Jinzhou

Jinzhou is a seriously underrated small coastal city, with both mountains and sea, friendly prices, and especially its “everything can be grilled” barbecue scene and extra-long morning markets. It will absolutely leave you full and satisfied! Here is a detailed Jinzhou travel guide for you, so you can simply follow along and enjoy.

Must-Visit Attractions

In Jinzhou, you can take in both natural wonders and human history in one trip. Here are the selected must-see places:

Classic Itinerary

Depending on how much time you have, you can refer to the following two routes, both designed without backtracking:

• Two-Day Trip (Easy and Relaxed)
  • Day 1: Visit Shiqiaozi Morning Market in the morning to experience local street life → tour the Liaoshen Campaign Memorial later in the morning → stroll through Guta Park in the afternoon to see the Liao pagoda → go to Linghe Night Market in the evening for barbecue.
  • Day 2: Head to Bijia Mountain in the morning to walk the “sea bridge” and go beachcombing → visit the Little Potala Palace in the afternoon for photos → experience a Northeast-style bathhouse and body scrub in the evening to unwind.
• Three-Day Trip (In-Depth Mountains and Sea)
  • Day 1-2: Same as the two-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Get up early and go to Yi County to visit Fengguo Temple, praised by Mr. Liang Sicheng as a “thousand-year national treasure” → return to the city in the afternoon to stroll through Donghu Park or the Northeast Jiaotong University Site Park → watch the sunset from the riverside boardwalk along the Linghe River at dusk.

Must-Eat Food List

Jinzhou’s food culture is absolutely a highlight. Barbecue, hurbing stew pancakes, and morning-market snacks are all not to be missed:

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay: Staying in Guta District or near Linghe Night Market is recommended, as the night market is right downstairs and eating and wandering around are convenient. If you are on a tighter budget, the area around Jinzhou Railway Station offers good value. For easier access to the sea at Bijia Mountain, you can choose a seaside hotel, though there are fewer food options nearby.
• Getting Around: Taking the high-speed train to Jinzhou Railway Station is the most convenient, as it is close to the city center. Taxi starting fares in the city are inexpensive, and buses can also reach most attractions. For Bijia Mountain, it is recommended to take a bus or taxi. Do not trust unlicensed drivers touting for passengers at the railway station.

Pitfalls and Things to Note

• Check the Tide Table: Before going to Bijia Mountain, be sure to check the “Bijia Mountain tide table” in advance. When the tide rises, the sea bridge is submerged and you will not be able to walk to the island. On rainy or windy days, it is best to change your plans.
• Reservations and Closures: The Liaoshen Campaign Memorial and Jinzhou Museum are closed on Mondays. Be sure to make a reservation in advance through the official WeChat account so you do not make a wasted trip.
• Wind Protection and Warmth: The seaside areas, including Bijia Mountain and Baisha Bay, can be quite windy. Even in spring and summer, it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket.
• Photo Precautions: If you go to the Little Potala Palace, try to visit during the day. Although it is lit up at night, some people by the roadside may approach you to take paid photos, so agree on the price in advance.