Yingkou

Yingkou is an understated coastal gem where you can watch a stunning sunset sink into the sea, soak in thousand-year-old geothermal hot springs, and enjoy affordable seafood. It is perfect for a weekend or short-holiday getaway! Here is a detailed Yingkou travel guide to help you explore this small “west coast” city with ease.

Key Attractions

Yingkou is mainly divided into three areas: the old urban district, the Bayuquan coastal area, and Xiongyue in Gaizhou. Each has its own distinctive sights.

• ​​Shanhai Square​​: A Yingkou landmark, home to the giant Bayu Princess sculpture and a shell-shaped viewing platform. The “sunset sinking into the sea” is especially beautiful at dusk, and you can also go shellfish gathering at low tide. Free all day.

• ​​Liaohe Old Street​​: A century-old commercial port area with blue-brick historic buildings and retro lantern-lit night views. Great for a city walk. In the evening, there is a snack street and intangible cultural heritage experiences. Free all day.

• ​​West Fort Site​​: A late-Qing coastal defense fortress and a relic of the First Sino-Japanese War. From the top, you can overlook the Liaohe River estuary, with excellent views at dusk. Admission: 10 yuan.

• ​​Baishawan Golden Coast​​: Known as the best beach in Northeast China, with fine sand and relatively few visitors. Ideal for camping, picnics, and watching the sunset. From July to August, you can also pick peaches. Free all day.

• ​​Xianren Island​​: White wind turbines and a pristine coastline create a strong Japanese-style atmosphere. A quiet spot for gazing at the sea, camping, and shellfish gathering. Free all day.

• ​​Tuanshan Marine Park​​: Features 1.8-billion-year-old sea-eroded landforms and a glass walkway. From September to October, seepweed turns red, forming a lesser-known red beach. Admission is about 80 yuan.

• ​​Xiongyue Hot Springs​​: Ancient hot springs dating back to the Tang dynasty, with water temperatures around 58°C. Recommended spots include Hongxi Valley and Tianmu, offering forest soaking pools and private baths, ideal for wellness vacations.

• ​​Wang’er Mountain​​: The world’s only famous mountain dedicated to maternal culture. Climb the 99 steps for panoramic views. Suitable for family trips. Admission: 35 yuan.

Classic Itinerary Planning

• ​​One-Day Tour (Quick Highlights)​​: In the morning, visit the West Fort Site and the Liaohe River estuary to see the wetlands. In the afternoon, stroll along Liaohe Old Street and enjoy snacks. At dusk, watch the sunset sink into the sea at the estuary, then visit the night market for seafood in the evening.
• ​​Three-Day In-Depth Tour (Sea + Hot Springs + Culture)​​:
  • ​​Day 1​​: Arrive in downtown Yingkou. Visit the Yingkou Museum in the morning, go to Lengyan Temple Park in the afternoon, then eat and stroll along Liaohe Old Street at dusk. Stay in the city center.
  • ​​Day 2​​: Head to Bayuquan. Go shellfish gathering at Baishawan Golden Coast in the morning, watch the sunset on Xianren Island in the afternoon, and have seafood at a casual food stall in the evening. Stay at a guesthouse near Shanhai Square.
  • ​​Day 3​​: Visit Wang’er Mountain in the morning to experience its maternal-love culture, then relax in the Xiongyue hot springs in the afternoon before returning.

Must-Eat Food List

Yingkou cuisine centers on seafood and Northeastern specialties, offering excellent value for money.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• ​​Where to Stay​​: If you want sea views and shellfish gathering, stay near Shanhai Square in Bayuquan, where sea-view guesthouses cost about 150-300 yuan per night. For hot springs, choose a hot spring hotel in Xiongyue Town. For old-street strolling and local eats, stay in the old urban district, which offers good value and convenient transport.
• ​​Getting There​​: For high-speed rail, the best choices are Yingkou East Station for the city center or Bayuquan Station for the seaside. It takes 1.5 hours from Shenyang and 1 hour directly from Dalian. If flying, land at Shenyang Taoxian Airport and transfer to high-speed rail.
• ​​Getting Around​​: Self-driving is the most comfortable option, as attractions are spread out. For public transport, ride-hailing is the main choice. Buses in the old urban district cost 2 yuan, and shared bikes are suitable for short distances.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• ​​Shellfish Gathering Safety​​: Be sure to check the “Yingkou tide table” in advance and go into the sea during low tide. Wear non-slip Crocs-style shoes, as your feet can easily sink into the sand, and watch out for jellyfish.
• ​​Buying Seafood​​: It is best to go to morning markets, such as Honghai Morning Market, which closes before 8 a.m., or wholesale markets. Prices often drop after 4 p.m. Try not to order directly at food stalls by scenic-area entrances, as prices can be inflated. Bargaining moderately is acceptable when buying seafood.
• ​​Hot Spring Precautions​​: Do not wear metal accessories in the hot springs. Drink warm water before soaking, and avoid bathing immediately when hungry or right after a full meal.
• ​​Weather Preparation​​: The seaside is windy, so even in summer, it is advisable to bring a windproof jacket. For autumn and winter trips, wear a windproof down jacket and non-slip boots.