Liaoyang

Introduction

Nestled along the Taizi River in east-central Liaoning province, Liaoyang offers a peaceful atmosphere just a short drive south of the provincial capital of Shenyang. You can explore a city that balances academic life with modern amenities, as it hosts several vocational colleges and the College of Foreign Studies at Liaoning University.

During your stay, you can experience local sports culture at a modern facility that hosts professional basketball and volleyball games. The city provides a grounded atmosphere where you can experience the local way of life in this riverside destination.

Before you go

Prepare to explore an ancient city with a history spanning over 2400 years. You can trace its legacy back to the Waring States Period when it served as the major city of Liaodong province. During the Late Jin Dynasty, the area became the capital known as Dongjing, and while much of the original imperial palace is gone, you can still see remnants of its walls and gates today.

As you plan your visit, consider the city's evolution from a historical seat of power to a center for heavy industrial development following the mid-20th century. While it may be overshadowed by neighboring cities like Shenyang and Anshan, Liaoyang remains a key city within the province.

Getting there

You can reach the city by train, which offers frequent connections to major hubs across Liaoning, including Dalian, Shenyang, and Dandong. Long-distance rail routes also link you to much of China, with trains traveling as far as Shanghai.

If you prefer to travel by road, Liaoyang sits along the Shenda expressway and the Shenxi expressway. For those arriving by coach, daily services connect the city to Beijing and Changchun, while frequent bus routes serve most major cities within the province.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using taxis, which are a common and inexpensive way to reach your destinations. For a more economical option, the bus serves as the most affordable mode of transport available for your travels.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations in Liaoyang to suit your needs. For those seeking extensive amenities, the New Century Hotel offers dining rooms, a KTV Plaza, Chaba, bars, sauna parlours, and a business centre. If you require significant space for events, the Liaohua Hotel features numerous meeting rooms, multiple restaurants, and a banquet suite. Other notable options include the five-star Liaoyang Fuhong International Hotel, the large Liaoyang Silver Dream Hotel, or the Liaoyang Tingzhou Hotels.

Additional lodging options throughout the city include:

• Liaoyang Hotel
• Yanshui Hotel
• Liaoyang Xiangping Hotel
• Liaoyang City Huayuan Hotel

Food & drink

Savor a variety of regional flavors across the city's dining scene. You can enjoy Sichuan and Xiangcai style boiled fish broth or visit a dedicated barbecue restaurant for charcoal-grilled favorites. For those seeking traditional hotpot, several establishments offer authentic Sichuan-style options.

• Hainan Restaurant
• Liaoyang Tain Fu Can Yin Yu Le You Xian Gong Si
• Lan'guifan Restaurant in the Baida District
• Liaoyang City Shi Guang Zhou Tan Huo Shao Kao Chung
• Liaoyang Dong Shu Huoguo Restaurant
• Mojiafu Huoguo in the Baida District

What to see and do

Explore the deep historical layers of the city by visiting ancient religious sites and imperial landmarks. You can stand before the towering White Pagoda in its namesake park, a structure dating back to the Liao Dynasty, or visit the Guangyou Temple Scenic Area to see a massive gilded camphor wood statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. For a journey into the past, explore the ruins of Dongjing City, the former capital of the Manchurian Late Jin Empire, and the nearby Dongjing Mausoleum. Other significant religious sites include the Qingfeng Temple, known as one of the first temples outside the Shanhai Pass, and the Longfeng Temple, which has been visited by emperors since the Tang Dynasty.

Immerse yourself in local culture and history through various memorial halls and museums:

• The Liaoyang City Museum houses thousands of items spanning from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty.
• The Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall honors the author of "The Dream of Red Mansions."
• The Wang Erlie Memorial Hall details the life of a prominent court official.

Three days in Liaoyang

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the historic atmosphere of Liaoyang. You can take in the local surroundings and experience the area's heritage as you settle into the city.

Day two, you can travel through the region to see the landscapes of Liaoning. You can explore the local sights while experiencing the cultural depth of the area.

Day three, you can spend your final day relaxing and enjoying the surroundings before you prepare for your next destination.