3 Days 2 Nights Family Trip to Fushun: Learning History with Your Child in the Birthplace of the Qing Dynasty
Before setting off, my daughter packed a princess hat into her suitcase—a treasure she brought back from her kindergarten craft class. "Mommy, are we going to a real palace?" she asked, tilting her little face up.
As the wheels rolled across the springtime plains of Northeast China, and the city walls of Hetu Ala came into view, I knew this journey through time would plant a seed of history in her heart.
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Day 1: Traveling Through the Qing Dynasty | Being a Little Princess
We arrived in Hetu Ala at 9 a.m., the spring sun shining on the gray bricks and tiles. My daughter put on her princess hat and ran around on the city walls, insisting I take pictures of her as the "Empress." There was an Eight Banners military exercise over the weekend; the battle flags fluttered, and the drums thundered. She watched, mesmerized, leaning on the railing.
At noon, we had a pork stew at Lao Bai's house. When the blood sausage, sauerkraut, and pork belly hot pot was served, the little one's eyes widened: "Such a big pot!" The pork belly was stewed until tender; she could eat three pieces with the garlic sauce. In the afternoon, we went to the former site of the Fushun War Criminals Management Center. Before leaving, I briefly told her the story of Puyi. Walking into the cell where Puyi once lived, she whispered, "Even emperors were imprisoned?" The displayed artifacts made history feel tangible.
In the evening, we went to the Lei Feng Stadium night market. Grilled cold noodles rolled with stinky tofu were her favorite. Holding a skewer, her mouth full of sauce, she smiled until her eyes narrowed into slits.
Outfit Tip: The temperature difference between day and night is large, so dress your child in a sweatshirt and a light jacket that are easy to put on and take off.
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Day 2: Mines and Hot Springs | From Shock to Healing
In the morning, standing on the viewing platform of the West Open-Pit Mine, Asia's largest man-made mine pit was right below us, the giant mine carts looking like toy cars. My daughter gripped the railing tightly: "Mommy, who dug this?" I told her stories about coal miners, and she nodded, seemingly understanding.
At noon, we had spring pancakes at the "Spring Pancake King" restaurant. The thin, paper-thin pancakes were filled with braised pork hock and shredded potatoes. The little one rolled them herself, and although some were spilled, she ate them with great relish.
In the afternoon, we went to the Rego Amusement Park hot springs. The snow-themed pools were amazing—soaking in hot water surrounded by pristine white snow. My daughter played in the children's pool, while her dad and I took turns soaking in the fire dragon bath. That evening, we checked into the Bali Water World Hotel. Our rooms had direct access to the hot spring area, so we could go straight to bed after our soak.
Essential items for families: swimsuit, waterproof phone case, large bath towel.
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Day 3: Manchu Culture | Finding Answers in Museums
In the morning, we went to the Xinbin Manchu Museum and caught the 10 am Manchu song and dance performance. The shaman costumes were vibrant and colorful, and my daughter was mesmerized. She kept asking "What's this?" and "What's that?" about the hunting tools and daily necessities on display.
At noon, we had Li Lianguan smoked meat pancakes. This century-old brand truly lived up to its reputation; the pancake crust was crispy, and the smoked meat was fragrant but not greasy. Paired with lamb offal soup, it was heartwarming and comforting.
In the afternoon, we went to Crescent Island Ecological Park. The pear blossoms were in full bloom, like snow. We rented a four-person bicycle and rode around the lake. My daughter sat in front, ringing the bell, and excitedly shouted whenever she saw a flock of wild ducks.
On the way back, we went to Lao San Barbecue for skewers. Their grilled pork belly and grilled heart tubes are signature dishes, bursting with the aroma of charcoal. My daughter raised her Jinmeile (a type of milk tea) and clinked glasses with me: "Mom, let's come again next time!"
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Practical Travel Guide
Itinerary
· Day 1: Hetu Ala City → Lao Bai Jia's Pork Stew → Former Site of Fushun War Criminals Management Center → Lei Feng Stadium Night Market
· Day 2: West Open-pit Mine Viewpoint → Spring Pancake King → Regao Amusement Park Hot Spring → Stay at Bali Water World Hotel
· Day 3: Xinbin Manchu Museum → Li Liangu's Smoked Meat Pancake → Crescent Island Ecological Park → Lao San Barbecue → Return Trip
Family Accommodation Recommendations
· Bali Water World Hotel: Rooms directly connected to the hot spring area, high cost-performance ratio including breakfast
· Fushun Wanda Realm Hotel: Prime location in the city center, family-friendly rooms with children's amenities
Essential Items
· Children's swimsuit, waterproof phone case, portable sketchbook
· Light jacket, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
· Common medications (fever patches, gastrointestinal medicine)
Ticket Purchase Tips
· Hetu Ala City entrance fee: 60 yuan; children under 1.3 meters are free.
· War Criminals Management Center: Free admission (ID required)
· West Open-pit Mine visit requires advance reservation.
· Regao Amusement Park hot spring night tickets are more cost-effective.
Study Tour Tips
· Watch animated films related to Puyi before departure.
· Let children find the "animals in the palace" (stone lions, dragon patterns) in Hetu Ala City.
· Play a "treasure hunt" game in the museum and find three favorite exhibits.
· Let children take photos of their "most memorable moments."
Safety Precautions
· Strong winds at the mine pit viewing platform; hold your child tightly.
· Prevent slips and falls in the hot spring area.
· Crowded night market; prevent getting lost.
· Choose licensed vehicles for chartered transportation.
Transportation Guide
· Taxi fare within the city starts at 6 yuan; 15-30 yuan between attractions.
· Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended for visiting Hetu Ala City.
You can take a bus to Xinbin County from the bus station.
Must-try foods: Pork stew, spring pancakes, smoked meat pancakes, grilled cold noodles at the night market, Lao San barbecue, spicy mixed vegetables.
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On the return trip, my daughter fell asleep holding her princess hat. In the rearview mirror, Fushun gradually receded, but those moments were already packed into her baggage—running on the city wall, marveling at the mine, and that question, "Even the emperor will be imprisoned?"
Three days and two nights, accompanying her to touch the warmth of history.
Tips: April is the time to experience the Manchu Ban Jin Festival and its unique sacrificial rites. Northeastern cuisine is large; three dishes are enough for two adults and one child. Remember to bring your own swimsuit for the hot springs.
vivienne.evelyn.blackwood