Benxi, Liaoning, China
Benxi (本溪) is a prefecture city in the Liaoning province, China. Benxi is south-southeast of Shenyang city. The population is about 1,567,000 people. Benxi was founded as a metallurgical center in 1915. Benxi Iron and Steel Company (Bengang) is the largest employer in the city. The second largest industry in Benxi is coal mining. In the past, Benxi had major pollution problems due to steel production and coal mining. Over the last 10 years, the city has done much to clean up the area and is now known for it's clean environment and countryside.
The countryside surrounding Benxi has beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and limestone cliffs around Guanmenshan Forest where the trees acers turn bright red in Autumn. The Benxi Water Cave National Park, the "longest underground water tunnel in Asia" is a major tourist attraction in the area. It was formed 5 million years ago. Visitors can enjoy boating the length of the cave. The cave is so vast its entrance harbors an underground wharf, docking up to 40 guide boats. The boats silently drift through the illuminated cave revealing a weird world of stalagmites, stalactites, and bizarre rock formations. Guides accompany each boat.
More information about Benxi city can be found at my website www.abookaboutchina.com/cityguide/Benxi