Day trip from Shenyang

Guanmenshan Reservoir

关门山水库Photography

Known as the "Little Jiangnan" and the "Huangshan of the Northeast," it has five beauties: striking peaks, clear water, delicate mists, lush trees and beautiful flowers.…

Guanmenshan Reservoir, Shenyang

Key facts

Admission
¥90
Opening hours
8:30–16:00 (summer)
Time needed
1–2 days
Getting there
From the Shenyang South Long-Distance Bus Station, take a public bus bound for Benxi or Xiaoshi, then transfer to reach the reservoir.
Guidebook rating
3 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 2253. Open in Google Maps

About Guanmenshan Reservoir

Known as the "Little Jiangnan" and the "Huangshan of the Northeast," it has five beauties: striking peaks, clear water, delicate mists, lush trees and beautiful flowers. Its steep peaks rise sharply from the ground, and the summits are crowned with graceful pines and towering rocks, as if naturally arranged like giant bonsai.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Guanmenshan Reservoir cost?

Admission to Guanmenshan Reservoir is ¥90, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

What are the opening hours of Guanmenshan Reservoir?

Guanmenshan Reservoir is open 8:30–16:00 (summer).

How do I get to Guanmenshan Reservoir?

From the Shenyang South Long-Distance Bus Station, take a public bus bound for Benxi or Xiaoshi, then transfer to reach the reservoir.

How long should I spend at Guanmenshan Reservoir?

Plan on 1–2 days for Guanmenshan Reservoir.

Where is Guanmenshan Reservoir?

Guanmenshan Reservoir is in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, in the Northeast of China.

More places in Shenyang

Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum — illustration

Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum

The palace complex built and used by Qing emperors Nurhaci and Hong Taiji. Its architecture has distinct Manchu characteristics, and among the palace complexes that survive in China, its historical and artistic value is second only to Beijing's Forbidden City. The layout reflects the Eight Banners system and is unique to Shenyang Palace. The Wenshu Pavilion, built to store the Siku Quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries), is also here. After seeing the Forbidden City's grandeur and sense of space, you may find Shenyang Palace underwhelming. It is hemmed in by the city's buildings and is far smaller in scale. But this is how the palace looked before the Qing entered the Central Plains, and it would be unfair to measure it against the Forbidden City in terms of atmosphere.

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Benxi Water Cave Scenic Area

Benxi Water Cave Scenic Area

Centred on the Benxi Water Cave, the area combines mountains, water, caves, springs, lakes and an ancient human heritage site. The Water Cave is a large limestone karst cave flooded with water, formed several million years ago. Its developed route covers nearly 3,000 metres, making it the longest flooded cave discovered in the world.

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Qianshan Scenic Area

Qianshan Scenic Area

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Main gate ticket: ¥80. Electric sightseeing bus within the scenic area: ¥10 one way. Cable cars: Tianshang Tian cable car ¥20 one way, Great Buddha cable car ¥20 one way, Wufoding cable car ¥30 return · 0.5–1 day

Zhang Xueliang Former Residence Museum

Zhang Xueliang Former Residence Museum

South of Shenyang Imperial Palace stand the residences of Zhang Zuolin and Zhang Xueliang. This compound witnessed many turning points in history. Zhang Zuolin rose to power here as the Northeast Warlord. After the Huanggutun Incident, he was mortally wounded and died in the Marshal's Residence. Zhang Xueliang announced the 'Northeast Flag Change' here. As the saying goes, touring one Marshal's Residence reveals half the history of the Republic of China. The architecture is exquisite: the Great Green Building is grand and majestic, the Small Green Building is simple and approachable, and Miss Zhao Si's Building carries a faint Western charm. Those familiar with history will appreciate the distinctive character of each building even more.

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Wolong Lake Ecological Scenic Area

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Shenyang Guaipo Scenic Area (Strange Slope)

Guaipo (Strange Slope), together with nearby Xiangshan (Ringing Mountain) and Wengding, is known as the 'Three Mysteries'. The scenic area also features the Songlin Huaigu Valley, nicknamed 'Snow in June' (六月飞雪), and combines the strange, secluded, unique and playful. The Seven-Eye Dragon-Piercing Stele, inscribed by Emperor Qianlong, is another sight not to be missed.

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