6 Days Liaoning Hot Springs, Ice & Snow & Borderland Tour (Shenyang–Benxi–Dandong)

The day begins early at the vibrant Xiaheyan Morning Market (小河沿早市), one of the oldest traditional markets in Northeast China. With over 200 years of history, this lively street market is filled with steam, noise, and warmth even in winter. Here, you’ll experience authentic local breakfast culture with specialties such as frozen pears (冻梨), frozen persimmons (冻柿子), sticky rice cakes (粘豆包), beef pancakes (牛肉火烧), fried dough sticks (油条), and grilled cold noodles (烤冷面). This is one of the best places to feel the everyday rhythm of local life.

Next, observe the unique winter tradition of winter swimming (冬泳) along the riverbanks. Locals gather to immerse themselves in freezing waters as a form of health practice, believed to improve circulation and strengthen the body. It is both a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of Northeast resilience in extreme cold.

Lunch features a classic Northeast dumpling feast, where dumplings are more than food—they represent warmth, reunion, and energy in winter life.

In the afternoon, explore the majestic Shenyang Imperial Palace (沈阳故宫), also known as the Shengjing Palace. Built in the early Qing Dynasty, this UNESCO-listed site is one of the best-preserved imperial complexes in China outside Beijing. Walk through grand halls such as Dazheng Hall, Chongzheng Hall, Phoenix Tower, and Qingning Palace, where Manchu, Han, and Mongolian architectural influences blend into a unique historical landscape.

A highlight experience is wearing traditional qipao for photography inside the palace courtyard. Against red walls and ancient architecture, this creates a cinematic contrast between history and modern elegance.

Later, continue to Old North Market (老北市), a cultural district that recreates the atmosphere of old Shenyang. Here, you can try traditional crafts such as paper cutting, calligraphy, incense making, and cultural performances. The Republic-era street design brings together nostalgic architecture, folk snacks, and street performances. As evening falls, the area lights up with performances like “Phoenix Dance in the Sky,” adding a dramatic cultural finale to the day.

Dinner suggestion: Local street snacks at Old North Market, including pot-roasted pork (锅包肉), grilled skewers, and sweet candied hawthorn sticks.

Accommodation: Shenyang (沈阳)

After breakfast, head to Qipan Mountain Ice and Snow World (棋盘山冰雪大世界), one of the largest winter recreation parks in the region. This is a true snow playground where winter becomes an active experience rather than just scenery.

Here, you can enjoy traditional ice activities such as ice sledding, snow tubing, and ice slides, alongside modern ski runs designed for beginners and advanced skiers. The park is also famous for its large-scale ice and snow sculptures, which transform the landscape into a glowing winter art exhibition.

After lunch, experience one of the most iconic cultural highlights of Northeast China: the Qinghe Peninsula Bathhouse Complex (清河半岛). This is not just a spa, but a full lifestyle ritual deeply rooted in local culture.

The experience begins with cleansing and traditional scrubbing, a famous local practice that leaves the body refreshed and renewed. You then move into a series of thermal pools, including herbal baths and massage pools, alternating between hot and cold water to stimulate circulation and relaxation.

Next comes the rest phase, where guests can relax in sauna rooms made of different materials such as salt stone or jade-style rooms, or simply lie down in quiet resting lounges with free tea and snacks.

For those seeking deeper relaxation, optional massage and foot therapy services are available. Dining inside the complex offers a wide selection of dishes, from Northeast-style comfort food to seafood buffets, making it possible to spend several hours or even a full day inside.

By the end of the day, you will have experienced one of Northeast China’s most unique cultural expressions—where bathing, relaxation, dining, and social life merge into one seamless ritual.

Accommodation: Shenyang (沈阳)

After breakfast, depart from Shenyang (沈阳) and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Benxi (本溪), nestled in the southern edge of the Changbai Mountain Range (长白山脉). The journey itself offers scenic views of frost-covered forests, snow-dusted hills, and the serene beauty of Northeast China in winter.

The main highlight is the Huaxi Mu Hot Springs (花溪沐温泉), famous for its “ice and fire” experience. Step into warm, mineral-rich water while the surrounding air temperature hovers well below freezing. As your body enjoys soothing warmth, your hair may frost over, creating a striking contrast between the icy environment and the steamy thermal pools.

The hot springs boast a water temperature up to 76°C, naturally enriched with manganese and sodium carbonate, offering medicinal benefits such as improved circulation, skin nourishment, and relaxation. Outdoor pools allow you to breathe the crisp mountain air while soaking, a rare and invigorating winter experience.

Optional activities within the resort:

• Herbal and medicinal pools for targeted wellness.
• Thermal Jacuzzi and massage pools for deep relaxation.
• Scenic walking paths around the snow-covered grounds.

Dinner: Enjoy local cuisine at the hotel or nearby restaurants, often featuring hotpot or Northeastern dishes to complement the thermal experience.

Accommodation: Benxi Hot Springs Hotel (本溪温泉酒店)

After breakfast, depart for Dandong (丹东), the city on the China–North Korea border along the Yalu River (鸭绿江). In winter, the river freezes over, creating a unique opportunity for the “border walk”—standing on solid ice while gazing across at Sinuiju (新义州), North Korea. This surreal experience offers a rare glimpse into the life and geography of a neighboring country without leaving China.

Lunch: Enjoy a hearty meal of local grilled specialties and Dandong seafood, including yellow clams, hotpots, and winter river fish dishes.

In the afternoon, visit the Hushan Great Wall (虎山长城), the easternmost section of the Great Wall. Unlike the crowded tourist spots near Beijing, this section is quieter and offers a more intimate experience. Walk along the snow-dusted ramparts, climb watchtowers, and capture panoramic winter vistas over frosted mountains and valleys. Every photograph feels cinematic, highlighting the fusion of history and natural beauty.

After sightseeing, experience a Korean-style hot spring bath in Dandong. These local baths combine heat therapy, mineral water, and traditional Korean bathing rituals, perfect for warming up after a cold day outdoors. The contrast of freezing outdoor temperatures with steaming waters is truly unforgettable.

Evening: Optional night photography along the frozen Yalu River or relaxation at the hot spring resort.

Accommodation: Dandong Hot Springs Hotel

After breakfast, explore the China–North Korea Border Market, a lively area where traders and locals exchange goods from both sides of the border. Find unique souvenirs such as North Korean stamps, handcrafts, specialty teas, snacks, and other curiosities. This “treasure hunt” activity provides a hands-on cultural experience and a perfect opportunity to collect mementos of your winter adventure.

After shopping, transfer back to Shenyang (沈阳) for your departure. Along the way, enjoy the winter landscapes of Liaoning Province, with snow-covered rivers, forests, and rural villages offering a last glimpse of Northeast China’s serene winter beauty.

Note: Depending on your flight schedule, some activities may be shortened or skipped. All transfers and itineraries are finalized according to airline and travel agency arrangements.