Liaozhong District

Liaozhong District is located in the central part of Liaoning Province, under the jurisdiction of Shenyang City. It lies in the hinterland of the Liaohe Plain, bordering Shenyang urban area to the east, Liaoyang City to the south, Tai'an County to the west, and Xinmin City to the north. The district covers an area of 1,645 square kilometers, governing 12 towns and 4 subdistricts, with a permanent population of approximately 380,000 (2023 data). Liaozhong has a long history, named for its location in the middle reaches of the Liaohe River. Human activities date back to the Warring States period, with prosperity during the Liao and Jin dynasties. It was established as Liaozhong County in the Ming Dynasty and was converted into a district in 2016, becoming a district of Shenyang. Liaozhong is an important agricultural production area in Northeast China, renowned for high-quality rice and freshwater fish farming, earning the reputation of 'Land of Fish and Rice.' Additionally, it boasts rich wetland and hot spring resources, with distinctive ecological tourism and rural leisure tourism. As an ecological barrier on the outskirts of Shenyang, Liaozhong District integrates farming culture, wetland culture, and modern leisure elements, making it a popular short-trip destination for Shenyang residents.

I. Core Attractions

1. Liaozhong Puhe National Wetland Park: Located on Pudong Street, Liaozhong District, about 40 km from downtown Shenyang, it is a benchmark for ecological tourism in Liaozhong. The park covers an area of about 120 square kilometers, centered on the Puhe Wetland, featuring diverse landscapes such as reed marshes, lotus ponds, and bird habitats. Visitors can take a boat tour (ticket 50 yuan/person), with the best bird-watching period from May to October. The park is open year-round, with the most beautiful scenery during summer when lotus flowers bloom.

2. Pearl Lake Ecological Tourism Area: Located in Liu'erbao Town, Liaozhong District, about 15 km from the urban area. The lake covers about 25,000 mu (approx. 1,667 hectares), making it one of the largest freshwater lakes around Shenyang. The lake island features an observation deck and leisure cabins for fishing and picnicking. Admission is 30 yuan/person, with bicycle rentals available (20 yuan/hour).

3. Liaozhong Hot Spring Resort: Located on Ciyutuo Street, Liaozhong District, with spring water temperatures maintained at 40-50°C year-round, rich in various minerals. Major hot spring hotels include Shenyang Liaozhong Hot Spring Garden Hotel and Bihu Hot Spring Resort, offering indoor and outdoor hot spring pools and accommodation. The hot spring area is about 50 km from Shenyang Taoxian Airport, suitable for family leisure.

4. Liaozhong Ancient City Site: Located in Chengjiao Town, Liaozhong District, it is the site of the Ming Dynasty Liaozhong County seat. Remains include city wall foundations and ancient wells. Nearby, the Liaozhong History Exhibition Hall (free admission, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:00) displays unearthed artifacts and historical changes of Liaozhong.

II. Local Cuisine

Liaozhong District is known for farmhouse dishes and river delicacies. Representative foods include: - Liaozhong Rice: Produced in the Liaohe alluvial plain, with crystal-clear grains and soft texture. Local brand 'Liaozhong Xiangmi' is available for purchase. - Liaozhong Braised Fish: Made with carp or crucian carp from Puhe or Pearl Lake, stewed with tofu and vermicelli, rich in flavor. Recommended restaurant: Puhe Fish Village (near Puhe Wetland Park), average cost 50 yuan/person. - Liaozhong Kill-the-Pig Dish: Common in rural farmhouse restaurants, including blood sausage, pork belly, and sauerkraut, best eaten in winter for warmth. - Liaozhong Grapes: Liu'erbao Town has grape-picking gardens, available for summer picking (admission 30 yuan/person, takeaway charged separately).

III. Transportation Guide

1. External Transportation: - Take a train from Shenyang Station or Shenyang North Station to Liaozhong Station (about 40 minutes, fare 15-20 yuan), then transfer by bus or taxi to attractions. - Self-driving: Via Shenyang Ring Expressway onto Shenliao Road or Jingha Expressway, exit at Liaozhong, about 1 hour drive.

2. Local Transportation: Bus routes connect major towns and attractions within the urban area (fare 2-5 yuan). Taxi starting fare is 6 yuan. For wetland park or Pearl Lake, it is recommended to charter a car or drive.

IV. Itinerary Suggestions

One-day tour: Depart from Shenyang → Puhe Wetland Park (morning boat ride and bird-watching) → Pearl Lake (lunch with braised fish) → Hot Spring Resort (afternoon hot spring) → Return to Shenyang. Two-day tour can add the ancient city site and rural picking activities.