My Dalian travel guide, based on three visits.

Dalian in March offers gentle sea breezes and perfect sunshine, making it an ideal time to travel. This charming coastal city boasts both romantic seascapes and a rich history. Follow this guide for an unforgettable Dalian adventure! 📍Must-See Attractions Xinghai Square 📍Address: 572 Zhongshan Road, Shahekou District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: Free 🕙Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Xinghai Square is the largest city square in Asia, offering stunning sea views and flocks of seagulls. The musical fountain show in the evening is a must-see, with the fountain dancing gracefully amidst music and lights. Bangchui Island 📍Address: 1 Yingbin Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: CNY 20 🕙Opening Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Bangchui Island features crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy beaches. The island is also dotted with diverse villas, exuding an exotic charm. Stroll along the coast, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace the beauty of nature. Jinshitan National Tourist Resort 📍Address: Jinshitan National Tourist Resort, Jinzhou District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: Fees apply to some attractions, such as the Jinshitan Wax Museum (CNY 80) and the Dalian Mysterious Life Museum (CNY 150). 🕙Opening Hours: Vary by attraction, generally 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Known as a "natural geological museum," Jinshitan boasts unique geological formations like the cracked stones and Dinosaur Exploring the Sea. Bask in the sun, play in the sand on Golden Coast Beach, and enjoy a leisurely vacation. Dalian Forest Zoo 📍Address: 79 Binhai West Road, Xigang District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: CNY 120 (peak season), CNY 100 (off-season) 🕙Opening Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm The zoo is divided into two areas: an enclosure area and a free-range area, allowing for close observation of various animals. The free-range area offers opportunities for interaction with animals, making it perfect for families. Tiger Beach Ocean Park 📍Address: 9 Binhai Middle Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: CNY 220 (all-inclusive ticket) 🕙Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm This large-scale ocean theme park combines marine animal and sea creature exhibits with various amusement facilities. Watch captivating dolphin and sea lion shows and explore the colorful underwater world in the coral reef exhibit. Dalian Sun Asia Ocean World 📍Address: 608-6-8 Zhongshan Road, Shahekou District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: CNY 190 - CNY 220 (prices vary by package) 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun Asia Ocean World features Asia's longest underwater transparent tunnel, offering an immersive undersea experience. Enjoy spectacular performances like "Romance in Dolphin Bay." Russian Style Street 📍Address: 19 Tuanjie Street, Xigang District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: Free 🕙Opening Hours: Open 24 hours This street preserves 38 original buildings from the Far Eastern Belarusian period, showcasing a rich Russian atmosphere. Browse shops selling Russian goods and savor authentic Russian cuisine. Zhongshan Square 📍Address: 10 Zhongshan Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian 🎫Tickets: Free 🕙Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Zhongshan Square is surrounded by European-style buildings and serves as Dalian's financial center. The illuminated buildings at night create a magnificent spectacle, perfect for photos. 🚗Getting Around Subway: Dalian's subway system has five lines, covering most major attractions. Purchase tickets at vending machines or use the "Dalian Metro e-Travel" app for QR code access. Bus: Extensive bus routes are available, with fares typically CNY 1 - 2. Some routes accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taxis have a starting fare of CNY 10, with CNY 2 per kilometer after the first 3 kilometers. Ride-hailing services are also convenient. 🍱Must-Try Dishes Seaweed Buns: A Dalian specialty filled with seaweed, offering a delicious and nutritious treat. Spanish Mackerel Dumplings: These dumplings are made with fresh Spanish mackerel, featuring thin wrappers, generous fillings, and rich broth. Fried Miantiao: Miantiao (fried starch jelly) is cut into small pieces, pan-fried until golden, and seasoned with sesame paste, garlic, and other spices for a savory and spicy delight. Seafood Barbecue: Don't miss out on Dalian's seafood barbecue! Fresh seafood is grilled over charcoal, sprinkled with seasonings, and served piping hot. Colorful Scallops: This visually appealing dish features tender scallops paired with various vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful experience. 🏠Accommodation Xinghai Square Area: Convenient transportation, close to many attractions, with a wide range of hotels and guesthouses from a few hundred to over a thousand CNY. Zhongshan Square Area: Located in the city center, offering easy access to shopping and dining, with many high-end hotels and unique guesthouses. Jinshitan Resort Area: Ideal for leisure vacations, with various seaside hotels and resort apartments in a beautiful setting, but at higher prices. 📌Tips March in Dalian can be chilly, so pack warm clothes. Be mindful of safety when visiting the coast and avoid dangerous areas. Choose fresh seafood to prevent discomfort. Dalian has many attractions, so plan your itinerary in advance. I hope this guide helps you have a wonderful trip to Dalian and enjoy the charm of this city!💕