【Shenyang Self-Driving Tour】Exploring Ma'er Mountain:

### 🌟【Shenyang Self-Driving Tour】Exploring Ma'er Mountain: Fruit-Scented Mountains and Historical Secrets in the City's Outskirts🌟 --- **Pre-Trip Preparations** 1️⃣ **Transportation Routes** - **Self-Driving Navigation**: Departing from Shenyang city center, it is recommended to take the Shenyang-Dandong Expressway (exit at Yangqian) or Qingnian Avenue to the 4th Ring Road. The entire journey takes about 30–50 minutes, directly to the scenic area parking lot (parking fee is CNY 5/vehicle). - **Road Condition Tips**: Some sections of the mountain road are steep, so it is recommended that experienced drivers choose this route first. Novice drivers can slow down. 2️⃣ **Tickets and Opening Hours** - **Ticket Price**: CNY 20/adult, free for children and the elderly, discounts for military personnel and the disabled with valid certificates. - **Opening Hours**: 07:30–16:30 all year round. It is recommended to arrive before 9am to avoid peak hours. 3️⃣ **Essential Items** - **Lightweight Gear**: Hiking shoes (non-slip), light jacket (strong wind at the top of the mountain), water bottle, sunscreen. - **Picking Tools**: If traveling in the fall, you can bring your own small basket or cloth bag (the scenic area provides them for a fee). --- **Itinerary (1-Day Highlights)** ⏰ **Morning: Ascend the First Peak in Southern Shenyang** - **Hiking Route**: Ascend the stone steps from the mountain gate, passing natural wonders such as "Stone Man and Horse" and "Chaoyang Cave". It takes about 1 hour to reach the main peak (330.8m above sea level), overlooking the rural scenery of Sujiatun. - **Historical Exploration**: Visit the Beacon Tower ruins and Yaowang Temple along the way to experience the historical charm of Liaoshen. ⏰ **Noon: Mountain Food Experience** - **Farmhouse Recommendation**: "Xiaoshi Yizhuang" near the scenic area is a must-try for Xiaoshi lamb soup and iron pot stewed fish. A satisfying meal costs CNY 50 per person. - **Picnic Option**: If you bring your own ingredients, the leisure square at the foot of the mountain provides free tables and chairs for self-service barbecue (please clean up the garbage in advance). ⏰ **Afternoon: Fruit Picking and Ecological Roaming** - **Orchard Picking**: August to October is the best season. Apple pears, Nanguo pears, and hawthorns are all over the branches, priced by the kilogram (approx. CNY 5–10/kg). It is recommended to go to Geng Laohan's orchard, which is fresh and affordable. - **Nearby Attractions**: - **Qiuyue Lake**: Stroll along the lake and photograph the reflected mountain scenery. You can fish for wild fish in the summer. - **Cherry Valley Manor**: Enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and pick cherries from May to June, experiencing light physical farming. --- **Hidden Gems and In-Depth Experiences** 🔍 **Niche Check-In Spots** - **Strawberry Greenhouse**: Winter limited! Strawberries can be picked from December to March, combined with parent-child DIY jam activities. - **Ruyi Tree Wishing**: The ancient tree on the top of the mountain is covered with red ribbons. Tie one after making a wish (CNY 5/ribbon), symbolizing good luck. 📸 **Photography Tips** - **Classic Spots**: Shoot the layered ridges from the main peak pavilion; use a wide-angle lens to capture a panoramic view of the Beacon Tower ruins; capture the contrast between the fruit and the blue sky at a low angle in the orchard. - **Lighting Techniques**: The light is soft before 10am or after 3pm. Flash is prohibited for shooting in the cave. You can turn on the night scene mode on your phone. ⚠️ **Tips to Avoid Pitfalls** - **Travel Off-Peak**: There are more tourists on weekends, so it is recommended to travel on weekdays, or choose the early morning/evening hours. - **Anti-Slip Reminder**: The stone steps are slippery after rain. Be careful when climbing, especially with children or the elderly. --- **Accommodation Recommendations** 🏨 **Convenient Options in the City**: - **Hilton Shenyang**: Adjacent to Qingnian Avenue, it is the first choice for a rest on the return trip, approx. CNY 600/night. - **Sujiatun District Homestay**: Such as "Ma'ershan Farmhouse", experience dinner on a kang table and stargazing camping, approx. CNY 150/night. --- **Summary and Seasonal Play Guide** Ma'er Mountain integrates mountain climbing, fruit picking, and historical exploration. It is an "all-round" leisure destination in the suburbs of Shenyang. - **Spring** (Apr–May): Mountain flowers are in full bloom, and the pink sea of apricot flowers in Apricot Blossom Valley is sweeping the short video platform. - **Summer** (Jun–Aug): Summer hiking, Cherry Valley rafting is cool and refreshing. - **Fall** (Sep–Nov): The fragrance of fruits is overflowing, and the red leaves adorn the mountains, which is the golden period for photography. - **Winter** (Dec–Feb): The silver is covered in white, strawberry picking + hot spring recuperation (recommended with Yangchengzai Ice and Snow World). 📢 **Interactive Topic**: Which stunning photos have you taken in Ma'er Mountain? Post photos in the comments section, and the one with the most likes will receive a Shenyang specialty hawthorn gift box! **Strategy Source**: Comprehensive collation of Baidu Encyclopedia, self-driving tour forums, and real-life tourist experiences. The specific opening hours and activities are subject to the scenic area announcement.