Complete Guide to Maple Viewing in Benxi

Here is a 2-day, 1-night autumn maple viewing guide for Benxi, with a budget controlled within 2000 RMB. The itinerary is relaxed, combining classic and popular check-in spots, hoping to help you create an unforgettable autumn trip.

🍁 Benxi Autumn 2-Day, 1-Night Maple Viewing Guide

✨ Highlights of the Itinerary

· Covering all the must-see spots: Includes Benxi’s most classic Guanmenshan, Laobiangou, and the Benhuan Highway "China Maple Leaf Road," allowing you to experience various autumn colors in one trip.
· High cost-performance experience: Carefully selected attractions and food combinations, with per capita expenses controlled within 1000 RMB, making it easy for students to travel.
· Flexible travel options: Suitable for both self-driving and public transportation users, with practical tips to avoid crowds.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Itinerary overview: Guanmenshan National Forest Park → Benhuan Highway (China Maple Leaf Road) → Laobiangou Scenic Area → Xiaoshi Yizhuang Folk Village / Taste Lamb Soup

📝 Basic Information

Best time for maple viewing: Late September to mid-late October. The exact timing varies each year; it is recommended to check the "Benxi Maple Red Index Release Platform" before traveling to see the maple leaf color change.

Weather and clothing: Benxi has a large temperature difference in autumn. You can wear autumn clothes during the day and add a jacket in the early morning and evening. Comfortable sports shoes or hiking boots are recommended.

🚗 Transportation Guide

Arriving in Benxi:

· The most convenient departure is from Shenyang, with a high-speed train taking about 30 minutes directly to Benxi Station, ticket price 25 RMB.
· If driving, it takes about 1-1.5 hours from downtown Benxi to the main scenic spots.

Local transportation:

· Self-driving: The most recommended way, especially convenient for touring the scenery along Benhuan Highway.
· Public transportation: After arriving in Benxi, you can take long-distance buses to various scenic spots or choose carpooling.

🗺️ Detailed Itinerary

🍂 Day 1: Classic Maple Scenery · Guanmenshan and Maple Leaf Road

· Morning: Arrival and settling in
It is recommended to depart early from your starting point to Benxi. Upon arrival, if time permits, you can first drop off your luggage at the booked accommodation. It is recommended to stay near Xiaoshi Yizhuang Folk Village, about a 10-minute drive to Guanmenshan Scenic Area, convenient for the next day’s itinerary, with prices around 130 RMB/night.
· Afternoon: Guanmenshan National Forest Park
Head to Guanmenshan National Forest Park (ticket reference price: 80 RMB per adult). This is the core area for maple viewing in Benxi, with over 120 species of maple trees. It is recommended to explore the park along the Fengyang Line and Fengsheng Line trails. The "Maple King" inside the park is a must-visit spot. If you have the energy, try the glass sky bridge to overlook the magnificent scenery of mountains covered in red.
· Evening: Benhuan Highway (China Maple Leaf Road)
Evening is the best time to visit Benhuan Highway, known as the "China Maple Leaf Road." The maple colors under the sunset are especially charming. It is recommended to stop at scenic spots like Beidianzi Township for photos. Please make sure to park in wide areas and pay attention to safety.
· Night: Check-in and dinner
Check in at the accommodation near Xiaoshi Yizhuang. For dinner, be sure to try Benxi’s signature dish—Xiaoshi lamb soup, which costs about 40 RMB per person and is very satisfying.

🌊 Day 2: Stream and Maple Dance · Laobiangou and Dashihu

· Morning: Laobiangou Scenic Area
After breakfast, head to Laobiangou Scenic Area (ticket reference price: 70 RMB per adult). Laobiangou is famous for its perfect combination of streams, red maples, and unique rocks. The routes are friendly for elderly and children. It is recommended to take the sightseeing bus first to "Qicaiping" or the starting point of the "Yongge River Route," then walk down slowly. This is more relaxed and allows you to photograph the best scenery in the morning light.
· Noon: Light meal and rest
You can buy simple food at the supply station inside the scenic area, such as grilled corn, marinated tofu skin, instant noodles, or have a simple meal after leaving the area.
· Afternoon: Dashihu Scenic Area or return trip
Then you can go to Dashihu Scenic Area (ticket reference price: 40 RMB per person), known for its lake scenery, waterfalls, and colorful forests. If time is tight or you are tired, you can choose to return directly. The last high-speed train from Benxi to Shenyang is around 8 PM, so there is ample time.

💰 Budget Planning (Per Person)

The following is an estimate based on non-self-driving and budget accommodation; actual costs may vary depending on transportation and dining choices.

· Accommodation: about 130 RMB/night × 1 night = 130 RMB
· Tickets: Guanmenshan (80 RMB) + Laobiangou (70 RMB) + Dashihu (40 RMB) = 190 RMB (some platforms or scenic area combo tickets may offer discounts)
· Meals: about 150 RMB (including first night dinner, second day breakfast and lunch)
· Local transportation: round-trip high-speed train to Shenyang 150 RMB + carpool/bus between scenic spots about 100 RMB = 250 RMB
· Total: about 720 RMB

Even including major transportation from other cities, the total per capita cost is very likely to stay within 2000 RMB.

💡 Helpful Tips

1. Avoid peak travel: Try to avoid peak periods like the National Day holiday. Choose non-holiday days or enter the park early in the morning for a better experience.
2. Photo suggestions: Choose light-colored clothing or traditional Hanfu; it will look better against the red leaves.
3. Safety first: Be careful of slippery mountain roads, obey traffic rules when driving, and do not stay in dangerous areas.
4. Alternative plans: If you have more time, consider extending the trip to 3 days to include Green Stone Valley or Benxi Water Caves for a richer experience.

This guide hopes to help you fully enjoy the fiery red mountains and rivers of Benxi this autumn.