Huludao is located in the southwest of Liaoning Province, on the coast of the Bohai Sea. It has a temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, mild winters and cool summers, and an average annual temperature of 9.5°C.
Huludao has a long history. Human activities date back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. During the Qin and Han dynasties, it belonged to Liaoxi Commandery. In the Ming Dynasty, it was an important military town, and in modern times, it rose due to industry.
Huludao's culture blends features of Northeast and Central Plains. Folk arts include Liaoxi Taiping Drum. The cuisine is mainly seafood, with specialties such as seafood dumplings and grilled fish.
Modern Huludao is an important industrial city in Northeast China, with pillar industries of petrochemical and shipbuilding. It is also developing tourism, with famous attractions like Xingcheng Ancient City.
The best time to visit 葫芦岛 is May to October.
Spring (March-May) sees rising temperatures and blooming flowers, ideal for flower viewing and outings.
Summer (June-August) is the peak season for coastal tourism, suitable for swimming and escaping the heat, but sun protection is needed.
Autumn (September-October) offers clear skies and abundant seafood, making it the best travel season.
During the Warring States period, the Yan State established Liaoxi Commandery in the Huludao area, beginning administrative governance.
Ming general Yuan Chonghuan defeated the Later Jin army at Ningyuan (now Xingcheng), known as the Victory of Ningyuan.
Approved by the State Council, Jinxi City was renamed Huludao and upgraded to a prefecture-level city.
Recommended places to visit
One of the best-preserved Ming dynasty ancient cities in China, on par with Xi'an and Jingzhou, featuring Ming city walls, bell and drum towers.
A national 4A-level scenic area with fine sand and clear water, a summer seaside resort.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
An important pass of the Ming Great Wall, with nine water gates underneath, the only water section of the Wall.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Folk dance popular in western Liaoning, with lively drumbeats and bold movements, performed during festivals.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Huludao North Station is on the Beijing-Harbin high-speed line, about 2.5 hours to Beijing, 1 hour to Shenyang.
Beijing-Huludao about 200 RMB
Huludao has no airport. The nearest is Jinzhou Bay Airport, about 50 km from the city, with flights to Beijing, Shanghai, etc.
Jinzhou-Beijing about 500 RMB
City bus lines cover major attractions, fare 1-2 RMB, with special tourist routes.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Filled with fresh shrimp, scallops, etc., thin-skinned and juicy.
Fresh fish from Bohai Bay, charcoal-grilled, crispy outside and tender inside, with secret sauce.
Specialty of Bohai Bay, plump and delicious, can be eaten raw or steamed with garlic.
The only water Great Wall in China, with a river flowing under the wall, a unique sight and a World Heritage site.
A large scenic area themed on gourd culture, displaying gourd planting and crafts, suitable for family trips.
The largest island in Liaodong Bay, with thousand-year-old temples and unique rock formations, a summer resort.
Adjacent to Jinzhou, BBQ culture thrives, with lamb skewers and chicken wings having unique flavors.
Specialty of Huludao, paper-thin, chewy texture, can be served cold or stir-fried.