Plan at a glance
Forested mountains and valleys
Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park (关门山国家森林公园) is known for its forests, valleys and autumn foliage. Its main areas include Xiaohuangshan (小黄山), Jialazi (夹砬子), Longmen Gorge (龙门峡) and Yuetaizi (月台子). Mingcui Valley (鸣翠谷), Five-Color Lake (五彩湖) and other sites are also inside the park; use the day’s map to identify each area.
Park size and elevation
The park covers about 3,517 hectares, at elevations of roughly 310 to 1,234 metres. It is a large area to explore. For a half-day visit, focus on one area. Combining a valley walk with the climb at Xiaohuangshan in one day adds considerable walking and elevation gain.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Longmen Gorge and Five-Color Lake
For streams, lake views and forest scenery, consider the open trails around Longmen Gorge and Five-Color Lake. There are lake views and water-based activities near Five-Color Lake, while Longmen Gorge is known for its valley stream. Both areas suit a scenic walk; the Xiaohuangshan climb requires a separate decision about elevation gain and walking time.
Climb at Xiaohuangshan
The Xiaohuangshan area is mainly an uphill walk, with mountain trails such as Haohan Slope (好汉坡). The sustained climb requires good fitness and puts more strain on the knees and ankles, so it is better suited to visitors with hiking experience. If your knees or ankles are uncomfortable, or you have only half a day, choose a valley trail instead.
Autumn foliage
Guanmen Mountain is one of Benxi’s autumn foliage destinations. Leaves change at different rates depending on elevation and slope aspect. If you are visiting specifically for the foliage, check the park’s updates for that year and wear suitable shoes for walking on mountain trails.
For a separate lake-and-activities destination, see Guanshan Lake.
Build your day
Plan a walk in the lake and valley areas
Before entering, find out which sightseeing shuttle route is operating that day. If a shuttle stops near Longmen Gorge or Five-Color Lake, you can choose an open trail in that area. Before setting out on foot, confirm where to catch the return shuttle and when the last one leaves. If you cannot verify the transfer, do not plan a one-way walk between areas.
Plan the Xiaohuangshan climb
If the climb is your main goal, make Xiaohuangshan the only focus for the day and follow the park’s published open trails and return direction. Before setting out, obtain route information covering the uphill and downhill sections, exit and transfer times. Do not take a one-way hike between areas unless return transport has been arranged.
Get there
Navigation and driving
Search for “关门山国家森林公园” (“Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park”) in your navigation app. The entrance is in Guanmenshan, Chenying Village, Xiaoshi Town, Benxi County. Guanmen Mountain Reservoir (关门山水库), Guanmen Mountain Grand Canyon (关门山大峡谷) and Guanshan Lake (关山湖) are different attractions, so check that your navigation destination matches your ticket order. Follow the park’s directions for parking on the day.
From Benxi Railway Station or Xiaoshi Town
If you are not driving, arrange the transfers from Benxi Railway Station to Xiaoshi Town and from there to the park separately. Confirm current bus schedules and the last departure before setting out. If you plan to hike to another exit, also arrange a pick-up after your visit; a one-way ride to the mountain is not enough.
Know before you go
Trails and equipment
Xiaohuangshan has uphill sections, and the lake and valley areas also include slopes. Mountain trails can be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good traction and bring water. If you have knee or ankle problems or are not suited to a long walk, choose a shorter valley trail.
Tickets, shuttle fares and foliage updates
Check the day’s information for entrance tickets, reservations and shuttle fares separately. Call the park at 024-46358366 before your visit to confirm shuttle stops and direction, the last departure and which trails are open. Check the park’s updates for that year for current foliage conditions.
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.