Plan at a glance
Lake, peaks, valleys and an island
Guanshan Lake (关山湖) is divided into four themed areas: Hongye Lake (红叶湖), Jingxiu Peak (竞秀峰), Biquan Valley (碧泉谷) and Fenghua Island (枫花岛). They focus on lake sightseeing, uphill views, valley walks and lakeside scenery respectively. The park also offers boat rides, kayaking and small rafts on the lake.
Time and tickets
The length of your visit depends on whether you plan to climb, take part in water activities or try the rides. For a half-day visit, choose one themed area. If you want to combine boating and hiking, allow more time for transfers within the park and queues.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Boat ride on Hongye Lake
For lake scenery, make a boat ride on Hongye Lake the main activity, then visit viewpoints around Fenghua Island. The sightseeing boat, kayak and small lake raft are different experiences, suited to visitors who enjoy water activities and want to spend time by the lake.
Climb a peak or explore a valley
Jingxiu Peak is for uphill views, while Biquan Valley is mainly a valley walk and requires more effort than a boat ride. Visitors planning a mountain walk can focus on these two areas for the day. Those who prefer a more relaxed visit can stay around Hongye Lake and Fenghua Island.
A gentle island walk and other activities
Fenghua Island is suited to lakeside views and an unhurried walk. The park also has a cave, Yeren Valley, animal encounters and water-based rides. Choose among them based on the day’s operating information. Allow extra time for transfers and queues if you want to try several activities.
For a separate forest-and-valley walking destination, see Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park.
Build your day
A relaxed visit around the lake
After entering, focus on a boat ride on Hongye Lake and the scenery around Fenghua Island. When buying a ticket or making a reservation, confirm the pier location, where the boat route ends and how to return. Then plan nearby walking and rest stops. A boat ride and a walk around the lake have different paces; decide whether to continue on foot once the return pier is clear.
A walk in the valley
If you prefer hiking, focus on Jingxiu Peak and the sections of Biquan Valley trail open that day. Before setting out, confirm the trail entrance, sightseeing shuttle pick-up and drop-off points, and your exit direction. For a half-day visit, start with one themed area and add rides only if transfers are straightforward and time allows.
If you plan to visit the lake and mountain areas in one day, first confirm the shuttle stops, the boat’s endpoint and the last departure. If transfers between the lake and mountain areas are inconvenient, focus on just one area rather than trying to squeeze both into the same visit.
Get there
Navigate to Guanshan Lake
The scenic area is at Group 4, Chenying Village (陈英村), Xiaoshi Town (小市镇), Benxi County. Search for “关山湖旅游景区” or “关山湖风景区” in your navigation app. Check the address before setting out so you are not routed to Dashi Lake, Laobiangou or Guanmen Mountain National Forest Park.
Driving and public transport
If you are driving, head towards the park from Xiaoshi Town, park and follow the entrance signs. If you are not driving, arrange transport both ways from Benxi Railway Station (本溪站) or Xiaoshi Town before your visit. Call the scenic area at 024-46135555 to ask about transport and operating arrangements.
Know before you go
Seasons and water activities
Benxi city generally enters its autumn foliage season from late September to mid-October, but the leaves at Guanshan Lake change with that year’s weather. Boat rides, kayaks and small lake rafts may also be adjusted because of weather or operating conditions. Check what is open on the day of your visit.
Ticket types, climbs and equipment
Compare the entrance ticket, sightseeing shuttle and each ride’s details when buying tickets. Check which activities cost extra and what discounts apply to children. Choose climbs, cave visits and water activities according to their individual safety requirements. Wear shoes with good grip for mountain trails and bring a change of clothes for water activities.
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.