01Kangping County is loc…
Kangping County is located in the northern part of Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, at the junction of the Liaohe Plain and the southern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land. It covers an area of 2,175 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 320,000. Its history dates back to the Liao Dynasty, when it was known as 'Qizhou', a military stronghold and trade hub during the Liao and Jin periods. As the only county in Shenyang bordering Inner Mongolia, Kangping is renowned for its 'Liao-Jin culture, ecological wetlands, and wind power capital'. Wolong Lake, the second largest freshwater lake on the Northeast Plain, features Asia's largest constructed wetland, attracting tens of thousands of migratory birds annually. Kangping is known as the 'Hometown of Hanfu Apples in China' and a 'National Green Energy Demonstration County', with wind power installed capacity ranking among the top in Liaoning. Its unique location makes it an ecological barrier in northwestern Liaoning and a blend of Mongolian and Han cultures, preserving historical sites such as a Liao Dynasty pagoda and a Qing Dynasty Mongolian prince's mansion. In recent years, relying on Wolong Lake eco-tourism, red culture (e.g., Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army activities), and rural fruit-picking economy, Kangping has gradually become a micro-vacation destination within the Shenyang metropolitan area.
I. Core Scenic Area: Wolong Lake Eco-tourism Zone Located 1 km west of Kangping county seat, the lake covers 127 km², making it the largest natural freshwater lake in Liaoning Province. The scenic area is free (some activities charge fees), with the best visiting period from May to October. Main attractions: 1. Thousand-acre Lotus Pond: Blooming from July to August, boat tours available (40 RMB/person). 2. Wolong Lake Wetland Science Museum: Exhibits wetland ecology and bird specimens, admission 30 RMB. 3. Lakeside Cycling Path: 32 km long, bike rental available (20 RMB/hour). 4. Bird-watching Spots: Best in March-April and September-November for white cranes and swans; bring binoculars.
II. Historical and Cultural Sites 1. Qizhou Ancient City Ruins: Located in Xiaochengzi Town, 15 km from county seat. Liao Dynasty city walls remain about 6 m high, free entry. Self-driving or chartered car recommended. 2. Liao Dynasty Pagoda: Located in Haoguantun Town, an octagonal 13-story solid brick pagoda about 25 m high, built in mid-Liao Dynasty. Provincial-level cultural relic, with Qing Dynasty temple ruins nearby. 3. Mongolian Prince's Mansion: Located in Shajintai Mongolian-Manchu Town, a Qing Dynasty residence of a Mongolian prince. Well-preserved courtyard layout, with exhibitions of ethnic costumes and daily items. Admission 20 RMB.
III. Special Experiences and Festivals 1. Hanfu Apple Picking: Late September to late October. Main production areas in Fangjiatun Town and Dongsheng Township. Entry fee about 30 RMB/person, apples to take out 5 RMB/jin. 2. Wolong Lake Winter Fishing Festival: Held in mid-January. Watch traditional ice fishing and taste a whole fish feast (reference price 200 RMB/person). 3. Mongolian Nadam Fair: Held in June of lunar calendar in Shajintai Town, featuring horse racing, wrestling performances, and Mongolian cuisine.
02IV
IV. Local Cuisine 1. Wolong Lake Whole Fish Feast: Uses lake fish like carp, grass carp, and silver carp. Signature dishes include 'Braised Gaya Fish' and 'Steamed White Fish'. Recommended restaurant: 'Wolong Lake Fishing Village' (80 RMB/person, east bank of Wolong Lake). 2. Kangping Mutton Soup: Made with local grassland sheep, served with hanging oven flatbread. Specialty shop: 'Laojiu Mutton Soup Restaurant' (county center street, 40 RMB/person). 3. Mongolian Pie: Beef or mutton filling, thin crust with generous filling. 'Mengxiangyuan Restaurant' (near county bus station) serves authentic ones.
V. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Take high-speed train from Shenyang North Station to Kangping Station (about 40 min, second class 35 RMB), then transfer to bus route 1 to county seat (2 RMB). Self-driving via Shenkang Expressway (S2), about 120 km from Shenyang to Kangping county seat, 1.5 hours. 2. Internal Transportation: Taxi starting fare 5 RMB in county seat. Bus routes cover major towns (1-3 RMB). To reach Wolong Lake, take bus route 1 to 'Wetland Park' stop.
VI. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Wolong Lake Holiday Hotel (4-star): Lake-view room 380 RMB/night, including breakfast. Tel: 024-8736XXXX. 2. Mongolian Style Homestay: Located in Shajintai Town, experience yurt accommodation, about 200 RMB/night, with Mongolian food service.