Dalian Xijianshan Park: Unlock the panoramic mountain and sea views in the city center for free

In the mountain and sea landscape of Dalian, Xijianshan Park hides the most delightful "cost-performance Easter egg." This city mountain park, open to the public for free, offers an excellent vantage point overlooking Xinghai Bay Bridge and a tranquil natural oxygen bar atmosphere amidst the bustling city. Without spending a fortune or exhausting yourself, you can take in the spiritual charm of Dalian’s mountains and sea, making it an undisputed treasure spot on Trip.com's list. The park’s transportation is surprisingly convenient. Take Metro Line 1 to Xueyuan Square Exit A, walk 300 meters south along Shuxiang Street, and pass through the black iron gate to enter the mountain. If driving, navigate to Xueyuan Square, where there is ample parking near No. 9. As a coastal hilly mountain park, its elevation is only 123 meters, and it takes just 10 minutes to reach the summit viewing platform from the entrance, much easier than Lianhua Mountain, making it accessible for both elderly and children. The path is lined with lush trees; in summer, you can see wild cherries and mulberry trees bearing fruit, and occasionally spot squirrels darting by. The sounds of footsteps and birdsong blend together, instantly isolating you from the city’s noise. The viewing platform is undoubtedly the park’s "center stage." The three-level circular walkway is cleverly designed, with the railing at the southeast corner of the second level recognized as the best photo spot, perfectly framing the winding shape of Xinghai Bay Bridge in your shot—by day, watch the busy traffic over the blue waves; at dusk, wait for the sunset to paint the sea golden red; and at night, the bridge lights up like a pearl necklace, making every photo a social media hit. For a quieter sea view, Yulan Pavilion is a great choice—sit by the railing and listen to the waves, with colorful floating buoys on the opposite mountain and fishing boats on the sea creating a charming scene, full of atmosphere. The variety of hiking routes makes this place worth visiting repeatedly. The eastern trail is gentle and suitable for leisurely walks, while the western trail is steeper and offers more encounters with wildlife. Some sections have ropes to assist climbing, adding a sense of adventure. The classic route "Entrance → Jianshan Lansheng Viewing Platform → Songling Rest Stop → Railing Sea View → Yulan Pavilion" is recommended, about 3 kilometers in total, alternating between wooden boardwalks and stone steps. Glow-in-the-dark paint marks on tree trunks guide the way, so even night hikes to watch the sunrise are safe. Descending leads directly to Lingshui Bay Beach, where at low tide you can take kids to hunt for little crabs, making for a great parent-child interaction. A reminder: some side paths have graves on both sides, so it’s advised to follow the signs and take the main right-side path to avoid areas that might affect your mood. Bring a flashlight if hiking at dusk, as there is no lighting at the summit, but the view is excellent. When the full moon rises, the mountain and sea shine together in a spectacular scene. To extend your itinerary, you can combine visits to Heishijiao Bathing Beach and the Natural History Museum, then enjoy seafood at Gaoxin Wanda in the evening, unlocking both natural and urban experiences in one day. At Xijianshan Park, there’s no need to rush to the attractions. Find a rock to sit on, watch seabirds skim the waves over the bridge, and listen to the gentle rustling of pine trees in the wind. This unexpected tranquility is the most captivating side of Dalian. For travelers seeking great value, this is undoubtedly the best starting point to understand the "mountain and sea city."