Dalian Yanwo Ridge: A Hidden Romantic Secret of Mountains and Sea on Binhai Road

If you ask which section of Dalian Binhai Road best interprets the romance of "mountains and sea intertwined," the answer must be Yanwo Ridge. This secret spot, named after the black swans nesting here, offers both the grandeur of cliffside sea views and the tenderness of a wedding-themed park. Its free admission makes it a hidden gem in the city, personally tested and definitely worth adding to your must-visit list in Dalian. The soul of the scenic area lies in its unique mountain-sea layout. From the parking lot, you enter the park surrounded by lush greenery. Following the "Sunset Returning Swallows" sign, you turn onto a path where steep stone steps wind downward, ending at a breathtaking cliff viewing platform. Dozens of meters below, the sheer cliff plunges into the Yellow Sea, with the roar of waves crashing against the rocks and the sea breeze hitting your face. Especially around two hours before and after high tide, the sight of white waves pounding the shore is visually stunning, perfect for capturing dramatic "cliff wave watching" photos. The Louyan Viewing Platform is an excellent spot for sunsets, facing west with views of Fujiazhuang’s sea scenery. In the distance, the outline of Xinghai Bay Bridge blends with the evening glow, creating just the right amount of romance. The romance here goes beyond natural scenery; it is also a long-established wedding-themed park in Dalian. Dragon and phoenix pillars, marriage stones, and love locks are scattered among the woods. European-style wooden houses and heart-shaped arches add a ceremonial feel. Newlyweds often shoot wedding photos here year-round, filling the air with sweetness. Some of the decorations are slightly aged, which adds a vintage charm, perfect for creative photo shoots with forest light and shadow. If you bring children, the Zodiac Garden and swing area let kids play freely, and the Yude Cultural Park’s themes of loyalty and filial piety offer opportunities for parent-child education. Hiking and tide pooling are hidden activities at Yanwo Ridge. Walking 3.5 kilometers along the Binhai Road boardwalk from Fujiazhuang, you pass through forests and coastline. In autumn, the red maples contrast beautifully with the blue sea, creating a deeply healing atmosphere. After the tide recedes, you can take a small path behind the love locks down to the beach, where you can find sea snails and mussels in the rock crevices, enjoying the fun of tide pooling. However, seafood is not abundant here, so it’s more about enjoying the experience. A special reminder: some sections are steep, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes and hold onto handrails when climbing. Here’s some practical information to keep clear. For transportation, driving and navigating to "Yanwo Ridge Wedding Park Parking Lot" is the most convenient, with a very cost-effective 10 yuan parking fee. By bus, take routes 5 or 406 to Yanwo Ridge Station, then a short walk to the park. The scenic area is open 24 hours, but lighting is insufficient after dusk, so daytime visits are recommended. There is only one small shop inside the park, so remember to bring your own drinking water and snacks. After your visit, you can satisfy your appetite at the nearby Big Beard Seafood BBQ restaurant, where fresh grilled fish is a must-try. Compared to the bustling Xinghai Square, the tranquility of Yanwo Ridge feels even more precious. Here, you can stand on the cliff and feel the grandeur of "waves crashing against the shore," capture sweet moments of newlyweds in the woods, and take your children to enjoy tide pooling. If you want to find a less crowded, beautiful place to understand the mountain-sea romance of Dalian, Yanwo Ridge is definitely the best choice.