Dalian Tram 201 Haizhiyun Station: A Century-Old Time Machine Hidden by the Sea

When visiting Dalian, if you want to touch the soul of the city, the 201 Tram Haizhiyun Park Station is definitely a must-visit spot. This is not only the eastern terminus of the century-old tram line but also an excellent coordinate linking history and scenery. Every inch of track and every ding-ding sound holds the romantic code of Dalian. As the only city in China with an uninterrupted tram history, Dalian’s Tram 201 has been operating since 1909, witnessing the city’s transformation from a fishing village to a metropolis. Haizhiyun Park Station, as the starting point of the line, has gained more charm after renovation—the retro platform paired with a creative store shaped like the tram, and the old station sign glowing warmly under the sunlight. Standing here, you can gaze out at the deep blue sea, where the sea breeze and the scent of the tracks weave a unique prelude. For a deeper experience, the boarding process has a ceremonial feel. Coming from the city center, you need to transfer to the shuttle tram at Huale Square Station, where the conductor will hand you an orange transfer ticket. This small ticket becomes a token of time travel. Even better, the shuttle tram between Huale Square and Haizhiyun is completely free, running about every ten minutes, making it effortless whether you’re here just to check in or to enjoy the ride. It’s recommended to choose the DL3000 vintage tram first, with wooden seats and brass handles. Sunlight filters through the windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor, instantly filling the atmosphere with nostalgia. The photo opportunities here are truly top-tier. The tracks on the east side of the platform are surrounded by lush trees, with summer greenery so dense it seems to melt away. When the tram passes by, it looks like a scene from a Studio Ghibli animation. The light at 3 p.m. is the softest; standing at the edge of the platform with the tram as the background, you can easily capture a hair-light effect. Using a telephoto lens, you can catch the stunning view of the tram framed with the coastline. The tram stops here for about 10 minutes, giving you plenty of time to compose your shots. The clash of the red and green tram body against the blue sea and sky needs no filter to look like a magazine cover. Starting from the station, you can unlock linked experiences: just across the street is the popular big ship photo spot on Gangdong 8th Street, and a short walk leads to the Flower Avenue on Gangdong 5th Street. If you take the tram westward, you’ll pass the Russian-style street at Shengli Bridge Station and the red-walled old buildings on Century Street. Each stop is a different scenic painting. When tired, sit on the platform bench, watch the tram clatter in and out, and listen to local elders tell stories about the old tram—relaxing and healing. Practical tips to keep in mind: Exit from East Sea Metro Station Exit B and walk 800 meters to the station, or take Tram 201 to Huale Square and transfer to the free shuttle for an easier trip; always keep a safe distance from the tracks when taking photos and avoid peak hours for better shots; if you want to learn more about the history, pay attention to the line history display boards on the platform or catch a tour guide from the cultural tourism special train. In an era of high-speed trains, the 201 Tram at Haizhiyun Station still maintains a leisurely pace. It is not just a means of transportation but also a cultural symbol of Dalian, carrying the memories of the older generation and dazzling new visitors. When the ding-ding sound blends with the waves, you will understand the city’s true essence: “half history, half romance.”