Dalian

Dalian is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Its coastal scenery, European-style architecture, seafood cuisine and everyday Northeast Chinese life together define the city. The weather is fairly cool in mid to late October, and visitor numbers are relatively low, making it a good time for an off-peak trip.

• Xinghai Square: This is Asia’s largest city square. You can feed seagulls, watch the sunset over the cross-sea bridge, and enjoy a light show after dark.

• Lianhuashan Viewing Platform: After climbing up, you can look out over Dalian and the cross-sea bridge. Take the cable car up and walk down while enjoying the views along the way.

• Fisherman’s Wharf: This European-style fishing harbor has fishing boats, lighthouses and colorful houses, making it a good spot for vintage-style photos with the harbor buildings as a backdrop.

• Zhongshan Square: Century-old European buildings surround this circular square. Walk around to see different architectural styles, including Gothic and Baroque.

• Donggang Venice Water City: Known for its Venetian-style waterways and European architecture, it is ideal for a daytime stroll along the shore and for enjoying the lights at night. You can also take a gondola ride.

• Lingjiao Bay: A cluster of colorful houses can be seen across the water. The sea and buildings create a vivid contrast, and many people come here for portrait photos.

A relaxed 4-day, 3-night itinerary

• Day 1 (Coastal sightseeing after arrival): Arrive in Dalian in the afternoon and check into your hotel, then head to Xinghai Square to feed seagulls and wait for sunset over the cross-sea bridge. Have seafood around the square in the evening, then stay at Xinghai Square for the light show at night.

• Day 2 (Seaside walking): In the morning, climb to Lianhuashan Viewing Platform for city views. In the afternoon, walk along the Seaside Boardwalk, visiting Fujiazhuang and Yinsha Beach in sequence and enjoying the clear water. In the evening, take a taxi to Amber Bay and watch the sunset from a café, then head to Fisherman’s Wharf to experience daily life in the fishing harbor.

• Day 3 (Walking tour of downtown architecture): Visit Dongguan Street in the morning to photograph old red-brick buildings, then ride the century-old 201 tram. In the afternoon, visit Zhongshan Square and Nanshan Style Street for coffee, sightseeing and photos of European architecture. In the evening, head to Donggang to see the musical fountain and night views.

• Day 4 (Bay sightseeing and departure): In the morning, take photos at Lingjiao Bay or Xiaoliang Bay, where boardwalks stretch into the distance over clear water and there are relatively few visitors. In the afternoon, buy souvenirs such as dried grilled fish and shredded squid at Dalian Shopping Mall or Da Cai Shi, then depart.

Where to stay

• Zhongshan Square/Qingniwa Bridge: Accommodation offers good value, with many chain hotels, making this area suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Metro Lines 1 and 2 meet here, and taxis can reach major attractions within 15 minutes.
• Xinghai Square: Beaches and the cross-sea bridge are nearby, with many family-friendly guesthouses and sea-view rooms. It suits family trips, though room rates are relatively high during peak season.

• Donggang: Choose from old foreign-style house guesthouses or boutique hotels. The nighttime scenery is ideal for sightseeing and photos, making this area worth considering for couples and young travelers who value accommodation quality.

• Xi’an Road: Convenient metro access, concentrated shopping areas and night markets, and relatively low dining costs make this area suitable for students and visitors who enjoy browsing night markets.

Local food and dining suggestions

• Sea intestine over rice: One of Dalian’s signature dishes, pairing crisp, springy sea intestines with rice. The sauce is mixed into the rice to highlight the seafood’s fresh flavor.

• Dalian Menzi: Made from sweet potato starch, it is pan-fried until crisp and fragrant outside while remaining soft inside. It is usually served with sesame paste and garlic sauce and is a common local traditional snack.

• Spanish mackerel dumplings: The filling is made with Spanish mackerel from the cold waters around 39°N latitude. The dumpling wrappers are thin and the filling generous, with rich, fragrant fish.

• Seafood barbecue: Try grilled cockles, grilled whelk slices and grilled sea urchin. Seasoning is usually light to preserve the ingredients’ natural flavors. When choosing a restaurant, consider long-established places frequented by local residents.

• Travel and spending tips: You can buy seafood at local markets such as Malan Market and have a shop cook it for you, or choose chain restaurants with clearly displayed prices. Pay attention to dining charges in scenic areas. Dalian has many hills and no shared bicycles, so combine the metro with taxis for getting around the city. Temperature differences between morning and evening are significant by the sea, so bring a light jacket and windbreaker in October.

Transport and practical information

• Getting there: After flying into Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, take Metro Line 2 into the city. If arriving by train, Dalian Railway Station is a convenient choice because it is in the city center and close to many attractions.
• Getting around: After obtaining a Dalian Electronic Pearl Card, you can use it on buses and the metro. Taxis start at about 10 yuan during the day and are suitable for short transfers. You can also include the 201 tram in your itinerary for a ride on a vintage tram.
• Clothing and footwear: Dalian is cool during the day in October and colder in the morning and evening. Wear a T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt with a light jacket or windbreaker, adjusting layers as temperatures change. The city has many slopes, so wear comfortable flat shoes for walking tours.