “Little Potala Palace of Northeast China.” Wear a plain long dress or linen shirt, spin the prayer wheel, and you’ll have stunning Tibetan-style shots in no time🎐
Ruiying Temple is about a 35-minute drive from downtown. It’s a Tibetan Buddhist temple with a plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi himself. The golden roof, red walls, and white pagoda make it known as the “Eastern Tibet” of Northeast and Eastern Mongolia. The Chahai site museum is free with ID and houses the “First Dragon of China.” History lovers will find a unique atmosphere here🏺
⚠️ Avoid pitfalls, must-read for July visitors
Standing under the July sun in Fuxin for 10 minutes will ruin your makeup. Sunscreen hats, arm sleeves, and comfortable sneakers are essential🧴 The temperature difference between morning and evening can reach 10 degrees. Always wear a thin cardigan over your tank top or you’ll shiver in the grassland wind.
Haizhou open-pit mine is windy and the sun is strong. There are no guardrails at the pit edge, so never get too close for photos. Haitang Mountain has many steps; avoid the midday sun and try to enter before 8:30 AM when there’s plenty of shade🌳
Bargaining at the agate market usually starts at half the asking price. If the seller tests you with 50 yuan for a 300 yuan item, that’s normal. Always ask for a certificate of authenticity when buying. Qianfoshan is currently closed. Check the latest status on Trip.com before you go.
🍜 Food recommendations, a blend of Mongolian and Han flavors
Coming to Fuxin without trying Mongolian stuffed pies is a missed opportunity! This provincial intangible cultural heritage dish has over 300 years of history. The crust is paper-thin and translucent, revealing the filling. One bite bursts with juice, and the lamb filling is tender and free of gamey taste. Pair it with a bowl of whole lamb soup simmered for six hours with Mongolian herbal recipes. The milky broth has a natural sweetness that keeps you energized even after hiking🥣
Lama stew originates from Ruiying Temple. Pork belly with skin is slow-cooked for hours until rich but not greasy, lean but not dry, salty and flavorful. It’s the most authentic grassland flavor in Fuxin. Lama cake is a traditional Mongolian pastry, listed among China’s top ten regional snacks. It’s soft, chewy, sweet, and not greasy.
For something fresh, try the sand spring fish feast at Julong Lake Fish Restaurant. Cold-water fish have a naturally sweet flavor that’s surprisingly delicious🐟
For late-night snacks, head to Jiefang Street night market. Crispy lamb barbecue skin and edges are a must-order at every table. You can eat your fill for just a few dozen yuan per person. Pair it with a snow cone from Xinhua cold drinks for a nostalgic taste of old Fuxin childhood🍦
🗺️ Three-day, two-night easy itinerary
Day 1 focuses on urban industrial style. Arrive in Fuxin at noon, drop off your luggage, and head straight to Haizhou open-pit mine. After shooting the No. 99 jackhammer and steam locomotive group, visit the Red Agate district at dusk to explore the agate ghost market. For dinner, try Mongolian stuffed pies and whole lamb soup at Jiefang Street night market. Plenty of carbs to keep you going.
Book chain hotels in Xihe or Haizhou districts on Trip.com in advance. July weekends sometimes sell out, so locking in your room two days ahead is safer🏨
Day 2 is a day trip to Tibetan-style ancient temples and cliff carvings. Enter Haitang Mountain at 8:30 AM and photograph the cliff carvings all the way to Puan Temple. Drive 20 minutes down to Ruiying Temple, circle the golden roof and red walls, then enjoy lama stew at a farmhouse restaurant outside the temple. On the way back, stop at Baodi hot springs for a soak. The outdoor pools aren’t cold in July and are perfect for relaxation♨️
Day 3 offers two options:
For grasslands, go to Delige’er to see desert rainforests, Hobbit houses, and windmill meadows. This “Little Altay of Liaoning” lives up to its name.
For shopping, visit Shijiazi Agate City. The big market is held on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th days of the lunar month. You’ll find everything from raw stones for a few yuan to bracelets costing tens of thousands. Beginners should browse first without buying, then circle back once you know what to look for💎
Fuxin is small. Travel time between attractions is usually 30 to 50 minutes. You can get around by taxi if you don’t drive, but relying solely on public transport isn’t recommended. Bus schedules to suburban spots are so sparse you’ll be frustrated🚕 A budget of 800 to 1,200 yuan per person for three days covers accommodation, tickets, and meals comfortably. Agate shopping is extra. With a Fuxin like this, why not come see for yourself?✨