A Solo Trip to Arxan

Hong Kong✈️Shenyang (Transit: Beijing) Shenyang🚅Arxan K7565 21:09-09:15 (Waking up to a view that feels like stepping into a painting. The smoke from the green train made it hard to sleep through the night. 😭) Arxan Train Station🚌Arxan National Forest Park (Tianchi Service Area) 09:40-10:40 Round-trip bus ticket: ¥60 Entrance fee: ¥260 【DAY 1】 Tianchi Service Area → Tuofengling Tianchi → Grand Canyon → (Transfer at Tuofengling Tianchi) → Dujuan Lake → Tianchi Service Area → Sunset at Budong River 【DAY 2】 Wusulangzi Lake → Tianchi Service Area → Arxan Tianchi → Santan Gorge → Dichi → (Transfer at Tianchi Service Area) → Shitanglin Day 1 was cloudy, so the photos didn’t turn out great. The routes are easy to follow, with staff providing directions. Tuofengling Tianchi wasn’t as impressive as expected; those stunning photos you see are all taken by drones. Staying at the Tianchi Service Area allowed me to walk to Budong River and catch a fiery sunset! The cows were adorable too. Wusulangzi Lake is a free attraction without shuttle buses, but you can arrange a shared ride with Linyuan’s service. The morning mist was breathtaking! Waking up at 4:30 am was totally worth it. The stairs at Tianchi are no joke—I had to take off my jacket several times along the way. The sound of water at Santan Gorge is incredibly soothing, a must-visit! Shitanglin was initially a plan I gave up on, but I ended up having enough time to go, and it was decent—the rocks were interesting. Since the weather on Day 1 wasn’t great, I revisited Dujuan Lake on Day 2, and it looked stunning with blue skies and white clouds. Summary: 1. Santan Gorge 2. Grand Canyon 3. Dujuan Lake 4. Tuofengling Tianchi 5. Arxan Tianchi 6. Shitanglin 7. Dichi (Wusulangzi Lake & Budong River are free attractions, so I didn’t rank them) 🏠 Accommodation was at the Tianchi Service Area, which exceeded my expectations. Maybe I had mentally prepared myself and lowered my expectations. The shower water was hot, the electric blanket was warm, and it was quite clean. At night, stepping outside, you’re greeted by a sky full of stars. 🍽 The food was disappointing to the point of tears. However, the scenery was stunning, and the park is well-maintained without being overly commercialized, preserving much of its natural beauty. I’d love to visit again. Arxan National Forest Park.