Things To Do
in Haicheng
Haicheng is a county-level city in Liaoning Province, northeastern China, administered by the prefecture-level city of Anshan. Historically known for the 1975 Haicheng earthquake, it has since developed as a regional hub for light industry, agriculture and local commerce. The city sits amid rolling plains and low hills, with easy access to larger urban centers like Anshan and Shenyang.
Visitors will find a working Chinese city with a mix of old streets, neighbourhood markets and nearby mountain scenery for day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Haicheng Confucius Temple, a serene site that showcases traditional Chinese architecture and culture. Wander through the beautiful gardens, taking in the tranquil atmosphere as you learn about Confucian philosophy. Afterward, enjoy a local breakfast of jianbing, a delicious Chinese crepe that will energize you for the day ahead.
In the afternoon, head to the Haicheng Museum to immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. The museum houses various artifacts, including ancient pottery and textiles that tell the story of local life through the ages. Spend some time in the museum's cafe, sampling local teas while reflecting on the exhibits you’ve just seen.
As the sun sets, stroll through the bustling night market in the city center. Here, you can taste a variety of street foods, from grilled skewers to sweet desserts, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Cap off your evening with a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the illuminated cityscape.
Begin your morning at the ancient Zhangjiao Temple, a significant Buddhist site known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. Participate in a short meditation session with the monks, allowing you to connect with the spiritual side of Haicheng. Afterward, explore the temple grounds, adorned with intricate carvings and lush gardens.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Tianhua Temple, where you can attend a traditional tea ceremony. The tea master will guide you through the intricate process, explaining the cultural significance of each step. After the ceremony, take some time to browse the temple's gift shop for unique artisanal crafts.
As night falls, find a local restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine. Try dishes like braised pork belly or spicy stir-fried vegetables while enjoying the ambiance. Finish your night with a leisurely walk in the nearby park, where locals gather to dance and socialize under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Night in a mid-range hotel | $30-70 |
| 🛍️Groceries (weekly, basic) | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, uncrowded experience of northeastern Chinese city life
- Affordable food, accommodation and local transport
- Convenient base for day trips to nearby mountains and regional attractions
- Friendly locals and abundant street-food culture
- Limited English signage and few English-speaking services
- Modest tourism infrastructure compared with major Chinese cities
- Cold, harsh winters requiring serious cold-weather gear
- Fewer direct international transport links — transfers typically needed
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "请问...在哪里? (Qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
Places to Visit in Haicheng
Visit one of these nice places.
Everyday markets, noodle shops and older commercial streets provide authentic street photography—good for human-interest shots and candid scenes.
Green spaces and riverbanks around the city offer tranquil landscapes, willow-lined paths and sunrise/sunset compositions.
Within a short drive you can find forested hills and panoramic viewpoints—excellent for landscape and nature photography, especially in autumn and spring.
Surrounding farmland, seasonal crops and small villages capture rural life and wide open skies—best during planting and harvest seasons.
Food in Haicheng
Haicheng Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic boiled or pan-fried dumplings filled with pork, cabbage or mixed vegetables; ubiquitous at breakfast and dinner and available in neighbourhood dumpling shops.
Must-Try!
Pickled cabbage (suancai) used in stews with pork or ribs—savory and sour flavours that reflect regional winter preservation methods; common in family restaurants.
Slow-braised, savory-sweet pork served with rice or noodles—comfort food found in mid-range eateries and hotel restaurants.
Grilled meat/vegetable skewers and stuffed pancakes from street vendors—great for evening snacks near busy streets and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical morning market near the city centre or train station selling fresh vegetables, preserved foods, dumplings and snacks—best place to sample inexpensive local bites and watch daily life.
Clusters of late-night vendors offering skewers, steamed buns, fried pancakes and sweet treats—good for casual sampling and inexpensive meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness is valued—nod or offer a slight bow for greetings, and use simple Mandarin phrases to show respect. Avoid overly loud behavior in formal settings.
Show deference to elders; offer seats on public transport and address older people politely. Family and seniority are culturally important.
Remove shoes when entering private homes if instructed; hosts may provide slippers. It's polite to wait to be invited into someone’s home.
Queuing culture is improving but can be informal—stand firm but polite in lines. Avoid public disputes and loud confrontations.
Safety
Tipping in Haicheng
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not expected in Haicheng; small tips for exceptional service in high-end hotels or tour situations are appreciated but not required. Street food vendors and small restaurants do not expect tips.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate in Chinese cities, but smaller shops may prefer cash. UnionPay debit/credit cards are widely accepted in larger venues; bring some cash for markets and rural areas. International cards can be less reliably accepted at tiny vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and often windy with gradual warming; early spring can still be chilly. Flowers and budding trees make for pleasant walks, but bring a windproof jacket and layers.
Warm to hot and humid at times, with July and August seeing the highest temperatures and occasional heavy rain or thunderstorms. Lightweight clothes and an umbrella are useful.
Clear, crisp weather with comfortable temperatures and colourful foliage—often the best time for hiking and photography. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Cold and dry with frequent sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions; snow is common and roads/sidewalks can be slippery. Pack a warm coat, hat, gloves and winter footwear.
Haicheng at Night
Hiking in Haicheng
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular regional park near Anshan with forested trails, temples and rocky peaks—good for day hikes and panoramic views, especially in autumn.
Scattered low hills and municipal parks around Haicheng offer easy to moderate trails suitable for half-day hikes and nature walks—ideal for casual outdoor activity close to town.
Gentle walking routes through agricultural landscapes and village lanes provide cultural insight and seasonal photo opportunities, particularly during planting and harvest times.
Airports
How to reach Haicheng by plane.
The nearest regional airport serving Anshan and surrounding areas—suitable for domestic flights and convenient ground connections by taxi or bus to Haicheng.
Major international and domestic airport for Liaoning Province, about 1.5–2 hours by car or train depending on connections—offers the most flight options to regional and international destinations.
Larger coastal airport further away (several hours by car or train) that can be an option for some domestic or international routes when combined with rail travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population is Han Chinese, who form the cultural and linguistic majority.
There are local communities of Manchu and other ethnic minorities in Liaoning; regional customs and festivals may reflect this cultural diversity. Smaller Korean and Hui communities also exist in parts of Liaoning province.
Haicheng includes rural townships and agricultural communities as well as industrial workers in local manufacturing and processing sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played and followed across the region; pickup games are common in parks and schools.
Table tennis is a popular indoor pastime and competitive sport, with many recreational tables in community centres.
During winter, skating and ice activities are common; some local rinks and frozen ponds are used for recreation and informal hockey games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Haicheng.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—ask for dishes based on tofu, mushrooms, potatoes, cabbage and noodles. Use the phrase “我不吃肉” (Wǒ bù chī ròu — I don't eat meat) and confirm there is no meat-based stock. Smaller restaurants may not understand strict vegetarian or vegan needs, so be explicit about avoiding meat, fish, and animal broths.
Vegan options can be challenging due to common use of animal broths and lard; carry a translated note explaining restrictions. For severe allergies, prepare to use packaged snacks and look for larger supermarket chains in nearby cities.
Halal-certified eateries are not common in Haicheng; visitors seeking halal food should plan ahead or travel to larger nearby cities like Anshan or Shenyang for more options.