Dalian 3-Day Ultimate Travel Guide, don’t miss this or you’ll regret it
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📅 Itinerary
Day 1: Xinghai Square → Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform → Venice Water City → Donggang Music Fountain
Morning: After arriving in Dalian, head to Xinghai Square, the largest city square in Asia. Here, you can feed the seagulls (prepare bread in advance), interact closely with them; check in at the century-old city sculpture to feel the passage of time; and enjoy the spectacular cross-sea bridge.
Noon: Taste Dalian’s specialty seafood at nearby restaurants around Xinghai Square, such as sea urchin dumplings, Spanish mackerel dumplings, seafood jelly, etc., with an average cost of 80 - 150 RMB per person.
Afternoon: Take the cable car up to the Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform (ticket 40 RMB) to overlook the entire city of Dalian and Xinghai Bay, experiencing the charm of “Romantic Dalian.”
Evening: Visit Venice Water City, stroll through streets full of exotic atmosphere, and take a gondola ride (60 RMB/person), feeling as if you are in Venice, Italy.
Night: Head to Donggang Music Fountain to watch the colorful fountain show (starts at 19:30, arrive early to secure a spot), combined with a light show, it’s breathtaking.
Day 2: Bangchuidao Island → Fisherman’s Wharf → Tiger Beach Ocean Park
Morning: Visit Bangchuidao Scenic Area (ticket 20 RMB), known for its clear waters, fine sandy beaches, and dense forests, a perfect place for leisure and vacation. You can also visit the Bangchuidao State Guesthouse to appreciate its unique architectural style.
Noon: Have lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf, which has many seafood restaurants and specialty shops. Recommended is “Pinhailou” seafood, slightly pricier but of excellent quality.
Afternoon: Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, where European-style buildings and docked fishing boats create a beautiful scene, perfect for photos. Then head to Tiger Beach Ocean Park to watch various marine animal performances and experience the wonders of the ocean world (ticket 220 RMB).
Night: Enjoy local snacks at the nearby Tiger Beach snack street, such as grilled squid and grilled cold noodles, with an average cost of 30 - 50 RMB per person.
Day 3: Jinshitan Geological Park → Jinshitan Golden Coast
Morning: Take Metro Line 3 to Jinshitan, then visit Jinshitan Geological Park to admire the unique coastal karst landforms and marvel at nature’s craftsmanship (ticket 70 RMB).
Noon: Dine at restaurants within the Jinshitan scenic area, tasting local seafood and farmhouse dishes, with an average cost of 60 - 100 RMB per person.
Afternoon: Visit Jinshitan Golden Coast, where the sand is golden and fine, and the water is clear. Enjoy the sunshine and beach, and participate in various water activities such as swimming, surfing, and windsurfing.
Night: Depending on your return schedule, conclude your pleasant trip to Dalian.
🍱 Food Recommendations
Sea Urchin Dumplings: The freshness of sea urchin perfectly blends with the soft dumpling skin, bursting with juice in every bite. Recommended places: Rifengyuan, Xiding Sea Urchin Dumplings.
Seafood Jelly: A Dalian specialty snack made from sweet potato starch, pan-fried to golden, served with sesame sauce and garlic paste, crispy outside and tender inside. Erqi Youming Seafood Jelly is very famous.
Spanish Mackerel Dumplings: Filled with Spanish mackerel meat, large and full of filling, delicious and a must-try in Dalian.
Cherry Pork: Resembling cherries in shape, with a reddish color, crispy outside and tender inside, sweet and sour, a traditional Dalian specialty dish.
Seafood BBQ: Dalian offers a wide variety of seafood BBQ, fresh seafood grilled over charcoal retains its original flavor. Paired with a beer, it’s a heavenly treat. Recommended: Hongmatou Seafood BBQ, Liao B Skewers, etc.
⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Near Train Station: Avoid dining and shopping near the train station as prices are high and quality varies.
Seafood Market: When buying seafood, pay attention to weighing and ask the seller to poke holes at the bottom of the bag to drain water to avoid being shortchanged.
Scenic Area Expenses: Food and souvenirs inside scenic areas are usually expensive; bring some snacks and water. When buying souvenirs, compare prices at several shops.
Marine Activities: Choose reputable vendors for marine entertainment projects, ensure safety measures are in place to avoid accidents.
Weather Changes: Dalian has a large temperature difference between morning and evening; bring a jacket when going out. Summer sun is strong, so take sun protection measures.
Dalian, a city that perfectly blends European romance with coastal charm, makes you feel like you are in a European seaside town. This summer, come to Dalian for a date with the sea!
🚗 Transportation Guide
✈️ Airport: Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is close to the city center, with airport buses, Metro Line 2, and taxis available.
🚄 Train Stations: Dalian Station is located downtown with convenient transport; Dalian North Station is larger with more trains and direct access via Metro Line 1.
🚌 City Transport:
Metro: Multiple metro lines are open in Dalian. Download the “Dalian Metro e Travel” app to scan and ride, convenient and fast, the first choice for travel.
Bus: Extensive coverage but some attractions are far apart, transfers can be time-consuming.
Taxi: Starting fare is 8 RMB; suitable for longer distances or when in a hurry, but avoid rush hour traffic jams.
Shared Bikes: Limited quantity and Dalian’s hilly terrain makes cycling inconvenient.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
Near Xinghai Square: Excellent location within walking distance to Xinghai Square, offering unbeatable sea views. Many hotels and guesthouses available, prices range from 200 to 800 RMB.
Near Zhongshan Square: A transportation hub with convenient travel, surrounded by many European-style buildings, diverse accommodation options, and relatively affordable chain hotels, priced around 200 to 500 RMB.
Near Youhao Square: Close to Qingniwa Bridge commercial street, rich in shopping and dining, high cost-performance accommodation, priced between 150 and 400 RMB.