Location: Benxi (本溪) lies in the southeastern part of Liaoning Province.
Population: 1,700,000
Area: with an area of 8,411 square kilometers
Nationalities: Han, Manchu, Hui Nationality, Korea Nationality
History: According to the Miaohou Mountain ruins explored in the area, our ancestor inhabited in the region as early as 40,000 years ago. It had always been a prefecture under the jurisdiction of successive reigns and dynasties. In 1939, under the domination of the puppet state of Manchukuo, Benxi city was set up, under the administration of Fengtian Province.
Climate: Under the influence of the temperate humid climate, Benxi characterizes hot, humid summers and long, cold and windy winters. The annual average temperature is between 6.1℃ to 7.8℃, while the monthly 24-hour temperature averages from -11.5℃ in January to 24℃ in July. The precipitation is abundant with the mean rainfall of 800-1000mm annually. A half of rainfall occurs in July and August. Benxi gets 2,325 hours of sunshine per year.
Transportation: Railway- Shenyang-Dandong Railway, Liaoning-Benxi Railway as well as Benxi-Nanxun Railway meet junction at the region. Benxi Railway Station connects Benxi with Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Qingdao, Qiqihar, Dandong, Manzhouli, etc.
Highway-The highway in Benxi leads into all dirctions. Shenyang-Benxi Highway and Shenyang-Dandong Highway have been put into operation.
Specialties: Liao Inkstone, with a history of more than 1,000 years, together with Duan Inkstone and Hui Inkstone are viewed as “three famous inkstones” in China.
Manchu Paper cut is another kind of traditional handcraft in Benxi city.
Local Food: Manhcun cuisine is the representative of Benxi diet. Changkuan Pettitoes is mouth-watering.
Attractions: Benxi is richly endowed by nature. In 2000, it was appraised as “China’s Outstanding Tourist City” in 2000, “National Forest City” in 2010 and “the City of Maple” in 2011. Benxi Water Cave, Wunv Montain, Benxi National Geopark, Miaohoushan Human Relics, Guanmenshan National Forest Park and Hot Spring Temple are worthy of viewing.
Sophie

