Key Takeaways:
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Liaoyang blends over 2,400 years of history with modern-day serenity, making it a rewarding city to explore in any season.
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From ancient pagodas to scenic mountains and bustling street markets, it offers a mix of culture, nature, and daily life.
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This guide shares 10 year-round activities that showcase the charm, depth, and experiences waiting in Liaoyang.
Located in Liaoning Province, Liaoyang is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Northeast China. Its history dates back over two millennia, with traces of Han, Ming, and Qing dynasties still visible in the form of pagodas, temples, and well-preserved streets. Once a strategic hub in the region, today Liaoyang is known for its calm pace, cultural richness, and nearby mountains.
Travelers love Liaoyang for its blend of history and nature without the crowds of more well-known Chinese cities. Whether you’re exploring ancient Buddhist sites, relaxing in scenic parks, or enjoying regional cuisine in local markets, there’s plenty to experience all year round. Here are 10 unforgettable things to do in Liaoyang.
Table of Contents
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Visit the Iconic White Pagoda
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Stroll Through Liaoyang Museum and Cultural Park
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Hike the Trails of Longfeng Mountain
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Discover the Ancient Guangyou Temple
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Shop Local at Liaoyang Night Market
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Explore the Scenic Tanghe River Park
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Relax in a Traditional Hot Spring Resort
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Attend the Liaoyang Lantern Festival
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Visit Dongjing Ancient City Ruins
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Enjoy Classical Performances at Liaoyang Grand Theater
1. Visit the Iconic White Pagoda
Standing tall in the city center, the White Pagoda (Baita) is Liaoyang’s most famous landmark. Built during the Liao Dynasty, this 13-story structure reaches 71 meters high and offers beautiful architectural symmetry combined with historic elegance. Visitors can walk the surrounding grounds, admire the stone carvings, and learn about its origins through nearby exhibits.
The pagoda is especially captivating at sunset when its white bricks glow with golden hues. It’s a peaceful place to reflect, photograph, or simply enjoy a piece of Liaoyang’s deep cultural heritage. Open year-round, it’s the perfect introduction to the city’s ancient soul.
2. Stroll Through Liaoyang Museum and Cultural Park
The Liaoyang Museum sits within a lush cultural park that combines modern design with historical exhibits and relaxing green space. Inside, the museum displays ancient ceramics, local archeological finds, and detailed models of Liaoyang through different dynasties. The collection highlights the city’s strategic importance and artistic contributions across centuries.
The park outside is ideal for slow walks, people-watching, and seasonal flower displays. It’s a quiet oasis that locals often use for tai chi or afternoon games. Whether you love history or just need a scenic break, this museum and park combo is a fantastic year-round activity.
3. Hike the Trails of Longfeng Mountain
Located just a short drive from the city center, Longfeng Mountain offers hiking trails that wind through pine forests and lead to panoramic cliffside views. Along the way, you’ll pass small temples, stone steps, and clear streams that make the journey feel both spiritual and invigorating. In spring and autumn, the foliage turns the trails into colorful tapestries.
It’s suitable for beginners and seasoned hikers alike, with routes ranging from easy walks to more challenging ascents. On clear days, the summit reveals wide views of Liaoyang and nearby towns. It’s a year-round escape into nature and one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
4. Discover the Ancient Guangyou Temple
Dating back over 1,300 years, Guangyou Temple is one of the oldest and most respected Buddhist temples in Liaoning Province. The complex includes ornate halls, ancient bell towers, and prayer areas surrounded by trees and incense smoke. During festivals, it becomes a hub of activity with monks chanting, lanterns glowing, and worshippers offering prayers.
Even outside of religious holidays, the temple remains peaceful and welcoming to visitors of all backgrounds. You can observe rituals, light incense, or simply admire the craftsmanship and stone carvings. It’s a serene and culturally rich experience that connects past and present.
5. Shop Local at Liaoyang Night Market
When the sun sets, the city comes alive with the energy of Liaoyang’s bustling night market. Located in the downtown area, the market features dozens of stalls offering street food, handmade crafts, and local products like preserved tofu and Liaoning-style skewers. The atmosphere is warm and social, with families, students, and travelers mingling over snacks and souvenirs.
It’s the best place to taste local specialties, from spicy grilled meats to sweet rice cakes and dumplings. The market is open nearly every evening year-round, though summer and fall bring the most vendors and energy. For a flavorful, interactive slice of local life, there’s no better stop.
6. Explore the Scenic Tanghe River Park
Tanghe River Park is one of Liaoyang’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, stretching along the city’s namesake river. With winding walking paths, traditional arched bridges, weeping willows, and seasonal flower gardens, it’s a favorite spot for locals to relax. The park is well-maintained and suitable for leisurely strolls, morning runs, or casual bike rides.
During spring and summer, you’ll find outdoor tai chi groups, vendors selling tea or snacks, and kids feeding fish in the ponds. In winter, it transforms into a peaceful snow-covered landscape. Whether you’re looking for a quiet break or a scenic photo walk, this riverside gem is perfect all year.
7. Relax in a Traditional Hot Spring Resort
The region surrounding Liaoyang is rich in geothermal activity, and several hot spring resorts nearby offer soothing retreats from city life. These facilities blend traditional Chinese spa treatments with natural mineral baths that locals swear by for relieving stress and improving wellness. Many offer outdoor pools, herbal soaks, and serene mountain views.
Open throughout the year, hot springs are especially popular in colder months when the contrast between warm water and cool air is most refreshing. Some resorts also feature private rooms, dining options, and spa services. It’s a luxurious yet affordable way to recharge while traveling.
8. Attend the Liaoyang Lantern Festival
Each year during the Lunar New Year, Liaoyang hosts a stunning Lantern Festival that lights up parks, streets, and temples across the city. Dozens of elaborate lantern displays depict animals, zodiac signs, mythological scenes, and cultural motifs. Live performances and traditional snacks create a festive, immersive atmosphere.
The festival is typically held in February, but smaller lantern displays can be found throughout the winter season. It’s one of the most visually captivating and culturally rich times to visit. Whether you’re snapping photos or soaking in the energy, it’s a celebration you won’t forget.
9. Visit Dongjing Ancient City Ruins
A short distance outside modern Liaoyang lies the archaeological site of Dongjing, an ancient city that once played a key role in regional defense and trade. Excavations have revealed walls, gate structures, and pottery that hint at the city’s importance during the Liao and Jin dynasties. Visitors can walk the preserved paths and view signage that explains the site’s history.
Though less developed than other historical attractions, the raw authenticity of Dongjing makes it a compelling visit. Historians and curious travelers alike enjoy the quiet atmosphere and scenic backdrop. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking to connect with the deep layers of Liaoyang’s past.
10. Enjoy Classical Performances at Liaoyang Grand Theater
The Liaoyang Grand Theater is the city’s hub for performing arts, hosting traditional Chinese opera, folk dance, orchestras, and modern productions. The venue itself is a blend of contemporary architecture and elegant interiors that provide a refined setting for cultural events. Performances are scheduled year-round and often coincide with local festivals or national holidays.
The theater supports both professional touring groups and talented local artists, making it a great place to see authentic Liaoning performance culture in action. Ticket prices are affordable, and the calendar is regularly updated. For a more refined evening experience, this venue is a top choice.
What to do if you have kids?
Liaoyang is a kid-friendly city with plenty of open spaces, educational sites, and interactive attractions. Families can enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Liaoyang Museum, picnic by the Tanghe River, or hike up Longfeng Mountain for a bit of adventure. Night markets offer fun snacks and light-filled walks, while parks like the Cultural Park and Paseo del Bosque are great for casual playtime.
Public transportation is easy to navigate and most attractions are stroller-accessible. Parents will appreciate the relaxed pace and safe environment. Whether you’re in town for a few days or longer, Liaoyang offers easy-going, culturally rich fun for the whole family.
Where can I find free events in Liaoyang China taking place this weekend?
To find free events happening in Liaoyang this weekend, visit https://planmyweekend.ai. This platform curates local happenings across China, including community festivals, temple fairs, cultural performances, and park-based gatherings. Events are updated weekly and filtered by location, vibe, and budget so you can plan fun without stress.
It’s perfect for travelers looking to experience real local life without breaking the bank. From lantern parades to street music and holiday pop-ups, the site highlights events that are often missed by tourists. Explore smarter and make the most of your weekend in Liaoyang with Plan My Weekend.
Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Liaoyang
Liaoyang is one of China’s quiet cultural treasures, offering a perfect mix of history, scenery, and authentic daily life. Unlike major cities, it provides a deeper connection to tradition without the rush, making it ideal for thoughtful travelers. Whether you’re hiking ancient trails, admiring temples, or enjoying dumplings at the night market, the experiences here feel grounded and real.
This city rewards curiosity, and its year-round appeal makes it a smart destination no matter when you visit. Pack your walking shoes, your camera, and a sense of adventure—Liaoyang is waiting with stories carved in stone and paths yet to be explored.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
