📌 In a nutshell: A national 4A-rated scenic area and the best-preserved natural oxygen bar in southern Liaoning, with a negative oxygen ion concentration of 20,000/m³. Famous for the 126m Dalong Waterfall, the rainbow over the green pool, and autumn forests painted in vibrant colors. It is an easy 3–4 hour hike. We are revealing secret photography spots for the waterfall rainbow and the best autumn routes.
📍 Basic information
· Address: Longtan Town, Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County, Anshan City, Liaoning Province (at the junction of Anshan, Yingkou, and Dalian, 30km from Xiuyan County)
· Opening hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily (closed in winter starting in November; please check official announcements for details)
· Tickets: Adult ticket 60 RMB/person, online booking 1 hour in advance is about 50–55 RMB; free for children under 1.3m, seniors over 70, active military personnel, and people with disabilities; half price for seniors aged 60–69 and students
· Duration: 3–4 hours
🚗 Transportation
· Self-drive (recommended): Navigate to "Xiuyan Longtan Bay Scenic Area". It takes about 2.5 hours from Shenyang/Dalian, and it is 30km south of Xiuyan County; parking is 10 RMB/car
· High-speed rail: Anshan West Station → Transfer to Xiuyan County, then take a taxi to the scenic area for about 26 RMB
· Mountain road tip: The mountain roads on the Xiushui Line have many curves, so please slow down. Some sections have a risk of falling rocks, so be cautious in rainy weather. Signal is weak in the mountains, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance
🏛️ Highlights
1. Ancient Dragon Pool: The core attraction, a peach-shaped rock pool 8.2m deep with crystal-clear green water. On sunny days, you can see the "double moon" reflection. Legend says a dragon is hidden in the green pool
2. Dalong Waterfall: A 126m high waterfall pouring down from the canyon, majestic and imposing. The shuttle bus stop is the best spot for a panoramic shot
3. Dragon Girl Lake: A 200m walk up the mountain from the arched bridge at Longtan. The lake surface is mirror-like, and the autumn reflections are stunning
4. Sky-Line/Cangwang Cave: An undeveloped secret spot, about a 1-hour hike. The canyon is deep and secluded with steep stone paths, suitable for adventure enthusiasts
5. Longxi Gallery: A trail built along the stream with crystal-clear water and a pebble path made of large and small stones. You can play in the water and catch fish along the way
6. Lanma Wall Ancient Fortress: Remnants of the Warring States red stone ruins. Autumn leaves and dark red berries complement each other, creating a nostalgic vibe
7. Wanghai Peak: Climb to the top to overlook the mountains. The sea of clouds rolls over the ridges, and the red leaves cover the mountains like dancing flames. It is the best viewing deck in autumn
8. Longtan Temple: An ancient temple nestled in the forest. The eaves are gilded by the autumn light, blending history with nature
📸 Best photography spots
1. Dalong Waterfall panorama: Use a wide-angle lens at the shuttle bus stop to capture the full 126m waterfall. Wear bright clothes to contrast with the white waterfall. Best lighting is 10:00–11:00 AM with front lighting
2. Ancient Dragon Pool rainbow: On sunny days from 9:00–10:00 AM, the mist from the pool refracts to form a rainbow 🌈. Use a low angle to capture the pool and rainbow in the same frame. Wear light-colored clothes to complement the green pool water
3. Dragon Girl Lake reflection: When the lake is calm, capture the reflection of the mountains and red leaves with a symmetrical composition. Wear a white long dress for an ethereal look
4. Longxi Gallery water play: Squat down for a low-angle shot of your feet in the stream. Use the water and fallen leaves as the foreground. Wear rolled-up jeans and sandals for a fresh feel
5. Lanma Wall ruins: Stand next to the ruined wall to interact with the red stone ruins. Wear dark clothes to contrast with the dark red berries. Use side lighting from 3:00–4:00 PM for layers of light and shadow
6. Wanghai Peak sea of clouds and red leaves: Use a wide-angle lens at the summit to capture the sea of clouds and red leaves covering the mountains. Wear red/orange clothes to complement the maple leaves. Best in mid-October
7. Longtan Temple eaves: Capture the gilded eaves in the warm evening light. Use a telephoto lens for architectural details and the forest background. Wear plain cotton or linen clothes for a Zen vibe
8. Sky-Line Canyon: Look up from the canyon to capture the cliffs on both sides. Use a wide-angle lens for a sense of depth. Wear dark clothes to contrast with the gray rock
🗺️ Recommended routes
· Leisure family route (3 hours, shuttle bus up and down): Mountain gate → Shuttle bus to Longtan → Ancient Dragon Pool photos → Dragon Girl Lake → Longtan Temple → Shuttle bus down to Dalong Waterfall → Walk down to the mountain gate
· Deep hiking route (4 hours, hike up + shuttle bus down): Mountain gate → Hike through Longxi Gallery → Dalong Waterfall → Ancient Dragon Pool → Sky-Line/Cangwang Cave (+1 hour) → Wanghai Peak → Lanma Wall → Shuttle bus down
· Autumn photography route (4 hours): Enter at 10:00 AM → Shuttle bus to Longtan → Ancient Dragon Pool rainbow → Dragon Girl Lake reflection → Hike down to photograph Longxi Gallery → Dalong Waterfall panorama → Evening sea of clouds and red leaves at Wanghai Peak
👗 Outfit suggestions
· Waterfall/Pool: Bright/white clothes to contrast with the green water and white waterfall
· Red leaves/Autumn scenery: Red/orange clothes to complement the maple leaves
· Water play: Rolled-up jeans and sandals for a fresh, natural look
· Ancient temple/Ruins: Plain cotton/linen or dark clothes for a Zen, vintage feel
⚠️ Important notes
· Best season: Mid-October is best for maple viewing. Summer is a great escape at 22°C. Closed in winter
· Essentials: Non-slip sports shoes (the pebble path is slightly slippery), sunscreen, sun hat, portable umbrella, power bank (signal is weak in the mountains and drains battery fast), band-aids
· Food and water: Only Longtan has sales points; there are no supplies on other sections, so it is recommended to bring your own snacks and water
· Water play gear: Fishing nets are sold at the gate starting at 10 RMB; you can catch small fish. Buying in advance is cheaper
· Safety first: Do not stray from the trail. Do not run or play near the pool or cliff edges. Watch your step as fallen leaves may cover loose stones
· Shuttle bus segments: Mountain gate–Dalong Waterfall 15 RMB, Dalong Waterfall–Longtan 15 RMB. One-way tickets are available. Children under 1.2m are free but must be held
· Online booking: Purchase 1 hour in advance and present the QR code to enter directly
🍜 Nearby food
· Farmhouses outside the scenic area: Longtan Renjia, Shanlihong Farmhouse (within 3km of the gate). Must-order: Xiuyan lamb soup (creamy white soup served with green onions and flatbread, about 25 RMB/bowl), iron pot stewed fish, stir-fried wild mountain vegetables with eggs
· Xiuyan County: Manchu hot pot, slippery mushrooms, lotus hand-pulled noodles, Qianbao lamb soup (intangible cultural heritage food)
🏨 Accommodation recommendations
· In the area: There are hotels in Longtan Town, which is convenient for continuing your tour the next day
· Nearby hot springs: Xianren Valley Hot Spring (not far from the scenic area, tickets about 58 RMB, indoor and outdoor pools available) to soak and relieve fatigue
· Xiuyan County: Many hotel options, twin rooms are 200–300 RMB/night
🗺️ Linked trip ideas
Longtan Bay → Xiuyan Water Lane Scenic Area (Jiangnan water town style, Hanfu photography) → Yutong Jade Culture Museum (free, world's largest jade carving) → Xianren Valley Hot Spring → Qingliang Mountain Scenic Area. A perfect 2-day deep tour of Xiuyan
🏷️ Recommended tags for Trip.com
Xiuyan travel Bay maple viewing rainbow oxygen bar scenic area and photography getaway Little Jiuzhai trip
⭐ Recommendation index
· Photography: ★★★★★ (Waterfall rainbow + autumn red leaves)
· Natural scenery: ★★★★★ (95% forest coverage)
· Transportation: ★★★★☆ (Best by car)
· Value for money: ★★★★☆ (50–60 RMB for a full day)
· Family-friendly: ★★★★☆ (Water play and flat trails)
📷 Photo suggestions (9-grid layout)
1. Low-angle panoramic shot of Dalong Waterfall
2. Ancient Dragon Pool rainbow 🌈
3. Symmetrical reflection of Dragon Girl Lake
4. Playing in water at Longxi Gallery
5. Red stones at Lanma Wall ruins
6. Sea of clouds and red leaves at Wanghai Peak
7. Warm light on Longtan Temple eaves
8. Depth of Sky-Line Canyon
9. Panoramic view of autumn forests