Dalian Bangchuidao Tested: Seclusion and Surprises in a State Guest-Level Seaview

At the winding end of Dalian’s Binhai Road lies a hidden gem that is “half natural wild charm, half historical heritage” — Bangchuidao. As a 4A-level scenic spot topping Dalian travel lists, it offers not only the clear poetic beauty of the “glass sea” but also the understated grandeur of a state guesthouse. After firsthand experience, it’s clear why it’s a favorite among both locals and tourists. 🌊 Core Experience: More than just the “mallet entering the sea” scenery The soul of Bangchuidao is its rare clear sea area within the city. The island, shaped like a mallet and located 500 meters offshore, offers exclusive access to the entire deserted “glass sea” if you arrive before 8 a.m. Sunlight penetrates the water surface, making even the underwater pebbles clearly visible. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk, on your left are lush pine forests, on your right waves crash against rocks, and seagulls occasionally skim low overhead — every snapshot looks like it’s filtered naturally. The must-visit sea-view pavilion is hidden on the hillside and takes just 10 minutes to reach the top. It’s the best spot to overlook the full view of the “mallet entering the sea.” At dusk, the pink-purple sunset bathes the sea, with rocks and the island creating a picturesque scene, a paradise for photography lovers. For a deeper experience, take a speedboat around the island; within 30 minutes, you can closely observe the unique sea erosion landforms. The cool splash of waves and the thrill make the sea breeze taste sweet. Deep within the scenic area, a cluster of European-style villas hides surprises. Red roofs and white walls peek through the greenery, and occasional armed police guards add a touch of mystery. The “Bangchuidao” inscription by Chairman Mao at the beach entrance is a cultural landmark not to be missed, perfect for memorable photos. 🚗 Must-know Before You Go: Practical Guide to Transportation and Tickets Starting July 2025, the peak season ticket price for Bangchuidao is adjusted to 40 RMB per person. Buying tickets online at least 2 hours in advance offers a discounted price of 35 RMB. Children under 6, seniors over 70, and other groups can enter for free, while students enjoy half-price tickets — remember to bring your ID. For transportation, two options are recommended: drive and navigate to “Bangchuidao Scenic Area Parking Lot.” During peak season from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., some sections of Yingbin Road are closed to traffic. Parking costs 10 RMB per vehicle, which is reasonable. Alternatively, take bus 712 to the “Dangdai Company” stop, then a taxi costing about 8 RMB will take you directly to the entrance, avoiding a tiring 20-minute walk. A special reminder: taxis are hard to get in the afternoon for the return trip, so consider carpooling with other visitors or booking a ride in advance. 🍤 Food, Drink, and Accommodation Tips: Local Insider Guide Dining options inside the scenic area are limited and pricey, so it’s strongly recommended to bring sandwiches, fruit, and water and picnic on a seaside lawn — dining with the sound of waves is especially pleasant. If you want to indulge, head straight to the seafood restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf after leaving the scenic area. Try steamed abalone at Pinhailou and salt and pepper mantis shrimp at Laomatu, both fresh and unforgettable. In the city, grilled squid and street-style steamed rice cakes at Xinghai Square are must-try snacks — squid skewers at 15 RMB each are chewy and satisfying, and 10 RMB servings of steamed rice cakes with sesame sauce are irresistibly fragrant. Accommodation can be chosen based on your needs: if your budget allows, stay at the Bangchuidao Hotel inside the scenic area. The Nanyuan room type includes breakfast and offers great value, with sea views right outside the window. For a more economical option, choose a Binhai Road guesthouse in the city, where you can get a sea-view room for around 200 RMB, and some even offer seafood processing services. ⚠️ Pitfall Warnings: Don’t Overlook These Details The beach sand is coarse and mixed with shell fragments, so wearing water shoes is a must; walking barefoot can be painfully uncomfortable, which is a common complaint among visitors. The rocky areas have many jellyfish, so swimming must be done within fenced safety zones. Families with children should closely watch the waterline, as there are hidden currents outside. Mosquitoes are dense in summer, so mosquito repellent is essential. On peak season weekends, there are many wedding photography groups; if you want to shoot empty scenes, avoid the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. peak hours. Prices at the scenic area’s small shops are doubled, so it’s best to bring bottled water in advance. From the morning glow to the evening orange sea, Bangchuidao’s beauty is hidden in every detail. It may not have the softness of fine sandy beaches, but it boasts the grandeur of mountains embracing the sea and the tranquility of a state guest-level retreat. With a good plan to avoid minor pitfalls, this “blue secret” of Dalian is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.