Dalian was a disappointment. I'm back now, and I advise anyone planning to go to think twice.

"The spring sea breeze is Dalian's most tender love letter to travelers." In March, I set foot on this land embraced by the sea, embarking on a journey interwoven with romance and freedom. This coastal city boasts both shimmering blue seascapes and European-style architecture, with every corner hiding a unique charm. Now, I'm sharing my 3-day Dalian travel guide with you, offering an immersive experience of this city's infinite beauty! Itinerary Day 1: Xinghai Square - Xinghai Park - Heishijiao - Morning: 🚩 Arrive in Dalian and head straight to Xinghai Square. As soon as you step onto the square, the vast space and endless sea come into view. The sea breeze gently caresses your face, instantly dispelling the fatigue of the journey. Don't forget to take photos in front of the iconic Centennial City Sculpture 📸, a must-do when visiting Dalian. - Noon: 🍱 Find delicious food near Xinghai Square. Don't miss the seaweed buns. Take a bite, and the delicious taste of seaweed bursts on your tongue. There are also fresh mackerel dumplings, full of gifts from the sea, each bite is super satisfying. - Afternoon: 🌊 Stroll along the coastal path from Xinghai Square to Xinghai Park, enjoying the stunning sea views along the way. Xinghai Park is rich in amusement facilities, allowing you to enjoy a joyful time. Don't miss the Shengya Ocean World. Walk into the underwater tunnel and feel as if you are in a mysterious underwater world, encountering wonderful marine life. The photo opportunities are amazing 🐟. - Evening: 🌅 Head to Heishijiao, a great place to watch the sunset. As the sun sets, the golden afterglow sprinkles on the reefs, shimmering and intoxicatingly beautiful. After watching the sunset, visit the nearby snack street and enjoy grilled squid. The chewy texture combined with the savory sauce, paired with a bowl of smooth fried mung bean jelly, allows you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dalian. Day 2: Bangchui Island - Fisherman's Wharf - Tiger Beach Ocean Park - Morning: 🚩 Take a bus to Bangchui Island, where the water is clear, the sand is fine, and the air is as fresh as if it has been filtered. Stroll along the beach, listening to the murmur of the waves, and all your worries will be swept away. Take photos in front of the Bangchui Island Hotel, where the European-style architecture complements the blue sea and sky, making every shot a masterpiece 📸. - Noon: 🍜 Dine at a restaurant near Bangchui Island. Sea jelly is a must-try local snack. The crystal-clear jelly, paired with spicy seasoning, is refreshing and instantly dispels the spring heat. - Afternoon: 🎈 Visit the European-style Fisherman's Wharf, where colorful houses stand in perfect harmony, and fishing boats moored on the shore sway gently with the waves, like a beautiful painting. Here, you can feed seagulls and interact with them, or find a coffee shop, sit by the window, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Every photo is a masterpiece, full of artistic atmosphere. - Evening: 🌃 Head to Tiger Beach Ocean Park. After nightfall, the park's light show begins on time. Colorful lights outline the contours of marine life, making it feel like a dreamlike ocean world. After the visit, find a hotel nearby to rest and conclude a wonderful day. Day 3: Jinshitan National Tourist Resort - Morning: 🚝 Take the light rail to Jinshitan, which boasts unique geological landscapes and is known as a "natural geological museum." Enter Jinshitan Geopark, stroll along the coastline, admire the wonders of nature such as the cracked stones and the dinosaur exploring the sea, and experience the magic and greatness of the earth. Every rock is like a work of art carefully carved by nature. Remember to take more photos to capture these stunning moments. - Noon: 🍤 Enjoy lunch at Jinshitan's seafood stalls, where a variety of freshly caught seafood is available. Steamed, stir-fried, or with garlic, various cooking methods will satisfy your taste buds. Savor the delicious seafood fresh from the sea and experience the generosity of the ocean. - Afternoon: 🏖️ Visit Jinshitan Golden Coast. Even though you can't swim in the sea in March, strolling on the soft sand, blowing in the sea breeze, and looking at the endless sea is incredibly pleasant. You can also try some beach activities, such as beach motorcycles, and enjoy the speed and excitement. Afterward, prepare for your return journey with wonderful memories, concluding this unforgettable Dalian trip. Food Recommendations - Seaweed Buns: 🥟 The perfect combination of seaweed and pork, fresh and fragrant, every bite tastes of the sea. - Mackerel Dumplings: 🥟 The mackerel meat is tender and juicy, bursting with flavor in every bite. - Sea Jelly: 🥣 Crystal clear, smooth, and refreshing with spicy seasoning. - Grilled Squid: 🦑 Fresh squid grilled over charcoal, brushed with special sauce, fragrant and chewy. - Fried Mung Bean Jelly: 🥘 Mung bean jelly made from sweet potato starch, fried until golden brown on both sides, served with sesame paste, garlic sauce, and other seasonings, crispy and delicious. Accommodation Recommendations - Near Xinghai Square: 🏨 Convenient transportation, surrounded by various cuisines, easy access to Xinghai Square and Xinghai Park. - Near Tiger Beach Ocean Park: 🏨 Suitable for visiting Tiger Beach Ocean Park and Fisherman's Wharf, and you can also enjoy the light show at night. - Near Jinshitan: 🏨 A good choice if you want to spend more time in Jinshitan, allowing you to better enjoy the coastal scenery. Things to Note - 🌡️ The temperature in Dalian in March is still relatively low, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to bring a thick coat and keep warm. - 🌞 The ultraviolet rays are strong at the seaside. Take sun protection measures, such as bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. - 🍱 When tasting seafood, choose fresh ingredients to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort caused by spoiled seafood. If you have a sensitive stomach, it is recommended to prepare some stomach medicine in advance. - 🚇 Public transportation in Dalian is very convenient. You can download the "Dalian Metro e-Travel" app to take the subway, or use Alipay to take the bus. Check routes and traffic information in advance to avoid delays. I hope this guide will help you embark on an unforgettable Dalian journey and create beautiful memories in this beautiful coastal city~💕