01Nanfen District is und…
Nanfen District is under the jurisdiction of Benxi City, Liaoning Province, located in the southeastern part of Benxi urban area, in the eastern extension of the Qian Mountains of the Changbai Mountain range. It covers a total area of approximately 527 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 85,000 (data from the seventh national census in 2020). Nanfen District got its name because it was historically the location of Nanfen (now Nanfen Subdistrict). It is an important industrial town known for iron ore mining and the steel industry, and also serves as an important ecological barrier and tourist destination in the mountainous region of eastern Liaoning. Its history can be traced back to the Liao and Jin dynasties. In modern times, it rose due to the establishment of the Nanfen Iron Mine by the Benxihu Coal and Iron Company, becoming one of the earliest modern iron mines in Northeast China. Nanfen District is known for its unique blend of mountains, water, mines, and city. It features natural wonders such as a national geopark, primary secondary forests, canyon waterfalls, and well-preserved industrial heritage, earning it the reputation of 'Living Fossil of Mining and Metallurgy Culture in Eastern Liaoning' and 'Back Garden of Benxi'.
I. Core Attractions
1. Dabinggou National Geopark Forest Park: Located in Sishanling Subdistrict, Nanfen District, about 35 km from Benxi urban area, a 40-minute drive. The scenic area is famous for its 'ice waterfalls, strange peaks, grotesque rocks, and ancient trees.' In winter, ice waterfalls hang high; in summer, streams flow. Ticket prices: Peak season (May-Oct) 60 yuan/person, off-season (Nov-Apr) 30 yuan/person. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00. Recommended visit duration: 4-6 hours.
2. Nanfen Open-pit Iron Mine (Dataigou Iron Mine): Located in Nanfen Subdistrict, it is one of the largest single open-pit iron mines in Asia, with a mining history of over a century. Visitors can overlook the spectacular pit (400 meters deep, over 2 km in diameter) from the observation deck, experiencing the shock of industrial civilization. Free admission, but advance contact with the Safety Department of Benxi Iron and Steel Group Nanfen Iron Mine is required for registration. Only group visits by appointment (10+ people, ID information required). Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours.
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3. Nanfen Grand Canyon (Xihe Canyon): Located in Xiamatang Subdistrict, about 15 km from the city center. The canyon is about 8 km long, with steep cliffs on both sides and the Xihe River winding through. In summer, rafting is available (rafting section about 4 km, ticket 80 yuan/person, operating June-September). In autumn, red leaves cover the mountains. Free admission.
4. Nanfen Ancient City Ruins: Located in Guchengzi Village, Nanfen Subdistrict, it is a Ming Dynasty garrison site along the Liaodong border wall. Existing rammed earth wall remnants are about 500 meters long. Free visit. It is recommended to visit together with the Nanfen Iron Mine Museum (located in Nanfen Subdistrict, free admission, closed on Mondays).
II. Local Cuisine
Nanfen, being in a mountainous area, is known for mountain delicacies and farmhouse dishes. Must-try foods include: - Nanfen Roasted Whole Lamb: Made from local cashmere goats, slow-roasted over charcoal for over 3 hours, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Recommended: 'Old Yangtou Roast Lamb' (Binhe Road, Nanfen Subdistrict, about 80 yuan/person, reservation required 3 hours in advance). - Xihe Cold-water Fish: Specialty of Xihe River, such as rainbow trout and willow root fish, steamed or braised in sauce. Recommended: 'Xihe Fish Village' (Xihe Road, Xiamatang Subdistrict, about 50 yuan/person). - Wild Vegetable Buns: Spring-limited, filled with wild vegetables like acanthopanax and bracken mixed with pork. Available at Nanfen Farmers' Market (Central Street, Nanfen Subdistrict), 2 yuan each.
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III. Transportation Guide
1. External Transportation: - Train: Nanfen Station (Shen-Dan Railway) has commuter trains to Benxi Station (about 40 min, 6 yuan) and Shenyang Station (about 1.5 hours, 15 yuan) daily. - Self-driving: From Benxi urban area, take G1113 Danfu Expressway (Benxi South Exit) or S304 Provincial Road, about 30 minutes. From Shenyang, take G1113 Expressway, about 1.5 hours.
2. Internal Transportation: - Main bus routes: Route 16 (Nanfen Station-Sishanling), Route 17 (Nanfen Station-Xiamatang), fare 1 yuan/person, intervals 20-30 minutes. - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan/2 km; chartering for sightseeing recommended, about 150-200 yuan per day.
IV. Accommodation Recommendations - Benxi Nanfen Hotel (Central Road, Nanfen Subdistrict, standard room 120 yuan/night, phone: 0414-xxx), a state-owned hotel with good value. - Dabinggou Forest Homestay (at the entrance of Dabinggou Scenic Area, Sishanling Subdistrict, standard room 200 yuan/night, including breakfast), suitable for in-depth tours.