Liaoning High-Speed Rail: Shenyang, Dandong & Dalian

Connect Shenyang, Dandong, and Dalian by high-speed rail to explore Qing dynasty history, Yalu River border sights, and historic coastal areas.

The most classic route for first-time visitors to Liaoning, fully connected by rail with no driving required. Spend two nights in Shenyang exploring the Imperial Palace, Marshal Zhang's Mansion, and industrial heritage; two nights in Dandong visiting the Broken Bridge and Hushan Great Wall; and three nights in Dalian for the old town, Lushun, and Binhai Road. The pace is moderate, omitting the Benxi mountains and western Liaoning.

Day by day

Day 1 · Shenyang Old Town & Qing History

Shenyang（Mukden Palace (Shenyang Imperial Palace)、Marshal Zhang's Mansion、Zhongjie Pedestrian Street）

Upon arrival, take the metro to the Zhongjie area. The Imperial Palace, Marshal Zhang's Mansion, and Zhongjie are all within walking distance.

The Imperial Palace and Marshal Zhang's Mansion require online booking in advance. Closures follow official announcements.

Stay: Zhongjie Street · Imperial Palace

Day 2 · Beiling Park, 9.18 Museum & Tiexi

Shenyang（Zhaoling Mausoleum (Beiling Park)、September 18th Historical Museum、China Industrial Museum）

Use the metro and taxis to travel between Beiling Park, the 9.18 Museum, and Tiexi. Total travel time is about 2 hours.

Most museums are closed on Mondays; plan accordingly and book in advance.

Stay: Zhongjie Street · Imperial Palace

Day 3 · High-Speed Rail to Dandong & Yalu River

Dandong City Area（Memorial of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea、Yalu River Broken Bridge、Yalu River Cruise、Andong Old Street）

Take the high-speed rail from Shenyang to Dandong (approx. 1.5 hours). Walk or take a taxi to the riverfront upon arrival.

The Memorial Hall of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea requires booking and is closed on Mondays.

Stay: Binjiang Road · Broken Bridge

Day 4 · Hushan Great Wall & Hekou

Dandong City Area（Hushan Great Wall、Hekou Scenic Area (Taohua Island)）

Hire a car for a round trip from the city to Hushan Great Wall and Hekou (approx. 1 hour one way, 3 hours total driving time).

Public transport to these sites is inconvenient, so hiring a car is recommended. Arrive at Hushan before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds.

Stay: Binjiang Road · Broken Bridge

Day 5 · Dandong-Dalian Express Rail to Dalian Old Town

Dalian Urban Area（Zhongshan Square、Russian Style Street、Dalian Port Warehouse No.15、Donggang Waterfront & Venice Water City）

Take the bullet train from Dandong to Dalian (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours). Explore the old town by metro or on foot in the afternoon.

Stay: Zhongshan Square · Qingniwa Bridge

Day 6 · Lushun Modern History Day Trip

Dalian Urban Area（Lüshun Japanese-Russian Prison Site、Lushunkou & Baiyu Hill、Lüshun Museum、Hill 203）

Take the metro and a taxi, or hire a car to Lushun (approx. 1 hour one way). Use taxis to travel between sights.

Some sights in Lushun require booking one day in advance. Check for museum closure days.

Stay: Zhongshan Square · Qingniwa Bridge

Day 7 · Xinghai Square & Binhai Road

Dalian Urban Area（Xinghai Square、Binhai Road Coastal Walk、Laohutan Ocean Park）

Take a taxi or public bus along the scenic coastline. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the airport in the afternoon.

Binhai Road gets congested after 10:00 AM in summer; try to start early.