Chaoyang Tourism: In-depth Travel Guide to Chaoyang City 2025
I. Must-Visit Attractions
Nature and Culture Integration
1. Phoenix Mountain
– Core Highlights: National 4A-level scenic area, famous mountain in western Liaoning, features ancient building complexes such as Lingxiao Pagoda and Moyun Pagoda, hiking trails through primeval forests, spring flower viewing and autumn foliage appreciation.
– Special Experiences: Take a sightseeing bus directly to the core area (open 06:00-18:00 in summer), climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city, the glass skywalk and cliff swing at the summit are perfect for photo opportunities.
– Tips: It’s recommended to bring sunscreen, light rain gear, and mosquito repellent as there are many mosquitoes in summer.
2. Chaoyang North Pagoda Museum
– Cultural Value: Based on the Chaoyang North Pagoda, a national key cultural relic protection unit, it displays Buddhist cultural relics from the Northern Wei to Liao Dynasties. The museum’s treasure, the “Jieyang Ding,” weighs 58 tons and symbolizes the city’s history.
– In-depth Experience: The night light show (20:00-20:30) complements the thousand-year-old pagoda. Nearby Murong Street offers antique shopping and intangible cultural heritage handicrafts.
3. Qingfeng Ridge
– Nature and Red Culture: Primitive canyon landforms, filming location of the TV series “China Land”, hike to explore the ruins of the 280 Arsenal, experience the history of the Anti-Japanese War.
– Photography Spots: In autumn, the forests are fully colored, and the mountain streams, waterfalls, and unique rock formations create a natural ink wash painting.
Popular Science and Parent-Child Category
1. Chaoyang Bird Fossil National Geopark
– Global Uniqueness: Preserves bird and dinosaur fossils from 120 million years ago, interactive exhibition hall allows simulation of fossil excavation, suitable for parent-child science education.
– Route suggestion: Visit the Fossil Museum in the morning, and go to Sihetun Scenic Area in the afternoon to observe geological sections on site.
2. Niuheliang Hongshan Cultural Site
– Origin of civilization: Neolithic sacrificial site where cultural relics such as jade dragon pig and goddess statues were unearthed. Combined with the immersive exhibition at the site museum, it recreates the life of ancestors 5,000 years ago.
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II. Specialty Food Map
1. Local Classics
– Tofu pudding with sesame seed cakes: Chaoyang’s standard breakfast, recommended “Wang Ji Breakfast” in the old town, with silky tofu and crispy sesame seed cakes.
– Kazuo Lamb Soup: Mongolian flavor, slow-cooked lamb and lamb offal, served with Mongolian meat pies, warming and stomach-comforting.
2. Night Market Delights
– Longshan Street Night Market: A gathering place for snacks such as grilled chicken skin skewers, squid tentacles, and takoyaki, where you can eat until you’re full for about 30 yuan per person.
– Linghe Night Market: Special roasted tofu skin and fried potato balls, you can take a walk along the Daling River at night to enjoy the light show.
3. Souvenir Recommendations
– Jianping Millet: Full-grained, soft and sweet when cooked into porridge;
– Kazuo Purple Clay Teapot: Intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship, with both practical and collection value.
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III. Accommodation Recommendations
1. High-end Resorts
– Phoenix Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: Forest view rooms with private hot spring pools, equipped with SPA and mountain-view restaurant;
– Lizhou Ancient Town Inn: Ming and Qing dynasty style courtyard, offering Hanfu rental and ancient style photography services.
2. Special Homestays
– Qingfengling Mountain Residence: Cliff wooden cabins facing the canyon, fully equipped for stargazing at night;
– Fossil Valley Camp: Tent camp where you can experience fossil rubbing.
3. Budget Options
– Chain hotels near Chaoyang Station: Such as Jinjiang Inn and Home Inn, 100-150 yuan per person per night, convenient transportation.
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IV. Transportation Guide
1. External Transportation
– High-speed rail: Beijing/Shenyang to Chaoyang Station, 2-3 hours journey;
– Self-driving: Recommended route “Beijing-Harbin Expressway → Changchun-Shenzhen Expressway”, connecting Phoenix Mountain, Niuheliang and other attractions.
2. Internal Transportation
– Scenic area shuttle: Fixed-point buses from the city to Phoenix Mountain and Qingfengling (ticket price 15-25 yuan);
– Car rental service: New energy vehicles from 200 yuan per day, suitable for family independent travel.
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V. Precautions
1. Travel Tips
– Some sections of Phoenix Mountain are steep, non-slip shoes are required; the karst cave scenic area has high humidity, it is recommended to bring a light jacket;
– The fossil digging experience requires advance booking, children must be accompanied by adults.
2. Cultural Respect
– Touching cultural relics is prohibited at the Hongshan Cultural Site; photography in Yao villages requires permission from the villagers.
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VI. In-depth Experiences
1. Hot Spring Therapy: Yulong Valley Hot Springs contains sulfur minerals, complemented by Mongolian medicinal baths, recommended for autumn and winter seasons;
2. Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts: Experience Kazuo purple clay pottery throwing and Mongolian embroidery on Murong Street;
3. Photography Routes:
– Autumn 3-day Route: Red leaves at Phoenix Mountain → Morning mist at Niuheliang Site → Migratory birds at Daling River Wetland.
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