Xingcheng

Home to one of China's best-preserved Ming-dynasty garrison towns, with Xingcheng Old Town, Mount Shoushan and Juhua Island, plus beaches and hot springs.

Xingcheng is a county-level city under Huludao in Liaoning Province, in the middle of the Liaoxi Corridor on the western shore of Liaodong Bay on the Bohai Sea. Known in the Ming dynasty as Ningyuan Garrison, it was a key military stronghold beyond the Great Wall. In the late Ming, Yuan Chonghuan won the Battle of Ningyuan here, leaving behind Xingcheng Old Town, one of China's best-preserved Ming garrison towns. This destination centers on the old town: inside are the city walls, the Bell and Drum Tower, the Zu Family Stone Archways, the Confucian Temple and the Commander's Residence. To the east lie the hot spring area and Shoushan Forest Park; about 8 km to the southeast is the Xingcheng seaside, where boats from the pier take about 40 minutes to reach Juhua Island. In the northwestern outskirts stands the Liao-dynasty Baitayu Pagoda, and 15 km to the northeast is the Longwan seaside in downtown Huludao.

The best season is Jul–Aug, ideal for escaping the summer heat by the sea, swimming and island trips. Spring and autumn suit exploring the old town and climbing Mount Shoushan, and autumn and winter are good for hot springs. Winters are cold, and most ferries to Juhua Island are suspended.

Getting there: Beijing–Harbin high-speed trains stop at Xingcheng and Huludao North stations, about 2.5–3 hours from Beijing and about 1.5 hours from Shenyang. Buses and taxis run from the city to the old town and the seaside. Two days is typical: one for the old town and hot springs, one for the seaside and Juhua Island. Xingcheng is also one of China's best-known swimwear manufacturing hubs, and swimwear markets in town sell at low prices. Before heading to the island, check the ferry schedule and return times; admission for the old town walls and courtyards is as announced by the scenic area.

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