A seaside community bordered by the Bohai and Yellow seas, Liaoning province is host to more than 2,000 kilometres of coastline with golden beaches and water activities. It also cradles at least 11,300 cultural remains and a collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Things to do in Liaoning
Mukden Palace, also known as Shenyang Imperial Palace, is a crowning historical landmark of China. Built in 1625, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum harbouring more than 10,000 relics. You can also admire the ancient architecture of more than 300 Manchu-style buildings within the complex.
Tiger Beach Ocean Park sits in Dalian City, offering a fun-filled day in an ocean-themed amusement park. In addition to 4,000 metres of coastline, the park is home to beluga whales, penguins, polar bears and fur seals in the Polar Museum. The colourful Coralarium showcases at least 200 species of Asian coral reef viewable from an undersea laboratory.
Qianshan National Park sits less than 20 kilometres from Anshan City and features 999 peaks. You can hike to dozens of Taoist and Buddhist temples, nunneries and monasteries. A naturally wrought image of Maitreya Buddha towers at 70 metres tall within the park.
Walk through history with a visit to Xingcheng Ancient Town, one of four ancient Chinese towns carrying that official distinction. In addition to admiring the Ming dynasty architecture, you can enjoy soaking in hot mineral springs or go boating to tiny offshore islets.
Getting around Liaoning
City buses and trams in Dalian City extend to metropolitan areas throughout the province. Tourist buses run to most villages and coastal areas. You can also rent a car at Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, about eight kilometres away.