How to get to Benxi

When planning a trip to Benxi, you are setting off for a vibrant city in Liaoning Province in northeast China, renowned for its unique water caves and picturesque mountain landscapes. Finding out how to get to Benxi is straightforward, as the region boasts a developed transport network allowing travelers to comfortably reach their destination by plane, train, bus, or car.

Since the city itself does not have its own civil airport, the optimal option for tourists is flying via Shenyang. Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) serves as the main aerial gateway to the region and is located approximately 60 kilometres from Benxi.

This major aviation hub receives regular flights from most of the country's metropolises and many international destinations. Upon arrival in Shenyang, reaching your final destination is effortless: the cities are connected by convenient rail and bus services, while a car journey will take about one hour.

Rail travel is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to find yourself in this corner of Liaoning Province. The city is served by Benxi Railway Station, where both standard passenger trains and modern high-speed trains arrive, ensuring excellent connections with the country's key transport arteries.

The journey from neighboring major centres is particularly comfortable, as thanks to the developed network of high-speed lines, the trip takes minimal time. You can get here from the metropolis of Shenyang in just half an hour to an hour, as well as travel quickly and without transfers from the stations of Liaoyang and Anshan.

An extensive network of highways makes traveling to Benxi by bus a comfortable and accessible alternative to the train, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque views of Liaoning Province. The most popular route runs from the administrative centre of Shenyang: covering a distance of about 60 kilometres takes approximately one and a half hours, with services departing regularly from the metropolis's main bus terminals.

You can arrive even faster from neighboring Liaoyang, which is separated from the destination by just 40–50 kilometres, so travel time usually does not exceed one hour. Travelers departing from Anshan will have to cover about 80 kilometres, which will take around one and a half to two hours on a modern intercity coach.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and allows you to enjoy scenic views on the way to the famous caves. The most popular route leads from Shenyang: a distance of about 60–70 kilometres along a modern expressway can be comfortably covered in just an hour, and a taxi ride will cost approximately 150–200 Yuan.

The path from neighboring Liaoyang is no less convenient, being just 45 kilometres away, so the drive will take no more than 50 minutes. If you are departing from Anshan, expect to drive around 80 kilometres, spending about one and a half hours on the region's quality roads.

Thorough preparation for your trip to Benxi will help avoid minor organizational issues and allow you to focus entirely on contemplating the natural beauty. To ensure your journey through this part of China is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is sharply continental, so your wardrobe choice depends on the season. Winters are severe and windy — be sure to bring thermal layers and a windproof down jacket. Summer is warm, but for visiting the main attraction — the Water Caves — a warm cardigan or light jacket is required even in the heat, as the temperature inside remains around +10–12 °C year-round.
2. Transport. The most convenient way to move around the city is by taxi, which is inexpensive here. City buses run regularly, but navigating the routes without knowing the language is difficult. Be sure to have the name of your hotel and desired attractions written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Chinese Yuan. International bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are rarely accepted, mostly only in large hotels. It is highly recommended to install the Alipay or WeChat Pay apps and link your card (TourPass function) — paying by phone is ubiquitous in China. A small reserve of cash is useful for small shops.
4. Health and Safety. Benxi is a safe city, but standard precautions are advisable. Do not drink tap water; purchase bottled water. Pharmacies are found at every turn, but pharmacists speak only Chinese, so pack a basic first aid kit, especially if you require specific medications.
5. Communication. English is practically not spoken here. It is vital to download an offline translator app to your smartphone with voice input and photo translation functions. Also, arrange for a VPN or roaming in advance to access your usual messaging apps and maps, as many services are blocked in the country.
6. Local Etiquette. The Chinese are friendly towards foreigners. Greetings are usually limited to a nod or a slight bow; handshakes are less popular. Tipping is not customary and may even embarrass the staff. Handing over money or a business card should be done with two hands — this is a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid. Beware of unlicensed taxi drivers at train stations who aggressively offer services at inflated prices; it is better to go to the official taxi stand. Also, try not to plan your trip during "Golden Week" (national holidays in early October), when all tourist sites are overcrowded.
8. Additional Tip. If you plan to visit the famous Valley of Red Leaves (Guanmen Mountain), the best time for this is late September or early October. However, it is worth arriving at the park entrance early in the morning to enjoy the scenery before the main tour groups arrive.

Following these simple rules will make your visit to Benxi easy and pleasant. Respect for local traditions and a little technical preparation will open the doors to the amazing world of Chinese culture and nature for you.