Ci'en Temple Forest Park, Kangping Two Days One Night Travel Guide

Shenyang's northernmost "natural oxygen bar"! Kangping Ci'en Temple Forest Park is free to enter, with a two-day one-night trip costing less than 200 yuan per person—perfect for summer cooling and family outings! Can you believe it? In Kangping County, the northernmost part of Liaoning, there is a hidden treasure forest overlooked by 99% of Shenyang residents—Ci'en Temple Forest Park! There are no entrance fees (free all year round), no commercial noise, only tens of thousands of pine trees, a clear reservoir, and the ruins of an ancient temple. What was thought to be a "wild mountain and old temple" turned out to be stunning on the first visit: you can camp, fish, boat, barbecue, and even stay in a Zen-style courtyard! Today, we break down the real cost for two days and one night, less than 200 yuan per person, making it easy and stress-free for the whole family! Day 1: Self-driving departure + lake loop hiking + forest camping, about 130 yuan per person It is recommended to leave Shenyang at 8 a.m., navigate to "Kangping Ci'en Temple Forest Park," take the G25 Changshen Expressway to Provincial Road 303, about a 2-hour drive. Fuel and toll fees average 60 yuan per person. The scenery changes along the way, with city skyscrapers disappearing and replaced by vast farmland and wind turbines. Upon arrival, you will see a rippling artificial lake—the Wolong Lake tributary runs through the park, surrounded by dense pine forests, with air as fresh as if your lungs were just cleansed. The park is currently managed as a public welfare site, with no gates, no entrance fees, and no time limits, truly "open to visitors." Bringing your own lunch is the most economical! We recommend picnicking by the wooden boardwalk by the lake: instant noodles + sausage + fruit + thermos of hot tea, all for about 30 yuan per person. There is a small shop near the village entrance selling bottled water for 2 yuan and drinks for 5 yuan, very affordable. You can also choose simple stir-fry dishes at the park’s farmhouse restaurants, about 40 yuan per person. In the afternoon, start a lake loop hike or cycling (you can bring your own bike). The full route is about 8 kilometers, with birdwatching platforms, ancient pagoda ruins, a thousand-year-old elm tree, and Qing Dynasty stone inscriptions along the way. Kids can collect pine cones, feed koi fish, and watch water birds take flight, while adults stroll and chat under the shade—extremely pleasant. In the evening, set up a tent in designated camping areas (free) or rent a simple wooden cabin in the park (60 yuan per person including basic bedding). Bringing your own barbecue grill is the most cost-effective; buy some lamb skewers, corn, and potatoes to grill, about 30 yuan per person for a satisfying meal. When night falls, look up to see a sky full of stars; the quiet away from light pollution is deeply relaxing. Day 2: Morning mist boating + ancient temple visit + return trip, about 60 yuan per person Wake up at 5:30 a.m., when mist rises over the lake like a fairyland. Rent a small boat for 20 yuan (can share a boat), row to the lake center, watch egrets skim the water, and take a series of ink painting-like photos. Then visit the Ci'en Temple ruins—according to county records, the temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and was a famous Buddhist site in northern Liao. Although only foundations and broken steles remain, the memory of incense offerings lives on. Locals often come to worship during festivals, creating a quiet and solemn atmosphere. In the morning, you can also try fishing (bring your own gear for free), explore the forest maze, or visit the children's slide area. Return before noon and pick up some Kangping specialties on the way: sweet potato chips 15 yuan per jin, millet 20 yuan per bag, pure honey 50 yuan per bottle—green, healthy, and affordable. Cost overview: Transportation 60 yuan + meals 70 yuan + accommodation 60 yuan (camping can reduce to 0) + boat and miscellaneous fees ≈ 190 yuan per person (can be compressed to under 150 yuan) This is not a trendy check-in spot but a true ecological secret. Escape the summer heat on weekends, come to Ci'en Temple Forest Park to listen to the wind, watch the water, and daydream—that’s the rhythm life should have.