Dalian Xiuyue Bay: A Jellyfish Sea Secret Hidden on Binhai Road, a Romantic Hotspot Privately Cherished by Locals

If Dalian’s coastline is a string of pearls, then Xiuyue Bay is the warm, lustrous pearl nestled between the mountains and the sea. This bay, known locally as "Xiaogang," lies between Xiaofujiazhuang and Yannuo Ridge. It lacks the hustle and bustle of Xinghai Square but, with its jellyfish sea and pristine natural charm, it has become the hottest new destination in Dalian’s 2025 travel scene, perfect for curing all kinds of “internet-famous spot fatigue.” Your first encounter with Xiuyue Bay begins at the entrance to the seaside boardwalk. Park at the "Communist Youth League Dalian City School" location on your GPS, then walk 500 meters east along the wooden boardwalk. The "Xiuyue Bay" sign is tucked away in the shade of the trees. As you descend the steps, the sea breeze arrives before the sea view, carrying a salty coolness through the treetops. Halfway down, a suspended glass viewing platform suddenly appears. Beneath your feet, the water is as clear as a mirror, and distant green mountains resemble ink paintings. No filter needed—every shot looks like a National Geographic masterpiece, perfect for flooding your social media feed. Continuing along the boardwalk, you’ll reach Xiuyue Bay’s iconic attraction—the popular iron bridge. The reddish-brown iron frame stretches across the rocks. On sunny days, it contrasts beautifully with the blue sea and sky; at dusk, the setting sun gilds it with golden edges. Standing on the bridge to take silhouette photos, it’s often called the “Dalian version of the Golden Gate Bridge.” However, some parts of the iron bridge are damaged, so be extra careful when walking. There are also many loose stones and steep slopes, so flat shoes are a must. Families with children should keep a close eye on their kids. Crossing the iron bridge leads to a small beach hidden deep within the sea cliffs. The water here is known as the “Northern version of the jellyfish sea.” On clear days, visibility can reach up to 5 meters, and standing on the rocks, you can clearly see starfish and small schools of fish underwater. The rocky area exposed at low tide is a paradise for tide pooling. Flip over underwater stones to find little crabs and cat’s eye snails, but be sure to check the tide schedule in advance. The best time is two hours after low tide. Remember to bring a shovel, bucket, and anti-slip gloves. If you prefer peace and quiet, pitch a tent on the beach, listen to the waves crashing, and watch the clouds roll by. This kind of relaxation is especially precious in the city. Besides enjoying the sea, don’t miss the hiking experience at Xiuyue Peak. The 214-meter-high peak is right next to the bay, with a free hiking trail that takes about 40 minutes one way to reach the summit. In spring, the mountain is covered with wildflowers; in autumn, the orchards fill the air with fragrance. The summit offers a wide view, allowing you to gaze far across East and West Dalian Island, capturing the grandeur of the mountain-sea connection. After descending, walk west along the seaside boardwalk for 15 minutes to Xiaofujiazhuang, where you’ll find yellow chairs, straw sun umbrellas, and other photo spots. Though more commercialized, it offers better facilities, complementing the experience perfectly. When you’re tired and need a break, there are some tips for refreshments. There are no convenience stores around Xiuyue Bay, so it’s best to bring your own snacks and drinks. If you want hot food, walk to the seafood stalls opposite Fujiazhuang Park, where freshly caught sea urchin steamed eggs and spicy stir-fried razor clams are served, paired with chilled beer—a true gift from the sea. If you want to take it easy, Mason’s Cafe nearby is an excellent choice. Sit by the window, sip coffee, and listen to the waves crashing on the shore—pure bliss. For accommodation, Mason’s Guesthouse is recommended. Its cozy decor feels like a “home away from home,” and you can wake up to a sea view, extending the romance into the morning. As the eastern starting point of the seaside boardwalk, the best way to enjoy Xiuyue Bay is through a “linked stroll.” Starting here and heading west, you can connect Fujiazhuang, Silver Beach, and finally reach Xinghai Bay Bridge. In the evening, chase the orange sea sunset at Silver Beach and watch the lights illuminate the bridge, ending your day on a romantic note. However, a few reminders: Xiuyue Bay is open free all day but has limited basic facilities and no restrooms, so it’s recommended to use the facilities on Xiuyue Street beforehand. Weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tend to be crowded, so visiting before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on weekdays offers a better experience. The dirt paths and rocky areas can be slippery, so anti-slip shoes are essential. The UV rays by the sea are strong, so be sure to bring sun protection. Spending half a day at Xiuyue Bay will make you realize that its charm is not about being “perfect,” but about the collision of pristine natural wildness and romantic scenery. When the waves gently wash over the rocks and the sunset dyes the iron bridge red, you’ll understand why locals cherish this bay—it holds Dalian’s most authentic mountain-sea romance, waiting for you to slowly unlock.