Plan at a glance
Mountain streams, lakes and waterfalls
Dashi Lake Scenic Area (本溪大石湖风景区) is known for its mountain lakes and waterfalls. The Wulong Lake (五龙湖) area has a group of “five lakes and four waterfalls.” Trails follow the valleys, and some mountain sections are steep. A gentle visit to the lakes and waterfalls is a different kind of outing from continuing uphill.
Four visitor areas
The scenic area is divided into Wulong Lake (五龙湖), Bingling Gorge (冰凌峡), Xiangshui Lake (香水湖) and Mulan Valley (木兰谷). First-time visitors can focus on the lakes and waterfalls around Wulong Lake, then decide whether to add a gorge or uphill section based on what is open that day.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Lakes and waterfalls around Wulong Lake
The Wulong Lake area is for views of the lake, streams and waterfalls. They are scattered along the mountain stream, and water levels vary with the season and rainfall. Plan photography stops along the open paths near the entrance that day.
Bingling Gorge and the uphill hike
Bingling Gorge is in the valley northeast of Wulong Lake. Its trails connect the lower and higher sections of the Wulong Lake valley; nearby Dongding Peak (东顶峰) is about 978 metres high. The gorge and climb involve sustained ascents and descents, and suit visitors with hiking experience who are comfortable with elevation gain. Wear shoes with good grip and choose a turnaround point that matches your fitness.
Xiangshui Lake, Mulan Valley and cross-area walking
Xiangshui Lake is one of the scenic area’s visitor zones. After entering, check the day’s map for open trails. Mulan Valley connects the Dashi Lake and Laobiangou (老边沟) areas. Walking between them involves separate entrances, tickets and pick-up arrangements, so it is better suited to visitors planning a multi-area day in advance.
Build your day
Out and back near Wulong Lake
Enter through the Dashi Lake entrance and follow the trails open that day to the lakes and waterfalls around Wulong Lake. Choose a turnaround point within the area shown as open on the map, then return along the same trail. The “five lakes and four waterfalls” are spread along the mountain stream, and some sections have slopes and steps; choose the turnaround point based on your group’s ability to climb. Allow about two to three hours for a short visit. Photo stops, trail conditions and visitor numbers affect the actual time.
Extend the walk to Bingling Gorge or Mulan Valley
For a longer outing, consider continuing from Wulong Lake towards Bingling Gorge, or plan a separate walk towards Mulan Valley. A longer hike takes about four to six hours, with steeper slopes and more steps in the later sections. Continue from Mulan Valley towards Laobiangou only if the scenic area explicitly permits cross-area walking and exiting at the other end, and you have confirmed the ticketing and return transfer. Otherwise, stay on the Dashi Lake side and choose an open trail that allows an out-and-back walk.
Get there
Driving and parking
Search for “大石湖风景区” (“Dashi Lake Scenic Area”) in your navigation app. The park is in Dongyingfang Township, Xiaoshi Town, Benxi County. Check that the destination is the Dashi Lake entrance; Laobiangou and Mulan Valley are nearby visitor areas, but their entrances are not substitutes for the Dashi Lake parking area.
Getting there without a car
Dashi Lake is a considerable distance from central Benxi, so arrange transport both ways before setting out if you are not driving. The scenic area information number is 4000241177; call ahead to ask about the entrance, areas open that day and internal transfers. If you cannot confirm public transport in both directions, do not rely on finding a ride after leaving the park.
Know before you go
Season and trail conditions
Benxi city generally enters its autumn foliage season from late September to mid-October, but colour changes depend on temperature and weather. Stone steps, wooden boardwalks and paths beside the water can be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip and stay on open trails.
Tickets and supplies
Check the day’s ticket information for entrance tickets, combined tickets and sightseeing shuttles separately. If you plan to walk from Mulan Valley to Laobiangou, first confirm whether cross-area access is open, whether you need another ticket and how to arrange a return transfer from the other end. Supplies inside the park are limited, so bring water and simple food. Xiaoshi lamb soup (小市羊汤) is in town outside the park and requires separate transport.
International visitors using a passport as ID should check which documents are accepted, what payment methods are available and how tickets are verified on arrival.