[2025 Liaoyang Attraction] Travel Guide for Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall (South Gate) (Updated Apr)

Liaoyang, a historical and cultural city in Northeast China with a history of over 2,400 years, experiences four distinct seasons and boasts an average annual temperature of 8-9°C. Whenever you visit, you'll be captivated by its unique charm. From time-honored historical sites and mouthwatering cuisine to authentic local customs, this guide will help you embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery in Liaoyang! Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - Airplane: The nearest airport to Liaoyang is Shenyang Taoxian International Airport. From the airport, you can take an airport bus to Liaoyang, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs about 30 yuan. - Train: Liaoyang Station and Liaoyang West Station connect to many cities across the country, offering convenient transportation options. Choose the appropriate train based on your departure location. - Internal Transportation: The city's public bus network is extensive, with fares ranging from 1-2 yuan, and can take you to major attractions. Taxis have a starting fare of 7 yuan, providing convenient travel. Shared bikes are readily available and ideal for short trips. Cycle through the streets of Liaoyang and experience the vibrant city life 🚲 Must-See Attractions 1. Guangyou Temple: Home to the largest wooden Buddhist pagoda in Asia (entrance fee: 40 yuan). The temple, with its red walls and yellow tiles, exudes a solemn and respectful atmosphere. The statue of Sakyamuni Buddha enshrined in the Mahavira Hall is the tallest and largest wooden seated Buddha in any temple hall worldwide. The magnificent architecture makes it an ideal place to experience Buddhist culture and offer prayers. The serene and peaceful atmosphere within the temple evokes a sense of awe and reverence 🙏 2. Liaoyang Museum: Free admission, open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00-16:00. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, ranging from Shang and Zhou Dynasty bronzes to Ming and Qing Dynasty calligraphy and paintings, showcasing Liaoyang's historical evolution from various perspectives. It offers a deep dive into the city's profound heritage. 3. Taizi River Park: Free admission, open all day. The Taizi River is the mother river of Liaoyang. The park, built along the river, offers picturesque scenery. Stroll along the riverbank, admire the shimmering water and the natural beauty on both sides, and observe locals fishing, immersing yourself in the leisurely pace of life 🌳 4. Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall: Free admission, open from 9:00-16:30 (closed on Mondays). Cao Xueqin, author of *Dream of the Red Chamber*, traces his ancestry back to Liaoyang. The memorial hall showcases his family history and the background of the novel's creation. A must-visit for fans of *Dream of the Red Chamber*, the memorial hall offers insights into the literary giant's life and development. Culinary Delights 1. Dengta Grapes: A specialty of Liaoyang's Dengta City, these grapes are plump, sweet, and bursting with flavor. They are a local fruit delicacy not to be missed during the harvest season from August to October. 2. Lao Yangtou Roasted Chicken: With golden-brown skin, tender meat, rich aroma, and perfect balance of flavors, this roasted chicken is a staple on the dining tables of Liaoyang residents. Grab one to enjoy on the go, and savor the pure bliss. 3. Korean Cold Noodles: The perfect antidote to the summer heat. The icy, sweet, and sour broth, combined with chewy noodles, beef slices, kimchi, and other ingredients, offers a refreshing and invigorating experience 🍜 4. Pickled Cabbage and Blood Sausage Stew: This classic Northeastern dish is prepared authentically in Liaoyang. The tangy aroma of pickled cabbage, the tender texture of blood sausage, and the richness of pork belly create a warm and comforting winter stew. Travel Tips ⚠ 1. Liaoyang winters are cold. If traveling between November and March, pack warm clothing such as down jackets, thick scarves, and snow boots 🧣 2. When visiting temples and other religious sites, maintain silence, observe the rules, and respect religious beliefs and cultural customs. 3. When purchasing local specialties, pay attention to quality and price to avoid being overcharged. 4. Check the weather forecast before your trip and plan your itinerary accordingly. Adjust your travel plans promptly in case of inclement weather.

🏰 Liaoning has three "Yang" cities: Shenyang, Liaoyang, and Chaoyang. All three are national or provincial historical and cultural cities that have stood the test of time. Head to these three cities to see the most beautiful scenery in Liaoning. 🏞️ It is said that "half of the history of Northeast China is in Liaoyang." Liaoyang is the earliest city in Northeast China and is known as the "First City of Northeast China." It is the ancestral home of the literary giant Cao Xueqin, whose ancestors once roamed Liaodong, leaving a "historical gene" for the birth of "Dream of the Red Chamber." The Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall was built in the center of the city. 🙋 Highlights: 1️⃣ The Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall was formerly known as the Wu Mansion, the private residence of Wu Enpei, the president of the Fengtian Branch of the Northeast Official Bank. It is a three-entry courtyard from the late Qing Dynasty with carved beams, painted buildings, and bright corridors. 2️⃣ The Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall is divided into three sections, introducing Cao Xueqin's ancestry, life, and literary creation process, recreating the history of the rise and fall of the Cao family, and exploring the life origins of the great work "Dream of the Red Chamber." 3️⃣ In the middle of the courtyard is a bronze statue of Cao Xueqin sitting, depicting a scene of Cao Xueqin in his downfall. 4️⃣ As a memorial hall for Cao Xueqin, "Dream of the Red Chamber" elements are indispensable. The courtyard walls are painted with scenes from "Dream of the Red Chamber," the beams are painted with scenes from "Dream of the Red Chamber," and the corridor walls are decorated with stills from the 1987 version of "Dream of the Red Chamber." 🎫 Tickets: Free admission, no reservation required. The entire memorial hall is small, and the overall visit time is 1 hour. 📍 Address: No. 2, Wushi Hutong, Wusheng Road, Baita District, Liaoyang City. There are only 4 or 5 parking spaces in the parking lot at the entrance, and parking is inconvenient in the city center. There is also the Wang Erli Memorial Hall 100 meters away, which was built by the Jiaqing Emperor and can be visited together.

Cao Xueqin, a famous novelist of the Qing Dynasty, was born in Liaoyang. He was born in 1715 and died in 1763. He is famous for his creation of "Dream of Red Mansions". Cao Xueqin's life has experienced a huge change from wealth to poverty, which has profoundly affected his literary creation. Cao Xueqin's memorial hall is located in Liaoyang City and was established in August 1997 to commemorate his ancestral home in Liaoyang. The memorial hall is located in the courtyard of Wugong Mansion on the east side of the street at the intersection of West Xiaoshi Street in the old city of Liaoyang. It covers an area of 1,300 square meters and has a construction area of 630 square meters. The main exhibition of the memorial hall is divided into four parts, namely "Cao Xueqin's Life", "Cao Xueqin's Ancestral Home in Liaoyang", "Cao's Family" and "Writing in Huangye Village". It displays a series of historical archives related to Cao Xueqin's family, Cao Yin's poems, Cao's genealogy, Qing Palace archives and other documents, as well as various versions of "Dream of Red Mansions" and national famous calligraphy and painting with "Dream of Red Mansions" as the content. The memorial hall also displays the rubbings of the titles of three steles found in Liaoyang, which are related to Cao Xueqin's great-grandfather Cao Zhenyan. Through these exhibits, the memorial hall shows the historical process of the decline of the Cao family from the "Dragon into the Pass" in Liaoyang, and explores the life source of the masterpiece "Dream of Red Mansions".

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