Benxi is an industrial city in eastern Liaoning, set among mountains with a high degree of forest cover. The eastern side of the prefecture is the scenic side: mountains, caves and lakes with low population, where the national parks draw visitors. The urban core, by contrast, is built around steel and coal, and the city has pollution problems as a result.
For a visitor, the practical layout is simple. The built-up area is made up of three urban districts: Pingshan, Xihu and Mingshan. Benxi train station sits in Pingshan District and acts as the main anchor for arrivals, with Mingshan District just to the north. Benxi Lake lies in the urban area of Xihu District. The main natural sights, including the water cave, lie well east of the city. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Benxi
1. Pingshan District (around Benxi train station)
Pingshan District is where you arrive if you come by train, and the station area is the most practical base in the city. Accommodation here ranges from budget chain hotels to mid-range properties, and several sit directly at or across the road from the station. It suits first-time visitors and anyone arriving or leaving by rail, since you can walk out of the station and be at your room within minutes.
The trade-off is that this is the busy, central part of an industrial city rather than a quiet retreat. If you plan day trips east to the parks, staying here keeps your departure point simple.
2. Mingshan District
Mingshan District lies just north of the train station and the city centre, along Jiefang North Road. It offers both budget and mid-range options, and is described as quieter than the centre while still being a short taxi ride from it. This suits travellers who want to be close to the station and the city's services without sleeping on top of them, and those staying more than a night or two.
Because it sits immediately north of the station area, you keep the transport convenience of Pingshan while gaining a calmer setting. A taxi is the straightforward way to cover the short distance into the centre.
3. Xihu District
Xihu District is one of the three urban districts that make up the built-up area, and it contains Benxi Lake in its urban area. The lake is the small body of water after which the city was named, and it acts as a tourist attraction in its own right. Basing yourself here puts a sight within the urban area rather than out in the mountains.
This area suits travellers who prefer to be near a specific city sight and are happy to use taxis or local transport to reach the station and the routes heading east. The source material does not describe accommodation in detail here, so treat it as a location choice rather than a lodging cluster.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Chain hotels and small business hotels, including properties north of and directly at the train station. Expect basic rooms at the lower end of the local price range.
- Mid-range: Quality hotels, some recently opened, with amenities such as a gym, located at the station and in the quieter streets north of the centre.
- Splurge: The source material does not identify a luxury tier in Benxi. The upper end of what is described is the quality mid-range hotel.
Best area for a first visit
Pingshan District, around Benxi train station, is the best base for a first visit. It is the arrival point by rail, it has the widest spread of accommodation from budget to mid-range, and it keeps you within easy reach of the city centre. From there you can arrange transport east to the water cave and the mountain parks.
Frequently asked questions
Which area should I stay in if I arrive by train?
Pingshan District. Benxi train station is in Pingshan District, and accommodation there includes budget and mid-range hotels at or across the road from the station.
Where can I stay if I want somewhere quieter?
Mingshan District, just north of the train station, is described as offering a quieter atmosphere while remaining a short taxi ride from the city centre.
How do I reach the water cave and the national parks?
The Benxi Water Cave National Park lies about 35 km east of Benxi city, and the eastern side of the prefecture holds the mountains, caves and lakes where the parks are located. Staying near the station in Pingshan District keeps you close to the transport you will need for the trip east.
Is there anywhere to stay near a sight inside the city?
Xihu District contains Benxi Lake in its urban area, so basing yourself there puts you near that attraction rather than out among the parks.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.