Dalian! This city hides romance in every corner
Dear friends, Dalian is truly an underrated treasure travel destination. With blue skies, the sea, and European-style architecture, it is full of unique charm everywhere. Come and check out this exclusive Dalian travel guide just for you~
Preparation
🎈Documents: ID card, student ID (bring if you have one, some attractions offer discounts)
🎈Clothing: Bring appropriate clothes according to the season. In summer, remember to bring sun-protective clothing and swimwear; a light jacket is recommended for the temperature difference between morning and evening. In winter, bring thick down jackets, scarves, gloves, and other warm clothing.
🎈Daily necessities: Skincare products, cosmetics, toiletries, sunscreen, umbrella
🎈Medicines: Common medicines such as stomach medicine, cold medicine, motion sickness pills
🎈Electronic devices: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, charger
Transportation Guide
✈️Airplane: Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is close to the city center. You can take Metro Line 2, airport shuttle bus, or taxi to the city.
🚄Train: Dalian Station is in the city center with convenient transportation; Dalian North Station has many trains and can be reached by Metro Line 1.
🚇Metro: Currently, there are 5 lines covering most major attractions. You can use the "Dalian Metro e-Travel" app for rides.
🚌Bus: Many routes available, use the "Yitongxing" app for rides. Some attractions are accessible by nearby bus routes.
🚕Taxi/Ride-hailing: Starting fare is 10 yuan for 2 kilometers, with night surcharges. Ride-hailing is more convenient.
🚋Tram: Route 201 is very distinctive with beautiful scenery along the way, offering a retro travel experience, but waiting times can be long.
Accommodation Suggestions
🏨Near Xinghai Square: Good location, convenient transportation, sea views, many nearby eateries, easy access to attractions.
🏨Near Zhongshan Square: In the city center, many historic buildings, rich cultural atmosphere, many hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
🏨Near Fisherman’s Wharf: Beautiful environment, many unique guesthouses, offers a fishing village vibe, suitable for those who prefer quiet.
Must-Visit Attractions
1. Xinghai Square: Asia’s largest city square, enjoy sea views, feed seagulls, watch music fountains and light shows, stunning at night.
2. Bangchuidao Island: Clear seawater, fine sandy beaches, distinctive architecture, great for photos and vacations.
3. Laohutan Ocean Park: National 5A-level attraction, watch marine animal shows, enjoy amusement rides, perfect for family trips.
4. Jinshitan Resort: Features the Ten-Mile Golden Coast and Coastal Geopark, experience tide hunting and admire unique geological landscapes.
5. Venice Water City: Built to imitate Venice, with European-style castles and canals, very romantic. At night, the lights create a fairy-tale atmosphere.
6. Russian Style Street: Preserves old Russian architecture, buy unique souvenirs, experience exotic vibes.
7. Binhai Road: A scenic coastal road with many attractions along the way, ideal for hiking and photography.
8. Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform: The highest peak in Dalian city, take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city and sea.
Food Recommendations
1. Seafood: Must-try in Dalian, including shrimp, crab, scallops, sea urchin, best steamed to preserve freshness.
2. Spanish Mackerel Dumplings: A Dalian specialty, tender mackerel meat, chewy dumpling skin, and delicious broth.
3. Sea Cucumber Rice: Crispy sea cucumber, plump rice grains, rich broth, very satisfying.
4. Dalian Menzi: Made from sweet potato starch, pan-fried to crispy outside and tender inside, topped with sesame sauce and garlic sauce, very fragrant.
5. Fried Menzi: Common street snack, crispy outside and tender inside, paired with sesame and garlic sauce, tastes great.
6. Teppanyaki Grilled Squid: Fresh squid grilled on a hot plate, brushed with sauce, chewy and flavorful.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Xinghai Square → Xinghai Cross-Sea Bridge Viewing Platform → Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform → Silver Beach
Morning: Arrive in Dalian, check into hotel, visit Xinghai Square, feed seagulls, enjoy sea views.
Noon: Have seafood near Xinghai Square.
Afternoon: Watch the sunset at Xinghai Cross-Sea Bridge Viewing Platform, then go to Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform for a city panorama.
Evening: Dinner near Silver Beach, enjoy the seaside night view.
Day 2: Bangchuidao Island → Laohutan Ocean Park → Fisherman’s Wharf
Morning: Enjoy sunshine and beach at Bangchuidao Island.
Noon: Have a light meal near Bangchuidao Island.
Afternoon: Visit Laohutan Ocean Park, watch animal shows, enjoy amusement rides.
Evening: Go to Fisherman’s Wharf, eat seafood, admire colorful houses and night scenery.
Day 3: Jinshitan Resort (Ten-Mile Golden Coast → Dalian Coastal National Geopark)
Morning: Walk and sunbathe along the Ten-Mile Golden Coast at Jinshitan Resort.
Noon: Have seafood barbecue in the resort.
Afternoon: Visit Dalian Coastal National Geopark, admire unique landforms.
Day 4: Venice Water City → Russian Style Street → Zhongshan Square
Morning: Take a gondola ride and take photos at Venice Water City.
Noon: Have Western food or local snacks near Venice Water City.
Afternoon: Visit Russian Style Street, explore Russian architecture, buy souvenirs, then go to Zhongshan Square to see century-old buildings.
Notes
1. UV rays are strong in summer, take sun protection measures.
2. Seafood allergy sufferers should be cautious. Avoid drinking ice-cold beer with seafood to prevent diarrhea.
3. Some attractions in Dalian are by the sea; it can be windy, so bring an extra jacket.
4. Be careful when getting on and off trams; waiting times can be long, so be patient.
5. Remember to ask taxi drivers to use the meter to avoid being overcharged.