Benxi (population 1.5 million) was formerly one of China's heavy industry bases, but in recent years has developed into a city of light industry and tourism.  There are convenient rail and road links between Benxi and Shenyang as well as Benxi and Dandong on the border of North Korea.  Benxi is only 31 km from the Shenyang Taoxian International Airport.  The Benxi region has important mineral resources, especially large deposits of high grade iron ore, coal and limestone.

Industrial development
The Benxi Iron and Steel Mill has a long history of quality steel production in China and has been the hub of the city's economy for the last 30 years employing almost one-third of the city's population.  Benxi is currently in a mode of strengthening heavy industries in the metallurgy, machinery, and chemical industries as well as the building materials sector.  The future will see more light industry (textiles, pharmaceuticals and electronics, etc.) developed in the region to meet a rapidly changing market. Additionally, a special economic zone was set up in 1992 just outside the city of Benxi.  This economic development zone with its advantageous location (only 43 km from Shenyang) is contributing to the recent growth of Benxi.

Tourism
Benxi is a jewel in the crown of all the picturesque places in the region and contains some outstanding scenery and natural features. The Benxi Water Cave is reputed to be the largest accessible cave system in Asia. The beautiful mountains with their lush forests also contribute to make the Benxi region a natural tourist destination. Benxi is also recognized as a leader in the production of natural ginseng.

Mt. Guanmen

Mt. Guanmen is located in Benxi County, 48 kms from downtown Benxi. Tow peaks face each other like a traditional Chinese gate (men), hence its name. There are three gates in the mountain: the North Gate, the South Gate, and the Central Gate. Mt. Guanmen is charming with its beautiful landscape, and various species of flowers and birds. The peaks are precipitous, and the scenery is like man-made poted landscapes. After rains early in the morning, the mountain is enveloped by fog. In spring, flowers of various species blossom, covering the mountain. Autumn is the best season to enjoy the splendid view of maple leaves and ancient cypresses.

Water Cave National Park

Benxi Water Cave National Park located in Benxi, Liaoning Province is composed of six scenic spots-the Water Cave, the Spa Temple, the Tanggou Valley, Mount Guanmen, Mount Tiecha and Mount Miaohou, all distributed in a belt along the Taizi River. With the Benxi Water Cave as the hub, the park integrates mountains, streams, caves, springs, lakes and palaeoanthropological ruins. The Benxi Water Cave, a large scale aqueous karst cave, is deep and broad with a 3000 meter underground river running continuously throughout the year.   The natural hot springs at the Spa Temple scenic spot maintain a temperature of 44 degrees centigrade and a flow rate of 400 tons per day and is of great therapeutic value.

Benxi Water Cave was formed when the earth's crust shifted.  The cave's entrance is on the shore of Taizi River  The cave mouth is 7 meters high and 25 meters wide in the shape of a crescent. On the cliff above the cave mouth are four large Chinese characters carved into the rock - "Benxi Water Cave".   The characters are copied after the personal calligraphy of senior Chinese revolutionary leader, Bo Yibo. The interior of the caves are surprisingly spacious with enough room for 40 boats to operate carrying tourists on a scenic journey through the network of caves.  At its tallest point is the cave is 38 meters high and at the widest 50 meters across. The daily volume of water flowing through the caves is 20000 tons. The river is 7 meters deep at some points and yet the water is crystal clear and the bottom of the river can be clearly seen.  There are intricate and amazing stalagmites and stalactites throughout the caves.

Mt. Wunu

Seated on the west bank of Hunjiang River, north of Huanren County, Mt.Wunu is also named "Mt. Wulong". There was a legend that 5 ladies were stationing troops in the mountain. So the mountain got this name. The highest peak is 824m,and is 1500m long east-west,300 m long south-north . At the mountain top, there used to be an ancient temple. Now the lake there is still clear and never dries up. The lofty Mt.Wunu towers up in the air with rivers flowing around. On its east and south is the Hunjiang River, on its west the Hada River, and north the Dadonggou River. Standing on the Terrace of the General Muster Platform on the east peak and looking into distance, one may see the wide expanse of misty cloud, mountain, water merging into an organic whole.

In AD 37,the Koguryo Nationality built their city walls at the east slope of the mountain. Several sections of the 3 m-high stone walls are left. The Mt.Wunu City is the first capital city of Koguryo Nationality.

Established in 37 BC and destroyed in 668 AD, the Koguryo Kingdom lasted for 705 years and played a big role in the development of Northeast Asia.