Anshan

Anshan (鞍山; Ānshān) is the third largest prefecture level city in Liaoning Province in China. It is in the central area of the province about 92 km south of Shenyang, the province's capital. Anshan sits on the boundary between the mountains of eastern Liaoning and the plains of the west. The area contains the famous Qianshan Park National Park, Tangangzi Hot Spring Spa and the Jade Buddha Palace Temple. The city's name is derived form the shape of a nearby mountain (in Chinese 山; shān) that resembles the shape of a horse's saddle (鞍; Ān). Anshan is home to the Angang Iron and Steel Company, one of the largest steel producers in China.

The area of Anshan has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the Tang dynasty, the emperor of China lived in and around Anshan for a period of two years during the wars between China and the Goguryeo. Ansi city, in the south east of modern Anshan, was the scene of a large battle during those wars. During this time, many significant sites were established including the Hot Springs at Tangangzi and many temples in Qianshan. During the Ming Dynasty, a small fort was built in Anshan on the road from Haicheng to Liaoyang. This fort, and an nearby lookout tower are still visible today. The city however remained small and of little importance until the twentieth century.

Japan had gained influence in Liaoning and was industrialising the region. A joint Sino-Japanese venture, Anshan Zhenzing Iron Ore Company Unlimited, was started in Anshan in 1918. After the Japanese occupied the northeast of China in 1931, the company was turned into a Japanese owned monopoly. Anshan was occupied by the Japanese and was part of the Japanese puppet state of Manchuco. The Japanese founded a steel mill alongside the existing iron works in Anshan. The city grew in size around this new industrial site. The defeat of the Japanese in 1945 saw Anshan returned to China. However, peace had not yet arrived. Civil war continued between the Chinese Nationalist Government and the Communist People's Liberation Army. The city of Anshan was the scene of one of the battles of this war. A monument in Lishishan Park commemorates the battle. On the 19th of February 1948, Anshan was liberated by the PLA.

The northeast of China was marked out to become a major industrial centre for the new People's Republic of China. Anshan was set to become a key part of this industrial development. The steel mills had been damaged during the wars. In December 1948, the Anshan Iron and Steel Company, also known as Angang, was founded. Production in the newly repaired steel plant resumed on July 9, 1949. The plant was expanded to become, at one time, the largest steel producer in China. Other industries set up alongside the steel plant including mining for coal, iron and other minerals. This industrial wealth had an environmental cost. The open-hearth furnaces of the steel mill created large amounts of dust and other pollution. Along with its growing reputation as a major steel producer, Anshan was also gaining a reputation as a dirty, smelly town.

The furnaces of the steel plant were changed in the 1980s to designs which blow oxygen in form the front. This increased the production and also reduced the pollution. In the 1990s, they were additionally altered to blow oxygen in form the top as well. This further increase production and reduced pollution. In December 2000, all three production lines of Anshan Iron and Steel company switched form mould-casting to continuous casting. This new technology has significantly reduced the dust and other pollution in the city. The new plant equipment is also much less labour-intensive. This has meant a reduction in the workforce and has caused an unemployment problem in the city. A new drive to market Anshan as a tourist destination is hoped to help bolster the cities economy.

• Birthplace and Memorial Hall of Zhang Xueliang, Tai'an County of Anshan. Zhang Xueliang was born here on June 4, 1901.
• Jade Buddha Temple. Claiming to be the worlds largest Jade statue of the Buddha and carved form the worlds largest single piece of Jade stone, at almost 8 meters high and weighing in at 260.76 tons, this is an impressive sight. The statue is housed within a large temple complex in the Dongshan section of 219 park. ¥60.
• Xiao Temple, Xiuyan in Anshan City, Lushan County. Legend dates the site to the Tang Dynasty. It is the province's only large ancient temples of stone structure. It's know locally as the 'Old Temple'.
• Lohan Holy Land. Within the Jade Buddha Temple area but requires and additional ticket fee. This underground tunnel contains many Buddhist statues with coloured lights.

Birthplace and Memorial Hall of Zhang Xueliang, Tai'an County of Anshan. Zhang Xueliang was born here on June 4, 1901.

Jade Buddha Temple. Claiming to be the worlds largest Jade statue of the Buddha and carved form the worlds largest single piece of Jade stone, at almost 8 meters high and weighing in at 260.76 tons, this is an impressive sight. The statue is housed within a large temple complex in the Dongshan section of 219 park. ¥60.

Xiao Temple, Xiuyan in Anshan City, Lushan County. Legend dates the site to the Tang Dynasty. It is the province's only large ancient temples of stone structure. It's know locally as the 'Old Temple'.

Lohan Holy Land. Within the Jade Buddha Temple area but requires and additional ticket fee. This underground tunnel contains many Buddhist statues with coloured lights.

• 219 Park, Yuanlin Lu, Anshan. (From the train station, follow Eryijiu Lu (219 Road) due east.. The largest park in the region. Named after the date of liberation of Anshan by the PLA on the nineteenth of February 1948. The park contains woodland areas around a series of lakes. The area is very popular with the local people who can frequently be seen exercising, dancing, singing, playing music and practicing taichi in the grounds — especially in the early morning of mid evening. free.
• Dongshan Park. This is a network of paths, the longest of which is a 5km path way runs along the crest of the hills that form the eastern flank of the city. The Park covers 975 hectares of which 946 hectares is woodland and 22 hectares is water. Dongshan translates as East Mountain. Views can be enjoyed of the city and surrounding land as you stroll through dense woodland. Approximately half way along, a tower on the high point of the ridge, allows you to rest while taking in the views. A small entrance fee is required to climb the tower. Free - except view tower..
• Lieshishan Park, Shengli Lu, Anshan. (From the train station, follow Eryijiu Lu (219 Road) due east to Shengli Square. Turn righ (south) and the park is at the end of the road.. A small park in the centre of the city. Most of the city is visible from the top of the hill. If the steps look too daunting, there is a gentle path to the east side of the entrance that will spiral up to the top. free.
• Yongle Park, Mingsheng Road, Anshan. (In Tiexi district.. A small park in the west end of the city. free.
• Mengtai Park, Jianguo Street, Lishan, Anshan. (From train station, go east along 219 Road, turn left onto Zhonghua Street and follow this road till it's conclusion.. A large and popular park in Lishan district to the north of the city. The park includes an attractive lake behind which run a crescent shaped ridge of hills. free.

219 Park, Yuanlin Lu, Anshan. (From the train station, follow Eryijiu Lu (219 Road) due east.. The largest park in the region. Named after the date of liberation of Anshan by the PLA on the nineteenth of February 1948. The park contains woodland areas around a series of lakes. The area is very popular with the local people who can frequently be seen exercising, dancing, singing, playing music and practicing taichi in the grounds — especially in the early morning of mid evening. free.

Dongshan Park. This is a network of paths, the longest of which is a 5km path way runs along the crest of the hills that form the eastern flank of the city. The Park covers 975 hectares of which 946 hectares is woodland and 22 hectares is water. Dongshan translates as East Mountain. Views can be enjoyed of the city and surrounding land as you stroll through dense woodland. Approximately half way along, a tower on the high point of the ridge, allows you to rest while taking in the views. A small entrance fee is required to climb the tower. Free - except view tower..

Lieshishan Park, Shengli Lu, Anshan. (From the train station, follow Eryijiu Lu (219 Road) due east to Shengli Square. Turn righ (south) and the park is at the end of the road.. A small park in the centre of the city. Most of the city is visible from the top of the hill. If the steps look too daunting, there is a gentle path to the east side of the entrance that will spiral up to the top. free.

Yongle Park, Mingsheng Road, Anshan. (In Tiexi district.. A small park in the west end of the city. free.

Mengtai Park, Jianguo Street, Lishan, Anshan. (From train station, go east along 219 Road, turn left onto Zhonghua Street and follow this road till it's conclusion.. A large and popular park in Lishan district to the north of the city. The park includes an attractive lake behind which run a crescent shaped ridge of hills. free.

• Aviary. A large netted complex within which a huge variety of birds may be observed.
• Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, Haicheng.
• Circle Back Scenic Area, County of Xiuyan in Anshan.
• Jiulong Nature Reserve, Haicheng.
• Longtan Bay Scenic Area, Xiuyan County, Anshan (County of Xiuyan in Anshan.
• Qianshan District Shuanglong Mountain Scenic Spot.
• Qianshan National Park, +86 412 5418518, +86 0412 5416100. Qianshan literally means 'thousand mountains' and that is the impression you get as you look up at the jagged peaks. The name is actually and abbreviation of 'thousand lotus flower mountains'. The peaks were said to resemble the petals of the lotus flower which had been dropped to earth by a goddess. The area is filled with many Buddhist and Taoist temples and monasteris and nunneries. It is one of few locations where both religions are found sharing the same site. Three cable car routes can convey the less able up the hill sides. However, none of the cable cars will take you the whole way, leaving you some climbing to do by yourself. ¥80 peak, ¥60 off peak.
• Qingliangshan Scenic Area, County of Xiuyan in Anshan (County of Xiuyan in Anshan.
• West Forest Park, Tai'an County of Anshan.
• Yaoshan Scenic Area, County of Xiuyan in Anshan.

Aviary. A large netted complex within which a huge variety of birds may be observed.

Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, Haicheng.

Circle Back Scenic Area, County of Xiuyan in Anshan.

Jiulong Nature Reserve, Haicheng.

Longtan Bay Scenic Area, Xiuyan County, Anshan (County of Xiuyan in Anshan.

Qianshan District Shuanglong Mountain Scenic Spot.

Qianshan National Park, +86 412 5418518, +86 0412 5416100. [[Qianshan National Park|Qianshan]] literally means 'thousand mountains' and that is the impression you get as you look up at the jagged peaks. The name is actually and abbreviation of 'thousand lotus flower mountains'. The peaks were said to resemble the petals of the lotus flower which had been dropped to earth by a goddess. The area is filled with many Buddhist and Taoist temples and monasteris and nunneries. It is one of few locations where both religions are found sharing the same site. Three cable car routes can convey the less able up the hill sides. However, none of the cable cars will take you the whole way, leaving you some climbing to do by yourself. ¥80 peak, ¥60 off peak.

Qingliangshan Scenic Area, County of Xiuyan in Anshan (County of Xiuyan in Anshan.

West Forest Park, Tai'an County of Anshan.

Yaoshan Scenic Area, County of Xiuyan in Anshan.

• Dongshan Amusement Park. A large number of amusement rides are situated here and run throughout the year.
• Anshan Country Club. A Country Club and 18 hole golf course on the south side of the city near Tangangzi. Golf cubs are available to hire and prices are per round.
• Anshan Qianshan Ski Centre. This small ski centre is open throughout most of the winter. There are several slopes for beginners through to intermediate levels. Advanced skiers may find the slopes a little short though. The centre also has snow mobiles, quad bikes and rubber ring slides for the kids. After skiing, you can relax in the mixed-sex outdoor hot spring spa included in the price so remember your swimwear.
• Skating. During winter you can skate on the lakes in the parks. The ice is maintained by the park attendant. If you bring your own shoes it is free or you can hire skates for a modest fee. free.

Anshan is famous for its Hot Spring Spas and Sanatoriums. There are several How Spring Spas around the city, mostly in the Qianshan district but also in Haicheng and Xiuyan.

• Tanggangzi. Just south of the city, visitors may have mud treatment where they are buried in hot volcanic sand, which has been infused with the spring water. Tangangzi is the oldest hot spring spa in Anshan. The spa dates back to the Tang dynasty of China. It was used by the last emperor, Puyi and his wives. The spa is popular with many foreign visitors, especially Russians.
• Chengdong the Quartet Tai'an Hot Springs. Resort In addition to there are many smaller bathhouses throughout the city. These bathhouses don't use the natural hot springs but offer similar services. Prices are ¥28-60 for bathing. Extras such as massage may be ¥20-100 for each service. Price lists are usually prominently displayed though only in Chinese. Many spas and bathhouses are open 24 hours and it is quite common for people to sleep overnight in the restrooms after bathing. This can make a cheap alternative to a hotel room.

Tanggangzi. Just south of the city, visitors may have mud treatment where they are buried in hot volcanic sand, which has been infused with the spring water. Tangangzi is the oldest hot spring spa in Anshan. The spa dates back to the Tang dynasty of China. It was used by the last emperor, Puyi and his wives. The spa is popular with many foreign visitors, especially Russians.

Chengdong the Quartet Tai'an Hot Springs. Resort

Dongshan Amusement Park. A large number of amusement rides are situated here and run throughout the year.

Anshan Country Club. A Country Club and 18 hole golf course on the south side of the city near Tangangzi. Golf cubs are available to hire and prices are per round.

Anshan Qianshan Ski Centre. This small ski centre is open throughout most of the winter. There are several slopes for beginners through to intermediate levels. Advanced skiers may find the slopes a little short though. The centre also has snow mobiles, quad bikes and rubber ring slides for the kids. After skiing, you can relax in the mixed-sex outdoor hot spring spa included in the price so remember your swimwear.

Skating. During winter you can skate on the lakes in the parks. The ice is maintained by the park attendant. If you bring your own shoes it is free or you can hire skates for a modest fee. free.

• Jade Carvings of Xiuyan County - Xiuyan County in Anshan is full of a kind of jade the people call the "national stone" of China, and in the higher end department stores (like Parkson), you can find decent pricing. There is a large Jade market situated at the north end of the Jade Buddha temple complex.
• Nantai luggage market is a large leather bag market is located near Anshan's sibling city of Haichung. Here a large array of leather and imitation leather products are available such as bags, belts and wallets. Many are cheap copies of western designer brands and counterfeit goods are the norm here. Prices will be significantly cheaper than equivalent copies in other areas of china. If buying to take out of china, it's probably best to stick to Chinese brands than buy the fake western brands so as to avoid problems at customs.

Jade Carvings of Xiuyan County - Xiuyan County in Anshan is full of a kind of jade the people call the "national stone" of China, and in the higher end department stores (like Parkson), you can find decent pricing. There is a large Jade market situated at the north end of the Jade Buddha temple complex.

Nantai luggage market is a large leather bag market is located near Anshan's sibling city of Haichung. Here a large array of leather and imitation leather products are available such as bags, belts and wallets. Many are cheap copies of western designer brands and counterfeit goods are the norm here. Prices will be significantly cheaper than equivalent copies in other areas of china. If buying to take out of china, it's probably best to stick to Chinese brands than buy the fake western brands so as to avoid problems at customs.

• Street food. A wide variety of foods form lamb kebabs, quick fried chicken strips and even octopus on a stick. Look out for a popular local pancake cooked with an egg smeared over the surface, some spring onion, leak and a hotdog sausage in the center. ¥4-6.
• Fu Shi Ting. Japanese fast food restaurant with set meals at low prices. ¥15-30.
• Savour Life Coffee Shop, Shengli South Street (Near to No.2 Middle School.. A small coffee shop but the best in the city. Popular with the young professionals and foreigners. Espresso ¥15, Caramel Macchiato ¥22.
• San Bao BBQ, Yuanlin Road (Just south of No.9 Middles School. Anshan is close to the border with Korea, so a large Korea population lives here. The town has dozens of Korean BBQ restaurants. Food is served raw, marinated in a variety of spicy sauces. In the center of the table is a pit containing hot coals. It is over these coals that you cook your food. A selection of spices and sauces are provided for you to dip the cooked meat into. ¥40-60 per person.

Street food. A wide variety of foods form lamb kebabs, quick fried chicken strips and even octopus on a stick. Look out for a popular local pancake cooked with an egg smeared over the surface, some spring onion, leak and a hotdog sausage in the center. ¥4-6.

Fu Shi Ting. Japanese fast food restaurant with set meals at low prices. ¥15-30.

Savour Life Coffee Shop, Shengli South Street (Near to No.2 Middle School.. A small coffee shop but the best in the city. Popular with the young professionals and foreigners. Espresso ¥15, Caramel Macchiato ¥22.

San Bao BBQ, Yuanlin Road (Just south of No.9 Middles School. Anshan is close to the border with Korea, so a large Korea population lives here. The town has dozens of Korean BBQ restaurants. Food is served raw, marinated in a variety of spicy sauces. In the center of the table is a pit containing hot coals. It is over these coals that you cook your food. A selection of spices and sauces are provided for you to dip the cooked meat into. ¥40-60 per person.

• Pizza house, Tiedong Wodao Jie (Behind No.2 middle school (Er Zhong Xue).. Serves a variety of pizzas as well as steaks. Will deliver locally.
• Jullette Cafe, Zhonghua Street. (Between Qingnian and Wenhua Street on Zhonghua Street in the centre of the city.. 10am to 10pm. Western food in a relaxing atmosphere. The buildings were originally houses built by the Japanese in the 1930s and now converted into a restaurant. The front building is no smoking and the rear building allows smoking. The chef used to work in Taiwan and is proficient at cooking western food. The fillet steak is particularly popular. ¥50-100 per person.
• San Bao Wan Chai, Two branches: Yuanlin Lu and 219 Road (Opposite No.9 Middle School and near the TV station.. Rice porridge, dim sum and dumplings Hong Kong style.

Pizza house, Tiedong Wodao Jie (Behind No.2 middle school (Er Zhong Xue).. Serves a variety of pizzas as well as steaks. Will deliver locally.

Jullette Cafe, Zhonghua Street. (Between Qingnian and Wenhua Street on Zhonghua Street in the centre of the city.. 10am to 10pm. Western food in a relaxing atmosphere. The buildings were originally houses built by the Japanese in the 1930s and now converted into a restaurant. The front building is no smoking and the rear building allows smoking. The chef used to work in Taiwan and is proficient at cooking western food. The fillet steak is particularly popular. ¥50-100 per person.

San Bao Wan Chai, Two branches: Yuanlin Lu and 219 Road (Opposite No.9 Middle School and near the TV station.. Rice porridge, dim sum and dumplings Hong Kong style.

• Dongshan Hotel. High quality Chinese food.
• Shanghai Club, Hunan Jie (Just south of 219 park in the Hunan district of the city.. Up market restaurant serving typical Chinese food.
• Show Cafe, Guangchang West Road (About 350 metres north of Liaoning Science and Technology University. 10AM-11PM. Upmarket western style cafe restaurant. ¥200-¥300.

Dongshan Hotel. High quality Chinese food.

Shanghai Club, Hunan Jie (Just south of 219 park in the Hunan district of the city.. Up market restaurant serving typical Chinese food.

Show Cafe, Guangchang West Road (About 350 metres north of Liaoning Science and Technology University. 10AM-11PM. Upmarket western style cafe restaurant. ¥200-¥300.

• Coco Babe, Shungli Lu, Leishan district, Anshan. (Near to the main gate of Leishan Park, below the war memorial.. A lively and amazingly decorated nightclub. ¥20 per bottle of beer.
• Sun Club. This is one of the more popular music bars. They have a live band playing every night from 9pm.

Coco Babe, Shungli Lu, Leishan district, Anshan. (Near to the main gate of Leishan Park, below the war memorial.. A lively and amazingly decorated nightclub. ¥20 per bottle of beer.

Sun Club. This is one of the more popular music bars. They have a live band playing every night from 9pm.