Dive into the Hidden Charms of Dalian: A Coastal Treasure Trove Awaits You!

Introduction

Dalian, located at the southern end of the Liaodong Peninsula, is a beautiful coastal city with a pleasant climate and picturesque scenery. It boasts a beautiful coastline, rich seafood, numerous historical sites, and modern architecture, making it a vibrant and charming city.

Transportation to Dalian

• By Plane: Dalian Zhou Shui Zi International Airport offers direct flights to many domestic cities. After arriving, you can take a taxi or Metro Line 2 to the city center.

• By Train: Both Dalian Station and Dalian North Station have high – speed train stops, offering convenient and cost – effective transportation.

• By Car: Those who enjoy driving can choose to travel by car, but be mindful of parking issues.

• By Ferry: Dalian has several ports where you can take a ferry to reach the city.

Local Transportation

• Metro: Dalian’s metro system is well – developed and can reach many attractions without worrying about traffic jams.

• Bus: The bus system in Dalian is also advanced, but it can be prone to traffic jams during peak hours.

• Tram: Dalian is the only city in China with trams, offering a unique and retro experience.

• Taxi/ Ride – hailing: Taxis are convenient, but they can be expensive. Make sure to confirm the meter is used.

• Shared Electric Scooter: These can be found on the streets, but they can only be ridden in designated areas.

• Car Rental: You can choose to rent a car for self – driving, but be mindful of parking issues.

Must – Visit Attractions

One – Fang Castle

One of the iconic buildings in Dalian, with a grand and magnificent appearance. It has various entertainment facilities inside and is perfect for taking photos.

• Ticket: 100 yuan

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Xinghai Bay Bridge

The cross – sea bridge in Dalian is majestic and spectacular. It is especially beautiful when lit up at night, making it an ideal spot for taking photos.

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Yinsha Beach

One of the cleanest beaches in Dalian, with fine sand and clear water. You can feed seagulls, watch the sunset, and enjoy a leisurely time by the sea.

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Qixianling Forest Park

A natural oxygen bar with lush greenery. There is a staircase leading to the sea, where you can overlook the sparkling waves. You can also walk down to the beach along the staircase, with wooden walkways on both sides offering a panoramic view of the sea.

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Gangdong Fifth Street

At the intersection of the文创(stylistic and cultural) stalls, a ship passes by around 10:50 AM. The photo – taking time is limited to no more than 30 seconds.

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Dalian Art Museum

Features many exhibitions, including the same style as the柯南TV版998集北九州推理之旅(Detective Conan Episode 998: North Kyushu Mystery Journey).

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:00 (closed on Mondays)

Zhongshan Square

One of the landmarks of Dalian, featuring many European – style buildings and century – old structures. The clock and streetlights are particularly distinctive.

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Lingjiao Bay

Dalian is truly beautiful on a sunny day, and photos don’t need any filters. The sunset comes early, so remember to go early. There are not many people, so you don’t need to wait in line for a long time.

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Fendou Alley

There are many buildings with a sense of history nearby. If you like historical architecture, you can come and have a look.

• Ticket: Free

• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day

Tips

• The attractions in Dalian are relatively scattered. It is recommended to plan your route in advance and choose self – driving or taking a taxi for more convenience.

• Dalian is famous for its seafood. You can try it, but be sure to choose a regular restaurant to avoid being cheated.

Must – Try Delicacies

Sea Cucumber Rice

Sea cucumber is a specialty seafood in Dalian, with a fresh and crispy texture. When paired with chewy rice, it is simply irresistible.

Sea Urchin Dumplings

Dalian’s sea urchin dumplings have thin skins and large fillings, with a fresh and delicious taste. Each bite is filled with the rich flavor of sea urchin, leaving a lasting impression.

Barbecue

Dalian’s barbecue stalls are very popular. Seafood such as oysters and razor clams are almost available at every stall. The seafood is freshly caught and grilled, ensuring the freshness of the ingredients.

Sea Cucumber Dumplings

Sea cucumber dumplings are a specialty in Dalian. The fresh and crispy texture, combined with the chewy dumpling skin, makes them delicious and unforgettable.

Braised Chicken Frame

Dalian’s braised chicken frame is a must – try. The chicken frame is fried and then mixed with various seasonings and onions, resulting in a rich and spicy flavor.

Iron Plate Squid

Dalian’s iron plate squid is large in size, with squid tentacles three times the size of those in the south. It is very satisfying to eat.

Dandong Strawberries

Dalian’s strawberries are large and very sweet, with a fragrant aroma. They are also cheaper than in other places, making them well – worth a try.

Dalian Mifen

Dalian mifen is made from sweet potato flour, with a crispy outer layer and a soft and glutinous interior. Served with garlic sauce, sesame paste, and chili oil, it tastes very delicious.

Shrimp Soup Rice

Shrimp soup rice is a specialty food in Dalian, with a fresh and delicious soup. When paired with chewy rice, it leaves a lasting impression.

Sea Urchin Pizza

Sea urchin pizza is a specialty food in Dalian. The freshness of the sea urchin perfectly combines with the rich flavor of the pizza, making it unforgettable.

Recommended Restaurants

Zhenghuangqi

It’s no wonder that this restaurant has been on the must – eat list for many years. The seafood is super fresh, and the service is excellent. They offer large oysters and scallops, and their Sanxian dumplings and conch dumplings are exceptional. The grilled bird shells and sea cucumbers are worth trying.

• Average Cost: Around 100 yuan per person

• Recommended Dishes: Sea Cucumber Rice, Sea Urchin Steamed Egg, Grilled Beef Tongue, Grilled Bird Shells

6886 Dalian Old Restaurant

This old restaurant is located near Zhongshan Square and can be reached by Metro Line 2. The business is particularly good, and they have reserved a large private room for customers waiting for a table. The service attitude is very good.

• Average Cost: Around 70 yuan per person

• Recommended Dishes: Scallion Oil Bird Shells, Mixed Three Shreds, Cherry Meat, Scallion Oil Tofu Skin, Braised Fish Slices

Pin Hailou

The Fisherman’s Wharf branch has a viewing terrace, making it the most beautiful sea – view restaurant. The shrimp爬锅贴(shrimp pan – fried dumplings) each contain a whole shrimp, and the small octopus is crispy and delicious.

• Recommended Dishes: Shrimp Pan – Fried Dumplings, Small Octopus

Riyue Sheng

The portion sizes are huge, making it more suitable for a large group. The classic old dishes, Sanxian Mifen and Soft – Fried Pork, are very good. The seafood prices are quite reasonable after the fishing season.

• Recommended Dishes: Sanxian Mifen, Soft – Fried Pork

Lianlu Seafood

The ancient – style abalone with egg and spicy crab are exceptional. It’s a must – eat near the Xinghai scenic spot. The sea cucumber rice is made on the spot and is very fresh and delicious.

• Average Cost: Around 500 yuan per person

• Recommended Dishes: Abalone, Sea Urchin, Spicy Crab, Scallop, Sea Cucumber Rice

Xiao Chuan Fishing Village

The home – style焖鱼(braised fish) is super delicious, and the yellow croaker fish ball soup is very fresh. There are many branches, so you can choose one nearby.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:30

• Recommended Dishes: Xiao Chuan Yellow Croaker Fish Ball Soup, Old Dish Su Yang Big Roast

Nanshan Fishing Village

Sanxian Potstickers are their signature dish and are delicious when dipped in yellow mustard sauce. The dry – fried shrimp has two kinds of sauces, both spicy salt and condensed milk are tasty.

• Recommended Dishes: Sanxian Potstickers, Dry – Fried Shrimp

Lvdashan Impression

This restaurant serves the best sea cucumber rice in Dalian.

• Recommended Dishes: Sea Cucumber Rice, Sanxian Mifen, Shrimp Climbing Potstickers, Eggplant Stewed Clams, Boss Fish Mifen, Dalian Soft – Fried Pork

Jiajia Restaurant

A local favorite for home – style dishes, offering good value for money.

• Recommended Dishes: Sanxian Mifen, Small Portion Sweet and Sour Pork, Spicy Chicken, and Small Seafood

Cultural Experiences

• Hiking: Dalian’s coastal road is the longest wooden walkway in the world, stretching 20.99 kilometers. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful sea views and many attractions.

• Sea Viewing: Dalian has many sea – viewing spots. The North Bridge is a local recommendation with a wide – open view, making it perfect for taking photos.

• Ocean Culture Experience: Dalian Saint Ya Ocean World features an ocean park, polar park, and Galaxy Star Sea Park, where you can get up – close with various marine creatures.

• Historical Relics Tour: There are many historical relics in Lushunkou District, such as the Lushun Museum, the former site of the Japanese – Russian prison, and Baiyu Mountain, where you can learn about the history and culture of Dalian.

• Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: In Fuzhou Ancient City, you can experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, such as paper – cutting and sugar painting.

Shopping Guide

Shopping Areas

• Qingniwa Bridge Business District: Close to the train station, near Youhao Square and Zhongshan Square. It is a traditional business district in Dalian with convenient transportation. There are two main shopping malls: Dashang New玛特 and Baiwei Nian. Dashang is more affordable, while Baiwei Nian is more suitable for young people.

• Xi’an Road Business District: Closer to Xinghai Square, with the 201 retro tram. The main shopping malls are罗斯福(Rossford), Mai凯乐(Maikale), and Central Avenue. There is a Changxingli Snack Street, and the surrounding area is very lively in the evening, making it the most popular shopping district among young people in Dalian.

• Olympic Square Business District: The main shopping malls are Henglong Square and Wanda Plaza. Henglong is relatively high – end, while Wanda Plaza mainly features the B1层(Basement Level 1) Biotue Supermarket, which offers relatively lower – priced items. There are also some restaurants behind Wanda Plaza.

Specialty Purchases

• Dashi Market First Floor: The dried goods area, where you can taste the products before buying. You can try them and buy only if you like the taste. You can also buy辽渔(Liaoyu) products without worry. Bargaining is possible, and they also offer shipping services. However, there is a risk of being cheated.

• Dashang New玛特: They also sell specialty products, but they are a bit more expensive. The advantage is that it’s a regular shopping mall, so you won’t be cheated.

• Changxing Market: Offers a wide variety of products.

Accommodation Area Recommendations

• Xinghai Square/Zhongshan Square Surrounding Area: Convenient transportation and a concentration of high – end hotels, suitable for the first day and city tours.

• Jinshitan Resort Area: Choose a hot spring hotel (such as Luneng Hot Spring) for convenient access to ice – snow activities the next day.

• Anbo Hot Spring Area: Recommend Liangyun Chuanqi and other hot spring hotels for a one – stop experience of “skiing + hot spring”.

Travel Summary

Dalian is a vibrant and charming coastal city with beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural history. I hope this guide helps you better understand Dalian and wish you a pleasant journey!

Tips

• The attractions in Dalian are relatively scattered. It is recommended to plan your route in advance and choose self – driving or taking a taxi for more convenience.

• Dalian is famous for its seafood. You can try it, but be sure to choose a regular restaurant to avoid being cheated.

• The sea breeze in Dalian can be strong. It is recommended to bring sunscreen and outerwear to stay warm.

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