Plan at a glance
Scenic area
Laobiangou is in Nanyingfang Village (南营坊村), Dongyingfang Township (东营坊乡), Benxi Manchu Autonomous County (本溪满族自治县). Most visits focus on the Yongge River (拥硌河) and the surrounding valleys. Streams, pools and woodland paths are the main attractions for a half-day or full-day visit; Phoenix Peak (凤凰顶) is a more strenuous uphill extension.
The park has intersecting zones and trails. Check the map after entering, then follow the paths open that day and the signs on site.
Tickets and shuttles
Check the entrance ticket, Yongge River sightseeing shuttle and Phoenix Peak activities separately. Before setting out, confirm the date, ticket type and whether transfers are included through the park’s ticketing channel. 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.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The Yongge River and valley scenery
The Yongge River area is known for streams, rock formations and woodland paths. Heyan Bay (壑岩湾), Lovers’ Bridge (情人桥) and Yingcai Lake (映彩湖) are places to slow down and enjoy the water and valley views. The route alternates between boardwalks, stone steps and forest paths.
Longyin Valley (龙吟谷) and Bingfeng Valley (冰封谷) lie in side valleys east of the Yongge River. Their upper sections connect, forming a small loop with the main valley. Check the day’s map and on-site signs for the side-valley entrances and trail directions; do not enter closed branches.
Phoenix Peak hike
Phoenix Peak is an uphill mountain hike, different from the riverside walking trails. The climb may not suit every member of your group, depending on fitness and trail conditions. Mountain coaster rides and other activities have separate operating arrangements and charges.
Visitors who prefer valley scenery can stay around the Yongge River. Phoenix Peak and the mountain activities involve elevation gain and physical effort, so do not plan them as an easy, level family walk. Before setting out, confirm which sections are open, where the uphill and downhill stations are, and how to get back down.
For a separate lake-and-waterfall visit with its own entrance and return arrangements, see Dashihu Scenic Area.
Build your day
Out-and-back walk along the river
The Yongge River route includes Qicai Ping (七彩坪), Longyin Valley, Heyan Bay, Lovers’ Bridge and Yingcai Lake. Whether you can take the same trail from the shuttle drop-off at Qicai Ping all the way to the park exit depends on the route and transfers operating that day. The return shuttle point and last departure at a one-way exit can determine how the day works.
Before you go, ask the park which trails and shuttle stops are open, where to catch a return ride from each exit, and when the last shuttle leaves. The Benxi municipal government lists 024-43318888 and 024-43319999 as visitor information numbers for the Dashi Lake (Laobiangou) scenic area; call ahead to ask about open trails and transfers. If transport back to the visitor centre or parking area from an exit is not confirmed, stick to an open trail that the park explicitly allows visitors to walk out and back. Do not take a one-way downhill route.
Phoenix Peak and mountain activities
Check the opening hours, shuttle stops and downhill arrangements for Phoenix Peak and mountain activities separately. Combining the climb with the valley walk affects return transfers, so do not fit both into a tight schedule until the connection is confirmed. If anyone in your group is not suited to a long climb, plan only the valley trails.
Get there
Driving and parking
Set your navigation to Laobiangou Scenic Area, then follow the entrance signs to the parking area and visitor centre. Parking zones may use different shuttle pick-up points, so note where you parked and where to catch the return shuttle. Driving times on mountain roads can vary with traffic in autumn and on public holidays.
The park is in Nanyingfang Village, Dongyingfang Township, a considerable distance from central Benxi. Check that your navigation destination is the Laobiangou Scenic Area entrance, rather than a nearby village or the Dashi Lake entrance.
Getting there and back without a car
Before travelling, confirm the outbound service from central Benxi to Dongyingfang Township, the last bus and your return transfer. Then coordinate your arrival at the park entrance with your pick-up time after the visit. Do not walk to a one-way exit and try to find a ride back at the last minute.
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 in the valleys depend on temperature and weather. If you are travelling specifically for the foliage, check the park’s current seasonal updates before setting out.
Trails along the Yongge River include boardwalks, stone steps and sections beside the water. Wooden and stone surfaces can be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip, stay on open paths, and do not enter the riverbed or closed areas.
Food and a combined visit
Food options inside the park are limited, so bring enough drinking water and simple snacks. Xiaoshi lamb soup (小市羊汤) is outside the park and is best treated as a separate stop by car after your visit.
There are walking connections between Laobiangou and Dashi Lake, but visiting both parks involves separate entrance, ticketing and return arrangements. If there is no confirmed cross-park route and transfer plan for the day, plan them as separate visits.