Dalian: A City That Will Blow Your Mind (and Your Hair)!

## Dalian Travel Guide: A Confession From a Traveler Who Was Blown Away by the Wind and Fed by Seafood My friends, I just got back from Dalian, and my mind is still filled with the cries of seagulls, the aroma of seafood, and... the painful memory of my hair being styled into a "Mei Chaofeng" look by the sea wind. But I have to say, this "Pearl of the North" is truly captivating! --- ### 【Transportation】How to Get to This "Seafood Paradise"? ✈️ Airplane: Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is very close to the city center, a 30 yuan taxi ride will get you there (don't let the driver take you for a ride). 🚄 High-speed Rail/Train: Dalian Railway Station and Dalian North Railway Station offer convenient access to various destinations (it's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season). 🚗 Self-driving: Ideal for exploring the coastal highway, but Dalian has many one-way streets, and the navigation might get confused even more than you. --- ### 【Attractions】Must-See Spots in Dalian, No Regrets! 1. Xinghai Square (Free) - The largest city square in Asia, with more seagulls than tourists (beware of "bird droppings from the sky"). - Must-do: Feed the seagulls (they'll catch food mid-air, with skills even better than your boyfriend/girlfriend). - Stunning night view, perfect for taking "pretend you're in Europe" photos. 2. Binhai Road (Free) - A paradise for hikers, spanning over 20 kilometers (it's okay to take a taxi halfway if you're tired, no shame in that). - Recommended section: Fujiazhuang → Laohutan, the breathtaking sea view will make you forget your 9-to-5 grind. 3. Laohutan Ocean Park (Tickets: 220 yuan) - Perfect for bringing kids or pretending you're a kid yourself, watch penguin and dolphin shows (be prepared to get splashed). - Avoid: Don't buy food inside, it's expensive and not tasty (bring your own snacks, you smart cookie). 4. Jinshitan (Partially free, Geological Park: 70 yuan) - Strange-shaped rocks, like building blocks randomly thrown by giants (posting photos on social media will get people asking if you're abroad). - Golden Pebble Beach is perfect for lying down, but the sand is a bit coarse (bring a mat). 5. Venice Water City (Free) - Pretend you're in Italy, but actually in Dalian (great for photos, but don't expect the real Venice experience). - The lights at night create a romantic atmosphere (single people beware, it might be a bit much). --- ### 【Food】Coming to Dalian and Not Eating Seafood Is a Waste! 1. Seafood Barbecue (60-100 yuan/person) - Recommended dishes: Grilled squid, garlic scallops, steamed eggs with sea urchin (freshness overload). - Restaurant recommendations: - "Lost a Shoe" (weird name, but amazing taste). - "Man Ting Xiao Zhai" (popular with locals, great value). 2. Mentiao (5-10 yuan/serving) - A Dalian specialty snack, starch jelly + sesame paste + garlic sauce (you'll fall in love after one bite, don't miss it). - Recommended place: Erluchezhan Xiaowanzi (a time-honored brand, a must-try for tourists). 3. Sea Urchin Dumplings (50-80 yuan/person) - So fresh you'll want to sing, "Chuan Ge Yu Shui Jiao" is a popular spot (be prepared to queue). 4. Traditional Dalian Cuisine (40-70 yuan/person) - Recommended dishes: Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), Sanxian Mentiao (three-delicacy mentiao), Fish-flavored Shrimp (carb overload, but worth it). - Restaurant recommendation: "Mou Chuanren Lao Cai Guan" (a local favorite). --- ### 【Accommodation】Budget Travelers, Look Here! 🏠 Hostels/B&Bs (50-120 yuan/night) - Recommended areas: Zhongshan Square, Xi'an Road (convenient transportation, vibrant nightlife). - Avoid: Be cautious about small hotels near the train station, the soundproofing might be so bad that you'll hear everything going on. 🏨 Budget Hotels (150-250 yuan/night) - Home Inn, Hanting (clean and worry-free, suitable for those who want to avoid unpleasant surprises). --- ### 【Tips to Avoid Pitfalls】Lessons Learned the Hard Way! 1. Don't eat seafood at tourist spots, it's expensive and not worth it. Go to the market and pick your own for a better experience. 2. May to October is the best time to visit, the wind in winter is strong enough to make you question your life choices. 3. Seagulls are aggressive, be careful when feeding them (don't ask me how I know). 4. Dalian's public transportation is very convenient, no need to take taxis all the time (unless you want to experience the driver's "Initial D" skills). --- ### 【Final Blow】 During my 4 days in Dalian, my stomach went through: Seafood → Barbecue → Mentiao → Carb Explosion → "Just one last bite" Now that I'm home, nothing tastes as fresh - I think I'm addicted to Dalian seafood. So, do you want to gain a few pounds too? 🦀🍻 (Remember to bring digestive aids!)