[2025 Dalian ] Travel Guide for 201 Centennial Tram (Updated May)

Here is a travel guide for the 201 Centennial Tram in Dalian: Dalian 201 Centennial Tram Travel Guide • History and Features: • Dalian's trams date back to 1909, with a history of over 100 years. The 201 Centennial Tram is a modified version of the 3000 model tram produced in 1935. It is not only a means of transportation but also a precious historical artifact and a moving scenic line. • The interior of the tram is made of pure wood, with a strong retro flavor, as if traveling through time. • Riding Experience: • Visitors can enjoy coffee and desserts on the tram while watching performances and learning about the history and culture of Dalian. • The tram shuttles through the modern city buildings, carrying the growth memories of Dalian people, and is a romantic experience that out-of-town visitors must try. • Route and Stops: • The 201 (section) route map includes Xinggong Street, Zhengong Street, Wuyi Square, Datong Street, Beijing Street, Market Street, Dongguan Street, Dalian Railway Station, Shengli Bridge, Minsheng Street, Minzhu Square, Shiji Street, Sanba Square, Erqi Square, Siergou, Chunhai Street, and Huale Square. • The bus adopts a segmented pricing system, with Dalian Railway Station as the segmentation point. The full fare is CNY 2; CNY 1 for each segment. You need to swipe your card twice, once when boarding to calculate the segment, and once when alighting to calculate the price. • Tourist Train Experience: • During the 2024 Spring Festival, Dalian launched the "201 Centennial Tourist Train," which offers a unique travel experience, allowing visitors to enjoy retro trams while tasting food and watching performances. • Photo Tips: • If you want to take a photo of the tram without passengers, it is recommended to board at Huale Square Station, head towards Xinggong Street, get off at Siergou Station, and then take the return train on the opposite side. • Other Notes: • Due to the segmented pricing system, one passenger can only use one card. If you pay by cash, you need to pay CNY 1 for each segment, and the full fare is CNY 2. With this guide, you can better experience the unique charm and historical culture of the Dalian 201 Centennial Tram. Have a great trip!

【Dalian: An Elegant Poem at 39°N Latitude】 The Bohai Bay cradles this crystal-clear pearl, where European-style domes whisper to the blue sea in the morning light. The sea-crossing cableway cuts through the sky, and century-old trams travel through corridors of exotic architecture. Touch hundreds of millions of years of time on the geological wonders of Jinshitan, and sip the salty sea breeze among the pine forests of Bangchuidao Island. The sunset at Fisherman's Wharf dyes the masts, accompanied by the freshness and sweetness of freshly shucked sea urchins. Here, the dividing line between the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea meanders beneath your feet, blending the boldness of the north into the gentleness of the waves. When the glowing sea lights up the stars on a summer night, Dalian is using the mountains and seas as an inkstone to write a unique blue narrative poem just for you.

In modern Dalian, Tram Route 201 stands as a unique scenic highlight. As a faithful witness to the passage of time, it gracefully shuttles through the streets and alleys, carrying the city's historical memories, connecting the past with the present, and serving as an indispensable part of Dalian's culture. The history of Tram Route 201 can be traced back to 1909, a pivotal moment in Dalian's urban development. At that time, the tram emerged as an advanced means of public transportation, ushering in a new era for the city. Over the past century, through the trials of war and the prosperity of peacetime, it has consistently served the people of Dalian, documenting the city's ever-changing landscape. As time has progressed, Tram Route 201 has continued to evolve. While early models were basic and technologically limited, today there are both nostalgic vintage trams with wooden interiors that exude a timeless charm, narrating stories of the past, and modern trams that incorporate contemporary technology for enhanced comfort and convenience. The new trams maintain classic design elements while embracing modern aesthetics, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, revitalizing this century-old mode of transportation for a new era. Boarding Tram Route 201 is akin to embarking on a journey through time. Starting from Xinggong Street, the route passes through the bustling commercial center of Xi'an Road, with its towering buildings and diverse shops, showcasing the vibrancy of a modern metropolis. Continuing onward, it reaches Xinghai Square, the largest city square in Asia, adorned with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a majestic Huabiao pillar. From here, one can overlook the magnificent seascape of Xinghai Bay, with the awe-inspiring cross-sea bridge in the distance, while the square is filled with the joyful sounds of locals and tourists. Along the coastal section, the refreshing sea breeze accompanies the tram as it passes by European-style buildings from the last century, each with its unique architectural style. Red-tiled roofs, white walls, and pointed towers create an exotic ambiance, intertwining with modern high-rises to form Dalian's distinctive cityscape. Tram Route 201 is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a cultural symbol of Dalian. It has witnessed Dalian's transformation from a fishing village into a modern international metropolis, accompanying generations of Dalian residents, many of whom hold deep affection for it. It also embodies the city's spirit of openness, inclusivity, and innovation. The introduction of the tram brought advanced transportation concepts and technologies, propelling the city's modernization, while the continuous innovation and improvements made by the people of Dalian have ensured its adaptability to the changing times. Today, it serves as a prominent feature in Dalian's image, attracting numerous tourists who come specifically to experience the city's historical and cultural charm. Even in today's era of advanced transportation, Tram Route 201 retains its allure. The Dalian municipal government continues to invest in its renovation, with plans to optimize routes and expand coverage, allowing more residents to enjoy green and convenient travel. With technological advancements, intelligent systems will be integrated, enabling real-time arrival information via mobile apps, while vehicle designs will prioritize energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and user-centric features, creating a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing travel experience. Tram Route 201 is like the pulse of Dalian, each journey carrying both history and hope. It is believed that it will continue to serve the people of Dalian, heading towards a brighter future, and adding a touch of brilliance to the city.

Dalian, the Pearl of China, is located on the eastern coast at the southernmost tip of the Pacific Peninsula. It is the largest port city in the north, a financial and commercial center. Historically, it was governed by Tsarist Russia and Japan. This city is quite charming, perhaps because we visited just before the New Year. The atmosphere around felt empty and devoid of people, unlike other Chinese cities we've encountered. However, we felt comfortable not having to deal with crowds. The traffic was smooth, with wide roads and modern skyscrapers surrounded by beautifully preserved architecture. Another charm of this city is the 201 tram line, which currently has only one line and still preserves the old model trams that serve the public at a very low fare of just 2 yuan. Riding the old tram to see the city, or sometimes alternating with the modern trams, is a unique experience. Today, there is also a ferry port within China, with some trips reaching South Korea. The port area is also very romantic with a great atmosphere. Travel is convenient with the city's metro service covering all areas, whether from the airport to the train station or to the seaside, all at tourist-friendly costs, with the highest fare not exceeding 9 yuan. Additionally, there are shopping outlets with leading brand names at friendly prices. It is a city that has everything, with people dressing fashionably, generally polite, and it is a clean city.

This is not Shanghai! This is Dalian!!!! The newly opened district in Dalian!! It's really great for photos!! It totally has the vibe of old Shanghai! Don't miss this photo spot 📸 when you travel to Dalian! This street experienced its peak prosperity in the 1920s and 1930s, and declined with the transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Now, after renovation, this century-old street has a completely new look. It really gives a refreshing feeling! When the tram 🚎 passes by, it feels like traveling back to an old-time TV series! There is an old restaurant nearby ❗Liyuan Seafood!! Locals in Dalian have been going there since they were kids!! After taking photos on Dongguan Street, you can walk there! Seafood like Haifei crabs 🦀, abalone, and oysters 🦪 are all freshly processed! The deep-fried shrimp 🍤 is perfectly cooked, and you can taste the freshness of the shrimp. The roasted garlic chicken 🐥 is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with juicy and tender meat!