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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Cultural Exploration at Local Temples
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜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.

City Streets and Markets

Everyday markets, noodle shops and older commercial streets provide authentic street photography—good for human-interest shots and candid scenes.

Local Parks and Riverside Areas

Green spaces and riverbanks around the city offer tranquil landscapes, willow-lined paths and sunrise/sunset compositions.

Nearby Mountain Vistas (e.g., Qianshan area)

Within a short drive you can find forested hills and panoramic viewpoints—excellent for landscape and nature photography, especially in autumn and spring.

Rural Farmland and Villages

Surrounding farmland, seasonal crops and small villages capture rural life and wide open skies—best during planting and harvest seasons.

Culinary Guide

Food in Haicheng

Haicheng sits in China's northeast, so cuisine reflects hearty Dongbei (Northeast) cooking: generous portions, preserved vegetables, noodles and dumplings. Meals are often warming and comforting—ideal for cold winters—and feature pork, potatoes, cabbage and soy-based sauces. Street food and small family-run restaurants are where you'll find authentic flavours at low cost. Beverage options include soy milk, local teas and commonly available soft drinks; alcoholic options include local baijiu and beer.

Haicheng Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Jiaozi (Dumplings)

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!

Suancai and Stews

Pickled cabbage (suancai) used in stews with pork or ribs—savory and sour flavours that reflect regional winter preservation methods; common in family restaurants.

Dongbei-style Braised Pork

Slow-braised, savory-sweet pork served with rice or noodles—comfort food found in mid-range eateries and hotel restaurants.

Skewers (Chuan'r) and Pancakes

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

Local Morning Market

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.

Evening Snack Stalls

Clusters of late-night vendors offering skewers, steamed buns, fried pancakes and sweet treats—good for casual sampling and inexpensive meals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Haicheng has a continental monsoon-influenced climate: cold, dry winters with frequent sub-zero temperatures and occasional snow; warm, humid summers with July and August being the hottest months and the highest rainfall; transitional spring and autumn seasons are shorter, with spring often windy and autumn typically clear and comfortable. Annual temperature ranges are broad, so packing layers is recommended.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Politeness

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.

Elders and Respect

Show deference to elders; offer seats on public transport and address older people politely. Family and seniority are culturally important.

Shoes and Homes

Remove shoes when entering private homes if instructed; hosts may provide slippers. It's polite to wait to be invited into someone’s home.

Queueing and Public Behaviour

Queuing culture is improving but can be informal—stand firm but polite in lines. Avoid public disputes and loud confrontations.

Safety Guide

Safety

Haicheng is generally safe for travelers with low rates of violent crime. Common-sense precautions apply: watch belongings in crowded markets to avoid pickpocketing, be cautious crossing streets, and allow extra travel time in winter for icy roads. Travelers should carry ID (passport copy), register with your accommodation, and have an emergency contact. For natural hazards, be mindful of icy conditions in winter and check weather forecasts for heavy rain in summer.

Tipping in Haicheng

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

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.

Summer

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.

Autumn

Clear, crisp weather with comfortable temperatures and colourful foliage—often the best time for hiking and photography. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

Haicheng at Night

Haicheng's nightlife is modest compared with large Chinese metropolises: expect family restaurants, KTV (karaoke) venues, a few bars and late-night street food stalls. Evenings are social and relaxed—locals often gather in tea houses, small bars or KTV rooms rather than large club scenes. For livelier nightlife options, nearby Anshan and Shenyang offer more bars, clubs and live-music venues within one to two hours by car or train.

Hiking in Haicheng

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Qianshan (Anshan) Scenic Area

A popular regional park near Anshan with forested trails, temples and rocky peaks—good for day hikes and panoramic views, especially in autumn.

Local Hills and County Parks

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.

Rural Village Walks

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.

Anshan Teng'ao Airport (AOG)

The nearest regional airport serving Anshan and surrounding areas—suitable for domestic flights and convenient ground connections by taxi or bus to Haicheng.

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE)

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.

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city centre and markets are generally walkable for short excursions; many neighbourhoods have sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets. For outlying attractions and mountains, a car or taxi is more convenient. Sidewalks can be icy in winter, so exercise caution then.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority of the population is Han Chinese, who form the cultural and linguistic majority.

Manchu and Other Ethnic Minorities

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.

Rural Residents and Workers

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

Basketball is widely played and followed across the region; pickup games are common in parks and schools.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is a popular indoor pastime and competitive sport, with many recreational tables in community centres.

Skating/Ice Sports

During winter, skating and ice activities are common; some local rinks and frozen ponds are used for recreation and informal hockey games.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Haicheng is generally light compared with major provincial capitals but can be busy during rush hours and festival periods. There is no metro system; public transport is mainly buses and taxis, while intercity travel relies on regional trains and buses. Roads can become hazardous in winter due to ice and snow, so allow extra time for journeys in cold weather.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Haicheng.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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/Allergies

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

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Haicheng has basic clinics and county hospitals suitable for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical care, Anshan or Shenyang have larger hospitals with broader specialist services and international patient facilities. Pharmacies are common for over-the-counter medicines; bring any prescription medicines with their original packaging and a copy of the prescription.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide