Mingshan District

Mingshan District is located in the central part of Benxi City, Liaoning Province, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of Benxi. It covers an area of approximately 413 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 350,000. Mingshan District has a long history, named after the ruins of an ancient city from the Ming Dynasty. It is an important industrial and tourism district in eastern Liaoning. As the core urban area of Benxi, it boasts abundant natural resources and cultural landscapes, including the famous Benxi Water Cave and Pingdingshan Forest Park. The district is rich in mineral resources, with a strong industrial base in steel and coal. In recent years, it has vigorously developed eco-tourism and health industries, becoming an important tourist destination in Northeast China. Mingshan District enjoys convenient transportation, with major routes such as the Shenyang-Dandong Railway, Shenyang-Dandong Expressway, and Benxi-Huanren Highway passing through. It is only about 70 kilometers from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. The district has a rich cultural heritage, featuring the ethnic cultures of Manchu and Korean minorities, and regularly hosts large events like the Benxi Water Cave International Tourism Festival. It is a modern urban area integrating industry, tourism, and ecology.

As the core tourism area of Benxi, Mingshan District boasts many well-known natural and cultural attractions, making it a top choice for visitors exploring the landscapes and industrial culture of eastern Liaoning.

1. Benxi Water Cave (Core Scenic Area of Benxi National Geopark): Located in the northeastern part of Mingshan District, it is a large limestone water-filled cave with a total length of about 5,800 meters, of which about 2,800 meters are developed for tours. It is one of the longest underground water-filled caves in the world. The temperature inside the cave remains around 12°C year-round. Visitors can take a boat ride to admire stalactites, stalagmites, and draperies, such as 'Jade Elephant Playing in Water' and 'Double Stars of Fortune and Longevity,' often described as 'a myriad of stalactite peaks, a poetic scene of light boats on clear water.' The scenic area also includes a dry cave and the Taizi River rafting. Ticket price is about 140 yuan.

2. Pingdingshan Forest Park: Located in the center of Mingshan District, with an altitude of about 657 meters, it is the highest point in Benxi urban area. The forest coverage rate exceeds 95%, earning it the nickname 'Urban Lung.' Visitors can climb to the summit's 'Qingyun Terrace' for a panoramic view of Benxi city and the Taizi River. The park also features historical relics such as ancient beacon towers and remnants of Ming Dynasty city walls. Admission is free, suitable for hiking and fitness.

3. Benxi Lake Park: Located on Huguang Road in Mingshan District, it is famous for the natural limestone cave 'Benxi Lake,' which contains an underground spring that flows year-round, forming a unique lake view. The park also includes cultural attractions like the Benxi Lake Stele Forest and Guanyin Pavilion. It is a popular leisure spot for locals. Admission is free, especially beautiful when cherry blossoms bloom in spring.

4. Wangxi Park: Located on Shengli Road in Mingshan District, it is the largest comprehensive park in the urban area, covering about 42 hectares. The park features an artificial lake, rockeries, pavilions, children's play areas, and fitness trails. An annual lotus exhibition is held in summer, attracting many visitors.

5. Benxi City Museum: Located on Wenhua Road in Mingshan District, it is a national second-level museum with a collection of about 12,000 artifacts, focusing on Liao and Jin dynasties and Manchu culture. Permanent exhibitions include 'Benxi History Exhibition' and 'Manchu Folk Customs Exhibition,' making it an excellent place to learn about Benxi's history and ethnic cultures. Free admission (reservation required).

6. Dishuidong Scenic Area: Located in Gaotaizi Town, Mingshan District, it is a natural scenic area centered on waterfalls and streams. In summer, the waterfalls are abundant, forming a water curtain cave; in winter, they become icefalls, a paradise for photographers. The area also offers rafting and outdoor adventure activities. Ticket price is about 60 yuan.

Local Cuisine: The food culture in Mingshan District blends Northeast Chinese and Manchu flavors. Representative dishes include 'Benxi Lamb Soup' (stewed local black goat, with white broth and tender meat), 'Kill-the-Pig Dish' (sauerkraut stewed with blood sausage and pork belly), 'Sticky Fire Spoon' (traditional Manchu glutinous rice cake), and 'Wild Vegetable Platter' (bracken, acanthopanax, celery, etc.). Special snacks include 'Benxi Dry Tofu' (thin and chewy, eaten raw or stewed) and 'Grilled Cold Noodles' (common street food).

Transportation: External: Shenyang Taoxian International Airport is about 70 km from Mingshan District, with airport buses directly to Benxi Bus Station. Benxi Station (high-speed rail) has dozens of daily trains to Shenyang, Dalian, Beijing, etc. The high-speed train from Shenyang to Benxi takes about 30 minutes. Within Mingshan District, bus routes are dense; major attractions like Benxi Water Cave can be reached by bus 16 or tourist shuttle. Taxi starting fare is 7 yuan, and ride-hailing services are common.

Travel Tips: The best time to visit is from May to October, with June to August being the peak season. Benxi Water Cave requires advance reservation and ticket purchase. It is recommended to plan a 2-3 day itinerary: Day 1 visit Benxi Water Cave and Dishuidong, Day 2 visit Pingdingshan and Benxi Lake, Day 3 visit the museum and taste local food. Winter is cold (-20°C to -10°C), but icefalls and snow scenery are worth seeing; keep warm.