岫岩满族自治县

Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County is located in Anshan City, Liaoning Province, in the northern part of the Liaodong Peninsula. It covers an area of approximately 4,502 square kilometers and has a registered population of about 520,000 (2020), with Manchu people accounting for over 90%, making it the largest Manchu聚居 county in China. Xiuyan has a long history: during the Warring States period, it belonged to Liaodong Commandery of the Yan State; in the Tang Dynasty, it was part of Andong Protectorate; and in the Qing Dynasty, it became famous for its abundant jade. Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County was established in 1985 and is one of the four Manchu autonomous counties in Liaoning. Known as the "Jade Capital of China," Xiuyan's jade reserves rank first in the country, accounting for over 60% of national production, and it is considered one of the candidate stones for the "National Stone." Xiuyan has a rich Manchu culture, with Manchu paper-cutting, shadow puppetry, and Taiping drum listed as national intangible cultural heritage. The county boasts beautiful natural scenery, including Qingliang Mountain and Longtan Bay, making it a distinctive destination integrating jade culture, Manchu folk customs, and eco-tourism.

I. Core Attractions

1. China Jade Carving Exhibition Center (Jade Capital) Address: Xiuyu Street, Xiuyan Town Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00 Ticket: Free (some halls charge) Introduction: Covering 100,000 square meters, it displays exquisite Xiuyan jade carvings, including the world's largest jade carving "Jade Dragon Wall" weighing 260 tons. Visitors can observe jade carving processes and purchase jade souvenirs.

2. Qingliang Mountain Scenic Area Address: 35 km north of Xiuyan Town Opening Hours: 8:00-16:30 Ticket: 60 yuan (peak season), 30 yuan (off season) Introduction: A national 4A-level scenic area, with the main peak Maoquei Mountain at 1,141 meters, known as "Little Huangshan in Southern Liaoning." Cool in summer, with dense vegetation, waterfalls, ancient pines, and caves. Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours.

3. Longtan Bay Scenic Area Address: 30 km southwest of Xiuyan Town Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00 Ticket: 40 yuan Introduction: Centered on Longtan Waterfall, the pool is 10 meters deep with clear water. The forest coverage rate reaches 95%, and autumn red leaves are particularly spectacular.

4. Xiuyan Manchu Museum Address: Center of Xiuyan Town Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00 (closed on Mondays) Ticket: Free Introduction: Displays Manchu history, costumes, food, marriage customs, etc., with a collection of over 2,000 Manchu cultural relics.

5. Yaoshan Scenic Area Address: 50 km north of Xiuyan Town Opening Hours: 8:00-16:30 Ticket: 50 yuan Introduction: Known for peculiar peaks, strange rocks, ancient pines, and temples, reputed as "Little Huangshan in Northeast China." The main peak Shihuading is 887 meters high, offering panoramic views.

II. Food Recommendations 1. Xiuyan Sour Tangzi: Traditional Manchu noodle dish made from fermented corn flour, sour and appetizing. Recommended: Manchu Food Street in Xiuyan Town. 2. Xiuyan White Meat and Blood Sausage: Manchu New Year dish, pork stewed with sauerkraut and blood sausage, rich flavor. Recommended: Old Manchu Restaurant in Xiuyan Town. 3. Xiuyan Roasted Whole Lamb: Local goat roasted over charcoal, crispy outside and tender inside. Recommended: Farmhouse in Qingliang Mountain Scenic Area. 4. Xiuyan Jade Feast: Served in Xiuyan jade vessels, featuring local mountain delicacies, a unique experience.

III. Transportation 1. External Transportation: - High-speed rail: From Anshan Station to Xiuyan Station (about 40 minutes), then transfer by bus or taxi. - Long-distance bus: Direct buses from Anshan Bus Station to Xiuyan (1.5 hours, fare about 30 yuan). - Self-driving: From Anshan city along G16 Danxi Expressway to Xiuyan exit, about 1 hour. 2. Internal Transportation: - Within the county, take buses or taxis (starting fare 5 yuan). - To scenic spots, charter a car or take tourist shuttles (e.g., Xiuyan to Qingliang Mountain bus runs twice daily).

IV. Shopping Recommendations Xiuyan Jade Market (Xiuyu Street): Buy jade bracelets, carvings, and ornaments. Beware of fakes; recommend purchasing from regular stores.