Xingcheng Ancient Seaside Town with a large area forest is located in the southern part of Liaoning Province. Xingcheng is famous for its beautiful scenery and rich variety of seafood. With its comprehensive transportation network, it is very easy to get around. As a result of its long coastline and large area of shallow water, it is an ideal area for aquaculture and fishing. To take full advantage of these resources, the local government is setting up a seafood processing industry.
Xingcheng's agriculture is also well developed. Fields of golden wheat ripple in the warm summer breeze, and the apples and other fruit grown here are market favorites, both in China and abroad.
The green Shoushan Mountain to the north and the sparkling waters of the Bohai Sea to the south, Xingcheng with many delightful scenic sites is an increasingly popular with tourists. The city's ancient architecture, seaside resorts, hot springs, and a charming small island, provide visitors a wealth of things to choose from.
One of Xingcheng's most attractions is the architecture in its old quarter of the city, which was built in the Ming Dynasty and is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is square in shape, and surrounded by the original city wall. There are four gate-towers, one on each side. In the center of the old city, there is a bell-drum tower.
Apart from its historical interest, the city also has some wonderful natural attractions. The hot springs were discovered in the Tang Dynasty, more than 1,300 years ago. Their waters are well known for their curative powers. The water is drinkable, and effective against many diseases. So the area has been developed into a health center, with over 70 sanitariums.
Shoushan Mountain is a national forest park in the northeast of the city. Looking from the distance, the mountain is like a man's head, that way it is called Shoushan, "shou", in Chinese, means a person's head, and "shan" means mountain. The mountain is dotted with pavilions, watchtowers and temples. Zhaoyang temple is nestled in the middle of the mountain where visitors can watch the sunrise, and the surging and ebbing of the waves of the Bohai Sea.
And in this sea lies the beautiful Juhua Island. Juhua, in Chinese, means chrysanthemum. With an area of 15 square km it is the largest island in Liaodong Bay. It is endowed with green trees, a blaze of flowers and large orchards. Juhuadao is an ideal summer resort. Visitors being here will experience the peace and quiet, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy the fresh air and the lapping of waves on the seashore.