Chinese Name: 本溪市 (běn xī shì)

Population: 1,567,000 
Area: 8,435 square kilometers (3,257 square miles) 

Nationalities: Han, Manchu 

Administrative Division: 4 districts (Pingshan, Xihu, Mingshan, Nanfen); 2 autonomous counties (Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Huanren Manchu Autonomous County) 

Seat of the City Government: 18, Renmin Lu, Pingshan District, Benxi City  

Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Complaints: 0414-2846970
                                           Weather Forecast: 121
                                           Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China: Yonghe Jie, Mingshan District, Benxi City

China Post: 35, Jiefang Lu, Pingshan District, Benxi City

Location: Benxi lies in the southeastern area of Liaoning Province, at the hinterland of the Liaodong Peninsula. It lies just south of Shenyang and Fushun, and north of Dandong. Anshan and Jilin are respectively located west and east of the city. 

History: During the Warring State Period (476BC-221BC), present day downtown Benxi and Benxi County fell under the rule of the Yan Kingdom. The Gaoyi, an ancient tribe in northeastern Asia, occupied the remaining areas of Benxi. In 37BC, the Korean Koguryo Kingdom was established around the Huanran Manchu Autonomous County. The Koguryo Kingdom drew to a close in the Tang Dynasty (608-907).   

Physical Features: Benxi is located in eastern Liaoning's mountainous region, with two offshoots of the Changbai Mountains drawing a northeast-southwest divide through the landscape. It's general terrain slopes downward from the eastern and central territories to those southwest. Mountains and hills constitute 80 percent of the land within the city, and four water systems produce river valleys and basins.

Climate: Benxi enjoys a temperate, humid climate, with an annual average temperature of 6.1-7.8 degrees Celsius (43 – 46 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer is slightly warmer, and the average temperature during July (the warmest month) is 24.3 degrees Celsius (76 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter is quite cold, with an average temperature of –14.3 degrees Celsius (6.3 degrees Fahrenheit). Half of the city's precipitation occurs during July and August.

When to Go: Autumn is the golden season, and the most favorable for visiting the city.

Local Highlights: Benxi Maple Leaf Festival (September): The Maple trees of Benxi are at their most beautiful in September, when the ground is aflame with their read leaves. The best place to admire the spectacular natural scenery is the Guanmen Mountain in Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, which is a 48-kilometer drive from downtown Benxi.

Special Local Products: Liao Inkstone, butterfly paintings, ginseng    

 Attractions:
Benxi Water Cave dates back nearly five million years, and is recognized as one of the treasures of Northern China. The cave covers an area of 36,000 square kilometers (9 acres) and stretches inward 2,800 meters (3063 yards). Entering the semi-lunar mouth of the cave, one finds the 'guest-greeting hall' which is said to have been inhabited by human settlers three thousand years ago. The waterways and the pavilions outside complement the cave perfectly, making this both a scenic and a historic destination. Benxi Water Cave lies 35 kilometers (22 miles) east of downtown, on the side of the Taizi River.
 
Jiuding Tiecha Mountain is the cradle of Taoism in Northeast China. Jiuding Tiecha Mountain lies 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Benxi city proper. The mountain is home to many ancient caves, and cliff side inscriptions.

Other Scenic Spots: Guanmen Mountain, Benxi Lake, Hot Spring Temple
 
Travel Tips:
Shenyang is 77 kilometers (48 miles) from Benxi. Visitors can travel to and from Benxi through the Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. Airport buses provide transportation to Ma Lu Wan in Zhonghua Lu, where transfers can be arranged to Benxi.

The central passenger transportation center in Benxi is located along Jiefang Bei Lu (Mingshan District). The Dongfen station is located here as well. Buses numbered 1, 16, 19, 25, and 32 stop at Dongfen. The Yongfeng station is adjacent to Benxi's Railway Station.