Xihu District

Xihu District is located in the northwestern part of Benxi City, Liaoning Province, and is one of the core urban districts of this city known for steel and maple leaves. Covering an area of approximately 328 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 320,000 (2023 data), it is named after the convergence of streams and scattered lakes from the tributaries of the Taizi River. Xihu District has a profound historical heritage, with administrative structures dating back to the Western Han Dynasty. In modern times, the establishment of the Benxihu Coal and Iron Company (predecessor of today's Benxi Steel Group) made it a major industrial town in Northeast China, earning it the reputation as the "Cradle of China's Coal and Iron Industry." The district preserves a large number of industrial heritage sites from the Japanese colonial period and the early years of New China, forming a unique "Steel Memory" cultural landscape. At the same time, Xihu District is home to the core area of Benxi National Geopark, known for the Taizi River Gorge, the oddly shaped rocks of Pingdingshan, and century-old mining relics. The interweaving of nature and humanity makes it an ideal destination for exploring Liaoning's industrial history and natural scenery.

I. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Benxihu Coal and Iron Company Site Complex (Benxi Industrial Heritage Group) Location: Meitie Street, Zhanqian Subdistrict, Xihu District Features: A national key cultural heritage protection unit, including a blast furnace built in 1905, a machinery factory from 1907, and a coal mine shaft from 1914, witnessing China's modern industrialization process. Visitors can tour the "Benxihu Coal and Iron Company Museum" to learn about the steel stories from the Japanese colonial plunder period and China's self-reliance era. Free admission, reservation required.

2. Pingdingshan Scenic Area Location: Northeastern Xihu District, about 8 km from city center Features: Pingdingshan, 657 meters above sea level, is named for its flat summit like a platform, offering a panoramic view of Benxi City. The mountain features ruins from the Warring States to Han dynasties, a Ming Dynasty beacon tower, and a monument to the "Pingdingshan Massacre." The forest coverage rate is 95%, with red leaves covering the mountains in autumn and rime ice in winter. Ticket: 30 yuan, cable car one-way: 25 yuan.

3. Taizi River Gorge Rafting Location: Taizi River section, Huolianzhai Town, Xihu District, 15 km from urban area Features: A 12-km natural rafting section with thrilling rapids and calm stretches offering views of Danxia landforms and reed marshes. Open in summer (June-September), ticket: 120 yuan/person, including life jacket and insurance.

4. Benxi Lake Park Location: 1 Hubin Road, Xihu District Features: An artificial lake park named "Benxi Lake," covering about 5 hectares, with weeping willows along the shore and paddle boats (20 yuan/boat/hour). The park houses the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Forces Memorial Hall, showcasing the heroic deeds of Yang Jingyu and others.

II. Food Recommendations Xihu District is famous for "Benxi Lamb Soup" and "Xiaoshi Yijue" (a local specialty). Recommended to visit Xihu Road Food Street (near Benxi Lake Park), must-try: - Changbai Mountain Charcoal Grilled Lamb Leg (Xihu Branch): Crispy outside and tender inside, served with local wild vegetables, about 80 yuan per person. - Laobian Dumpling House: Signature "Gangdu Steamed Dumplings" with pork and sauerkraut filling, history dating back to the 1950s. - Benxi Lake Beer: Locally produced, mellow taste, best paired with barbecue.

III. Transportation Guide External Transportation: Benxi Station (high-speed rail) is only 3 km from Xihu District; take bus routes 1 or 4 directly to Xihu Road. Self-driving: Take Shen-Dan Expressway from Shenyang to Benxi North Exit, about 1 hour. Internal Transportation: Dense bus network (routes 10, 15, 20, etc.), taxi starting fare 7 yuan. Recommended to rent shared e-bikes (Meituan, Hellobike) for touring urban attractions.