Stand on the platform as your train slows into Anshan railway station and look west, about five minutes before you arrive: the low mountain that gives the city its name rises in a saddle shape, the same silhouette that named the place. It is a fitting introduction to a city built on iron, steel and jade, where the surrounding hills hold temples, hot springs and long ridge paths.
Anshan suits travellers who are already in Liaoning and want a day or two of mountains, temples and thermal baths rather than a polished tourist trail. The Qianshan district holds most of the outdoor draws, while the city centre offers parks, a jade Buddha and winter skating. This guide covers the sights and experiences the sources describe, with practical notes on how to combine them.
Top things to do in Anshan
1. Qianshan National Park
Qianshan means "thousand mountains", and the jagged peaks give that impression as you look up. The name is an abbreviation of "thousand lotus flower mountains", and the peaks were said to resemble lotus petals dropped to earth by a goddess. The area holds many Buddhist and Taoist temples, monasteries and nunneries, and is one of the few places where both religions share the same site.
Three cable car routes can carry the less able partway up, but none goes the whole way, so expect some climbing yourself. Minibus No. 8 runs there from the city, and the Aviary sits inside the park near the Matria Buddha cable car.
2. Jade Buddha Temple
This temple complex in the Dongshan section of 219 Park claims the world's largest jade statue of the Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade almost 8 metres high and weighing 260.76 tons. You can enter either by the gate on Qianshan Lu Road, near Dongshan, or through 219 Park from Yuanlin Lu Road.
Combine it with the rest of 219 Park, since the temple sits within the park grounds. The Lohan Holy Land, an underground tunnel of Buddhist statues lit with coloured lights, is in the same area but needs an additional ticket.
3. 219 Park
The largest park in the region, named after the date Anshan was liberated by the PLA on 19 February 1948. Woodland surrounds a series of lakes, and locals come to exercise, dance, sing, play music and practise taichi, especially in the early morning and mid evening.
From the train station, follow Eryijiu Lu (219 Road) due east. Entry is free, and the park connects to Dongshan Park at its rear, near the Jade Buddha Temple.
4. Dongshan Park
This is a network of paths through the hills on the city's eastern flank, the longest running 5 km along the crest. Dongshan translates as East Mountain, and you get views of the city and surrounding land as you walk through dense woodland.
About halfway along, a tower on the high point of the ridge lets you rest and take in the view; a small fee applies to climb it. The park begins near the International Hotel and ends behind 219 Park, near the Jade Buddha Temple, so it links naturally with both.
5. Tanggangzi
Just south of the city, visitors can take a mud treatment in which they are buried in hot volcanic sand infused with spring water. Tanggangzi is the oldest hot spring spa in Anshan, dating back to the Tang dynasty, and was used by the last emperor, Puyi, and his wives. It is popular with foreign visitors, especially Russians.
Take Anhai Road south out of the city, about 16 km or 25 minutes by car. Many smaller bathhouses around the city offer similar services without natural spring water, and some stay open 24 hours, which can make a cheap alternative to a hotel room.
6. Lieshishan Park
A small park in the centre of the city from which most of Anshan is visible at the top of the hill. From the train station, follow Eryijiu Lu (219 Road) due east to Shengli Square, then turn right (south) and the park is at the end of the road.
If the steps look too daunting, a gentle path on the east side of the entrance spirals up to the top. Entry is free, and in winter you can skate on the lake here.
7. Dongshan Amusement Park
A large number of amusement rides operate here throughout the year. It sits at the Dongshan entrance of 219 Park, near the Jade Buddha Temple, so it fits easily into a day already spent in the park.
8. Anshan Qianshan Ski Centre
This small ski centre near Qianshan National Park is open through most of the winter, with slopes for beginners through to intermediate levels; advanced skiers may find the slopes a little short. It also has snow mobiles, quad bikes and rubber ring slides for children.
Take bus No. 8. After skiing you can relax in the mixed-sex outdoor hot spring spa included in the price, so remember your swimwear.
9. Skating in the parks
In winter you can skate on the lakes in 219 Park or Lieshishan Park, with the ice maintained by the park attendant. Bring your own skates and it is free, or hire skates for a modest fee.
10. Mengtai Park
A large and popular park in Lishan district to the north of the city, with an attractive lake and a crescent-shaped ridge of hills behind it. From the train station, go east along 219 Road, turn left onto Zhonghua Street and follow it to its conclusion. Entry is free.
11. Xiao Temple
In Xiuyan, legend dates this site to the Tang Dynasty, and it is the province's only large ancient temple of stone structure. It is known locally as the "Old Temple".
12. Birthplace and Memorial Hall of Zhang Xueliang
In Tai'an County of Anshan, this is the birthplace of Zhang Xueliang, who was born here on 4 June 1901.
13. Anshan Country Club
An 18-hole golf course on the south side of the city near Tangangzi. Take Anhai Road south out of Anshan just after Tangangzi, take a left where signposted, and the road turns right and crosses the railway line. Clubs are available to hire and prices are per round.
14. Yongle Park
A small park in the west end of the city, in Tiexi district, on Mingsheng Road. Entry is free.
15. Lohan Holy Land
Within the Jade Buddha Temple area but requiring an additional ticket, this underground tunnel contains many Buddhist statues with coloured lights. It pairs naturally with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple itself.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start early at 219 Park, following Eryijiu Lu due east from the train station, when locals are out exercising, dancing and practising taichi. Walk through to the Jade Buddha Temple in the Dongshan section, entering from the park side, and add the Lohan Holy Land if you want the underground tunnel of statues.
Afternoon: Continue into Dongshan Park from behind 219 Park and walk the ridge path, resting at the tower on the high point for views over the city. If you have the energy, take bus No. 8 out to Qianshan National Park for the temples and jagged peaks, using a cable car for part of the climb.
Evening: Head south on Anhai Road to Tanggangzi for a hot spring soak or a mud treatment in hot volcanic sand, the oldest spa in Anshan. If you are staying in the centre instead, Lieshishan Park is a short walk from Shengli Square and gives you the city spread out below at the top of the hill.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Qianshan National Park?
Minibus No. 8 goes there from the city, and the park is about 12 km by road to the south east. Bus No. 8 also serves the Anshan Qianshan Ski Centre nearby.
When is the best time to see locals in 219 Park?
The park is especially busy in the early morning and mid evening, when people come to exercise, dance, sing, play music and practise taichi.
Can I visit Anshan's hot springs without going to a resort?
Yes. In addition to the spas and sanatoriums, many smaller bathhouses throughout the city offer similar services, though they do not use natural hot springs. Bathing costs ¥28–60, extras such as massage run ¥20–100 per service, and many are open 24 hours.
What can I do in Anshan in winter?
You can skate on the maintained lakes in 219 Park or Lieshishan Park, hiring skates for a modest fee or bringing your own, and ski at the Anshan Qianshan Ski Centre, where the price includes an outdoor hot spring spa afterwards.
With the parks, the jade Buddha, the Qianshan peaks and the hot springs all within reach, you have enough here to start mapping out your days in Anshan.