Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park in Benxi

Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park (关门山国家森林公园) is located in Xiaoshi Town, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Benxi City, Liaoning Province, about 53 km from downtown Benxi. It is a National AAAA Scenic Area, widely known as the “Northeast Little Huangshan (东北小黄山)” and a core scenic zone of the “China Maple Leaf Capital.”

With a forest coverage rate of 95%, the park is famous for its spectacular peaks, clear streams, dense red maple forests, mist landscapes, and seasonal scenery, making it a year-round destination. Autumn (late September to mid-October) is the absolute peak season for maple viewing.

Core Scenic Overview

The park covers an area of about 3,517 hectares, with elevation ranging from 310 to 1,234 meters. It is composed of five major scenic zones: Xiaohuangshan (小黄山), Longmen Gorge (龙门峡), Jialazi (夹砬子), Yuetai Zi (月台子), and Mingcui Valley (鸣翠谷), featuring more than 108 scenic spots in total.

Each season offers distinct landscapes:

• Spring (April–May): blooming wildflowers, especially Tian Nü Magnolia (天女木兰), a signature regional flower
• Summer (June–August): average temperature around 22°C, dense waterfalls and streams, a natural oxygen bar and top summer escape destination
• Autumn (Sept 25–Oct 15): peak red maple season with over 120 species of maple trees, known as “no need to see maple elsewhere after Guanmen Mountain”
• Winter (Dec–Feb): ice waterfalls, rime ice, and snow-covered forests creating a fairy-tale winter landscape

The park is recognized as a National AAAA Scenic Area, one of Liaoning’s Top 50 Scenic Sites, and a core component of China’s Maple Leaf tourism brand.

Tickets & Opening Hours (2026 Latest)

Opening Hours

• Regular season: 08:00–16:00 (ticket sales stop at 15:30)
• Maple season (Sept–Oct): 07:30–17:30, recommended entry before 08:00 for sunrise mist and fewer crowds
• Winter season: 08:30–16:30

Ticket Prices

• Adult ticket: 49–75 RMB (off-season), 90 RMB (peak maple season)
• Student / seniors (60–69): half price
• Children under 1.3m, seniors over 70, military personnel, disabled visitors: free (valid ID required)

Scenic shuttle bus (highly recommended): 20 RMB one-way
It connects entrance with major highlights such as Maple King (枫王) and Five-Colored Lake (五彩湖), saving up to 2 hours of hiking.

Parking fee: 10 RMB per vehicle (unlimited time)

Must-Visit Scenic Spots (TOP 6)

1. Five-Colored Lake (五彩湖)

Located in the core Xiaohuangshan area, this lake is famous for its mirror-like surface reflecting red maples, green pines, and golden forests. On windless days, it becomes a natural “sky mirror.” The best photography time is around 3 PM, when light and color contrast is strongest.

2. Maple King (枫王)

The symbolic landmark of Guanmen Mountain, located at the summit of Xiaohuangshan. The tree is over 500 years old, displaying multi-colored leaves ranging from red, orange, yellow, to purple. Its massive crown creates one of the most spectacular autumn color displays in Northeast China.

3. Longmen Gorge (龙门峡)

A scenic valley located near the park entrance. It features flowing streams, waterfalls such as the Crystal Curtain Waterfall (晶帘瀑布), and iconic paired trees known as the “Husband and Wife Trees (夫妻树).” The combination of water and red maple scenery makes it highly photogenic and refreshing.

4. Xiaohuangshan Area (小黄山)

The core essence of the park, featuring peaks, strange rock formations, sea of clouds, and endless maple forests. Key points include Hero Slope (好汉坡), Dragon Ridge (龙脊岭), and Heaven Gate (通天门). Hiking here provides a full panoramic view of the entire forest landscape.

5. Mingcui Valley (鸣翠谷)

A family-friendly leisure zone with a 1,600-meter forest walking trail, bird sounds, streams, and small animal areas including alpacas and ponies. It is ideal for relaxed walking and family visits with children.

6. Crystal Curtain Waterfall (晶帘瀑布)

Located inside Longmen Gorge, this waterfall drops in three layers with a height of about 20 meters. Surrounded by red maple forests, it creates a dramatic “red leaf waterfall” scenery, especially stunning during autumn peak season.

Transportation Guide (Getting to Guanmen Mountain)

1. Self-Driving (Recommended)

From Shenyang:
G1113 Danfu Expressway → Benhuan Road → Xiaoshi Town → Guanmen Mountain

• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Toll: ~20 RMB
• Parking: sufficient on-site

From Benxi city:
Benhuan Road → Xiaoshi Town

• Duration: ~40 minutes, with scenic maple views in autumn

2. High-Speed Rail + Transfer

Shenyang → Benxi Station: 20 minutes (15 RMB)
Then taxi or ride-share to park: 40 minutes (120–150 RMB)

3. Public Transport (Budget Option)

Benxi East Bus Station → Xiaoshi Bus Station (50 minutes, 15 RMB)
Then transfer by local taxi or minibus (20 RMB per vehicle)

During maple season, direct tourist shuttle buses run from Benxi Station to Guanmen Mountain (1 hour, 20 RMB).

Scenic Area Internal Transport

Shuttle bus (recommended): Entrance → Maple King / Five-Colored Lake (20 RMB one-way)
Hiking: Wooden boardwalks and stone steps, total route about 8 km, requires 4–6 hours for full exploration. Anti-slip shoes are essential due to uneven terrain.

Recommended Routes

Easy Route (Family / Elderly / 3 Hours)

Entrance → Shuttle bus → Maple King → Five-Colored Lake → Husband and Wife Trees → Crystal Curtain Waterfall → Exit via Longmen Gorge

Classic Full Route (First-Time Visitors / 4–5 Hours)

Entrance → Magnolia Valley → Five-Colored Lake → Maple Sea → Hero Slope → Dragon Ridge → Heaven Gate → Maple King → Shuttle bus return

Photography Route (Autumn Peak / 5–6 Hours)

Morning: Longmen Gorge (mist + waterfalls) → Crystal Curtain Waterfall
Midday: Husband and Wife Trees → Mingcui Valley
Afternoon: Five-Colored Lake (reflection light)
Sunset: Maple King (golden hour) → Exit

Accommodation & Food Guide

🏨 Accommodation

Xiaoshi Town (closest base, recommended):

• Farm stays: 150–200 RMB/night, traditional kang beds, home-style meals (free-range chicken, wild vegetables)
• Xiaoshi Yizhuang (小市一庄): Manchu cultural guesthouse, ~300 RMB/night including breakfast and cultural performances

Hot Spring Area (30 min away, best in autumn/winter):

• Huaxi Mu (花溪沐温泉): private hot spring villas, ~800 RMB/night
• Fengxianggu (枫香谷温泉): forest hot springs, 400–600 RMB/night

🍲 Local Food

Xiaoshi lamb soup (小市羊汤): signature dish with rich broth and lamb, ~30 RMB per person, best in Xiaoshi street restaurants.
Iron pot stew (铁锅炖笨鸡 / 水库鱼): slow-cooked Northeastern specialty, ~80 RMB per person.
Manchu sticky pancakes (满族粘火勺): soft sweet traditional snack, ~20 RMB.
Wild mountain vegetables: fern sprouts, dandelion greens, seasonal forest herbs, ~40 RMB per person.

Travel Tips & Safety Guide

Avoid peak congestion on Benhuan Road during maple season (Sept 25–Oct 15); departure before 7:30 AM is strongly recommended. Shuttle bus one-way tickets are enough—ride up and walk down for efficiency. Always book tickets via official “Benxi Tourism” channels to avoid fake discounts. Offline maps are necessary due to weak mountain signal coverage.

Mountain trails can be slippery due to fallen leaves; anti-slip hiking shoes are required. Elderly visitors should avoid steep summit trails such as Hero Slope. No smoking is allowed in forest zones due to strict fire prevention rules during dry seasons.

Clothing Recommendations

Autumn: layered outfit (light jacket + long sleeves + long pants), bright colors (red/yellow/white) for photography, warm outerwear for mornings and evenings.
Summer: breathable clothing + light jacket for mountain/cave cool zones + sun protection gear.
Winter: down jacket, thermal layers, snow boots, gloves; bring swimwear if visiting hot springs.