Returned from a miserable trip to Fushun. Seriously don't recommend coming in July. July 25
🌊 Photo spots
In July, the place with the highest photo success rate in Fushun is surprisingly the largest open-pit mine in Asia, the West Open-pit Mine Observation Deck 🌪️. You must stand there and overlook it once. The layers of mining roads are like the annual rings of the earth. Wear a long black dress, let the wind blow your skirt, and you'll get industrial-style blockbusters.
The ancient Liao Dynasty pagoda on Ga'ershan Mountain is another treasure photo spot 📸. Climb the mountain path to the summit; the ancient pagoda with green shade, and the backlight in the evening can gild your hair.
Sarhū Scenic Area is free to enter. The Dahuofang Reservoir lake surface is like a piece of jade embedded in the mountains. When the light slants down at 4 PM, sitting on a bench by the lake and eating Malabian can create a Korean drama heroine vibe 🌿.
If you want to capture Manchu charm, go to Hetu'ala City, the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. Rent a set of Manchu clothing, stand by the Khan King Well, and the 400-year-old city filter will automatically be applied 👘.
Don't forget the European-style castle at Rego Bali Water World. Surf during the day and watch the light show at night. A casual photo of the castle at sunset will get high praise.
🍜 Food recommendations
Coming to Fushun without eating Malabian is a wasted trip! It's completely different from Malatang—it's a sauced mix without soup. Potato slices, wide noodles, kelp, and meatballs are coated in a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy sauce that clings to your tongue, making you crave more 🥢.
The old shops around Yucai Middle School are the most authentic. After 3 PM, expect to queue for at least 20 minutes. It's recommended to go during off-peak hours.
Xinbin Lamb Soup is another soul-soothing dish. Lamb bones are simmered for four hours until the broth is milky white. Pair it with two baked flatbreads, and one bite will dispel all the summer heat 🍲.
Grilled chicken frames from the night market are a snack ingrained in the DNA of Fushun locals. Grilled over charcoal for eight minutes, then sprayed with a spoonful of secret vinegar sauce just before serving. It's sweet, sour, and refreshing, and for 8 yuan, you'll be gnawing on a mouthful of flavor.
To experience the grandeur of a Manchu banquet, look for "Eight Dishes and Eight Bowls," featuring four cold, four hot, four meat, and four vegetarian dishes. Ama Zun Rou, stewed chicken with red mushrooms, and sauerkraut and pork hotpot are lined up. Half a set is enough to fill three people. On a side note, Dongzhou Cold Noodles, Perilla Leaf Bobo, and Suantangzi are also hidden local menus.
⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls
The biggest pitfall when coming to Fushun in July isn't the attractions, it's the weather ☔. This week, high temperatures are combined with showers, reaching 31–33°C, with humidity so high you could wring water out of the air, making it feel like 35°C or more.
The UV index is highest from 12 PM to 3 PM. Historical sites like Hetu'ala City, with its earthen walls, offer almost no shade. Your makeup will melt in 10 minutes. It's highly recommended to rush in when it opens at 8:30 AM and leave before 10 AM.
Always carry a folding umbrella. Rain in Fushun can come out of nowhere, and localized strong convection can bring strong winds. The West Open-pit Mine Observation Deck is very windy, so don't use an umbrella. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are the correct choice 🕶️.
Lei Feng Memorial Hall and the Former War Criminals Management Center require advance booking. Bring your ID card, and try not to carry large bags.
After rain, the steps at mountain scenic spots can be slippery. Ecological scenic areas like Kuangzigou are currently closed. Before heading out, be sure to check the real-time operating status on Trip.com.
Keep insect repellent glued to your bag; Fushun mosquitoes in July spare no one 🦟. Don't overindulge in iced drinks; in the dog days of summer, drinking more warm water is actually more comfortable.
🗺️ Itinerary planning
A two-day, one-night pace is the most comfortable. On the first day, settle in Wanghua District or Shuncheng District. Head straight to Rego Bali Water World in the morning. Enjoy the wave pool, super horn slide, and evening electronic music party all at once. After dinner in the park, return to the hotel to rest 🌙.
On the second day, wake up naturally. First, go to Ga'ershan Mountain to climb the ancient pagoda and capture the morning light. Arrive at the West Open-pit Mine Observation Deck before 10 AM to see the full view of the mine pit. For lunch, have Malabian with cold noodles in the city center.
In the afternoon, take a taxi to Sarhū Scenic Area for a lakeside hike. It's free and great for photos. The light is best for photography around dusk.
If you have more time, extend to a third day. You can take a high-speed train for an hour to Xinbin Manchu Autonomous County. Hetu'ala City and Qing Yongling Mausoleum can be combined into a Qing Dynasty pre-unification cultural route. In the evening, return to the city for an "Eight Dishes and Eight Bowls" dinner to conclude your trip perfectly 🎎.
Families with children can swap the second day for Royal Ocean Park. Dolphin shows, underwater tunnels, and a beach water world are all available in one stop. The park is open until 9 PM, and after the light show, you can book nearby guesthouses on Trip.com.
It's recommended to book all tickets on Trip.com one day in advance. A combined ticket for Rego and the water world can save you the cost of a Malabian meal 💰.
In Fushun in July, be prepared for sun protection and rain. The charm and coolness of this city, where the Qing Dynasty rose and a century of coal mining thrived, will be firmly in your grasp.