Dalian + Dandong + Shenyang · 6 days

Errenzhuan (simplified Chinese: 二人转; traditional Chinese: 二人轉; pinyin: Èrrénzhuàn, lit. “two-people rotation”) is a genre of musical theater and folk dance from Northeast China, usually involving two performers (one male and one female). The dance uses folding fans or square-shaped red handkerchiefs, which are twirled as the songs are performed. It is popular due to its comedic dialogue and sketches, which have obfuscated the old dances and songs. Planning note: An Errenzhuan show is optional and requires its own current programme and ticket check; it is not included in this route.

Errenzhuan was previously called a “double play”. It may consist of half-class opera, small yangko, fengliu, Spring Song, double side songs, bouncing, or Northeastern local opera written by the people of Northeast China. It is a longstanding folk performance tradition of Northeast China. Errenzhuan means ‘two people’ (erren) ‘telling stories through performing different roles’ (zhuan).

Bangchui Island, located in the eastern section of Binhai Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, about 5 kilometers southeast of Dalian City, is a scenic spot primarily known for its mountains, sea, islands, and beaches. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea on one side; the north is encircled by a group of mountains, while the south has an open sea area and a rugged pebble beach. The name “Bangchui Island” comes from a small island that stands abruptly 500 meters off the shore, resembling a pestle used by farmers to pound clothes, hence the name. Planning note: Choose a manageable coastal circuit. Sailing is weather-dependent and separately booked; do not approach or feed wildlife unless expressly permitted by the operator.

The main peak of the island is 48.1 meters above sea level. From the top, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the coastal scenery. The island is dotted with villas of various styles, scattered like flowers on a lush lawn, which is the famous Bangchui Island Hotel. In the past, it was also a place for national leaders to rest and recuperate during the summer, integrating six scenic elements of mountains, forests, flowers, sea, beaches, and lakes, making it a national 4A-level tourist resort.

Jinshitan National Tourism Resort is one of the functional zones in Jinzhou District, Dalian City, China. It is a national-level scenic area, national-level tourism resort, national 5A-level tourist attraction, and national-level geological park. It was once rated by CNN as one of the 40 most beautiful scenic spots in China. The land area of Jinshitan is 62 square kilometers, and the sea area is 58 square kilometers. The main attractions include the Golden Coast, Jinshi Garden, Binhai Geology Park, Jinshi Wax Museum, Museum of Life Mysteries, Discovery Kingdom, and more. Planning note: Boat trips, fishing and swimming depend on weather, seasonal operation and local safety rules. A beach view does not guarantee a supervised swimming area.

Dandong (simplified Chinese: 丹东; traditional Chinese: 丹東; pinyin: Dāndōng; lit. “Red East”), formerly known as Andong, is a coastal prefecture-level city in southeastern Liaoning province, in the northeastern region of People’s Republic of China. Planning note: This is a substantial intercity travel day. Choose either a Dandong riverside visit or the Hushan Great Wall if arrival is late; add a night for both. “One-Step Cross” is a viewpoint name, not permission to cross the border.

It is the largest Chinese border city, facing Sinuiju, North Korea, across the Yalu River, which demarcates the Sino-North Korean border. To the southwest of the city, the river flows into Korea Bay. Dandong has therefore had a dynamic history because of its strategic location for the northeast’s rich natural resources and because of its convenient access to the ocean. It is designated as a major export production centre for the province, and is a port city connected by rail with Shenyang and Sinuiju. A significant amount of trade with North Korea flows through the city.

The size of the administrative city (prefecture) is 14,981.4 square kilometres (5,784.4 sq mi). As of the 2020 census, its population was 2,188,436 inhabitants and the built-up area made of 3 urban districts is 830 square kilometres (320 sq mi) (815,576 inhabitants) and Sinuju, the North Korean neighboring city (359,341 inhabitants), was home to 1,175,199 inhabitants in 2020.

The 918 incident was a false flag event staged by Japanese military personnel as a pretext for the 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria. Planning note: Confirm the Dandong–Shenyang connection and museum closure days; three museums in a transfer day may require reducing the list.

On September 18, 1931, Lieutenant Suemori Kawamoto of the Independent Garrison Unit of the 29th Japanese Infantry Regiment [ja] detonated a small quantity of dynamite[4] close to a railway line owned by Japan’s South Manchuria Railway near Mukden (now Shenyang).The explosion was so weak that it failed to destroy the track, and a train passed over it minutes later. The Imperial Japanese Army accused Chinese dissidents of the act and responded with a full invasion that led to the occupation of Manchuria, in which Japan established its puppet state of Manchukuo six months later. The deception was exposed by the Lytton Report of 1932, leading Japan to diplomatic isolation and its March 1933 withdrawal from the League of Nations.

Shenyang is a paradise for food lovers, with many recommended delicacies that you can taste before leaving:
1. Ma’s Steamed Dumplings: With a history of over two hundred years, these halal dumplings have a bright and chewy skin, and a rich and delicious filling.
2. Lao Bian Dumplings: Known as “the best dumplings in the world,” they are famous for their thin skin and fresh filling.
3. Shenyang Turn-Around Pastry: A golden-colored halal snack with a crispy crust and tender, fragrant filling.
4. Shenyang Chicken Rack: A special dish in Shenyang, served in various ways, such as mixed chicken rack and smoked chicken rack.
5. Xita Cold Noodles: Freshly pressed cold noodles, served with a special cold noodle soup and chili powder, which is refreshing and tasty.
6. Yang’s Hanging Oven Baked Pancake: A baked snack made in a charcoal oven, with a crispy exterior and tender layers.
7. Najia Restaurant’s White Meat and Blood Sausage: Made with fresh pig’s blood and pork belly, the meat is tender and rich, and the fat is not greasy.
8. Bulaolin Candy: Available in various flavors, this candy has a delicate texture and is sweet but not cloying.

A: Errenzhuan is a genre of musical theater and folk dance from Northeast China usually involving two performers. It is popular for its comedic dialogue and sketches.

A: You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit museums like the Jinshi Wax Museum and Museum of Life Mysteries, and have fun at Discovery Kingdom.