Dalian Nanshan Tourism Style Street: The Autumn-Only Romance of the "Little Kyoto," Even the Wind Feels Gentle

As a blogger who chases the seasons year-round, late autumn in Dalian hides so many surprises, and Nanshan Tourism Style Street is definitely the "autumn atmosphere ceiling." This century-old street hidden in the city center is covered in golden yellow and crimson by the end of October. Japanese-style houses, ginkgo leaves falling, and warmly lit shops create a gentle spark. You don’t need to fly to Japan to immerse yourself in the healing feeling of autumn. Autumn Must-Visit: 3 Routes Covering All Photo Spots For first-timers, the "Classic Autumn Viewing Route" is recommended: enter from the intersection of Qiqi Street and Nanshan Road, where the ginkgo trees lining the street have turned a deep gold. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting a "golden carpet" on the ground. Standing under the trees in light-colored coats and pressing the shutter as the wind blows the leaves down instantly turns you into the lead of a Japanese film. In the middle of the street is the "Nanshan 1910" building complex, with red brick walls covered in orange-red vines and white wooden window frames, full of vintage charm. At dusk, when the street lamps light up, the warm yellow light and fallen leaves complement each other, making the atmosphere even gentler. If you want to avoid crowds, the "Hidden Niche Route" is worth trying: turn into a side alley from Wanghai Street, where a few low-key century-old Western-style houses are hidden. The maple trees in the yards blaze with red, and occasionally you can see elderly people sitting at the door enjoying the autumn sun, a scene full of everyday warmth. One white building covered in bougainvillea has a wind chime hanging on the second-floor terrace that jingles in the breeze. Paired with the red-tiled roofs in the distance, every snapshot feels like a "healing photo spread." The "Night Autumn Viewing Route" is not to be missed: after 5 p.m., street lamps and shop lights gradually turn on, and the ginkgo leaves glow softly in the light. The warm curtains of the Japanese izakaya flutter in the wind, and the aroma of grilled eel occasionally drifts by. At the small square at the end of the street, the maple leaves by the wooden benches are dyed orange-red by the lights. Sitting here listening to street musicians playing guitar fills the autumn romance to the brim. Shopping and Eating Guide: Fill Your Stomach with Autumn Flavors This street is not only great for photos but also hides many "autumn-exclusive delicacies." First up is "Kuga Japanese Cuisine." Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, you can watch the falling leaves while eating sukiyaki. The wagyu wrapped in a sterile egg is fresh and sweet with a touch of warmth; their autumn special "Ginkgo Tempura" is crispy outside and tender inside, with a faint nutty aroma, perfectly paired with sake. If you like desserts, the autumn new items at "Nanshan Xiaozuo" are a must-try: the "Caramel Ginkgo Latte" is sprinkled with roasted crispy ginkgo pieces, sweet but not greasy; the "Chestnut Mont Blanc" has dense chestnut puree wrapped in light cream, bursting with autumn flavors in every bite. Sitting by the wooden table inside the shop, the falling leaves outside are within reach, full of healing vibes. Don’t miss the "Old Dalian Roasted Chestnuts" stall on the street either. The freshly cooked chestnuts are steaming hot, and peeling the shell reveals a sweet aroma. Holding the paper bag and eating while walking, the autumn breeze carries a warm feeling. Blogger’s Private Tips: Details to Enhance Your Experience Best Time: October 25 to November 10 is the golden period for autumn viewing, with ginkgo and maple leaves both at their peak. It’s recommended to choose sunny days between 10:00-11:00 or 15:00-16:00 for the softest light and best photos. Outfit Suggestions: Soft colors like light khaki, off-white, and light gray paired with scarves or berets; avoid dark colors that dull the scene. Choose comfortable flat shoes as the cobblestone streets are best for slow walking. Avoid Pitfalls: Weekends from 10:00 to 15:00 are crowded; for empty shots, visit on weekdays. Some old buildings are private residences—do not enter without permission. Respecting privacy ensures a better atmosphere. Nearby Attractions: After exploring the style street, it’s a 10-minute walk to the botanical garden, where the maple forest is equally stunning and worth a visit. In the evening, head to Donggang to watch the sunset, completing a day full of Dalian’s autumn romance. Unlike the hustle and bustle of other commercial streets, autumn at Nanshan Tourism Style Street carries a gentle "slow down" vibe. Here, there’s no need to rush your itinerary—just stroll to the rhythm of falling leaves, enjoy a warm meal, and take a set of unfiltered photos to firmly lock Dalian’s autumn romance into your memory.