Dalian: An In-Depth Travel Guide to the Romantic City

Things to Prepare Before You Go • Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), etc. • Clothing: Dalian is a coastal city with strong sea breezes, so bring an extra jacket.🧥 Remember to apply sunscreen in the summer and dress warmly in the winter. • Items: Power bank, sunscreen, stomach medicine (seafood feasts can sometimes upset your stomach), and toiletries (some hotels do not provide disposable toiletries). • Apps: Download map and ride-hailing apps for convenient travel. Transportation Guide • Airport: Zhoushuizi International Airport. Airport buses are available to various parts of the city. You can also take Subway Line 2, which provides direct access to several attractions and business districts. • Train Stations: Dalian Railway Station and Dalian North Railway Station. Transportation is convenient, with buses, subways, and taxis readily available outside the stations. • Getting Around the City: ◦ Subway: The subway network covers major areas and is the preferred mode of transportation. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or through the Dalian Metro app. ◦ Bus: There are many bus routes, including some special tourist lines to certain attractions. However, buses can be affected by traffic congestion during peak hours. ◦ Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient, but you may encounter queues during peak tourist season. Must-See Attractions • Xinghai Square: The largest city square in Asia, Xinghai Square is a must-visit. Here, you can feed seagulls, enjoy the sea view, and watch the musical fountain in the evening.⛲ A stroll along the coast is incredibly relaxing. The Centennial City Sculpture on the square records the history of Dalian and is a great spot for taking photos. • Bangchui Island: Known for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and fine sandy beaches. Many celebrities have stayed here, adding a unique cultural atmosphere. Visit Bangchui Island to admire the beautiful natural scenery and take stunning photos. • Jinshitan: Known as the "Natural Geological Museum," Jinshitan boasts the Golden Coast, where the sand is golden and soft. Walk along the ten-mile Golden Coast, feeling the sun and waves. The coastal National Geological Park is full of strangely shaped rocks, such as the "Turtle Searching for its Son" and "Dinosaur Exploring the Sea," which evoke awe for the wonders of nature. • Tiger Beach Ocean Park: Includes the Polar Museum, Coral Museum, and Bird Park. See adorable penguins and beluga whales, and enjoy the spectacular dolphin show. 🐬 The colorful corals and tropical fish in the Coral Museum create a fairytale underwater world. • Russian Style Street: This street is full of exotic charm, with Russian-style buildings lining both sides. Strolling along the street feels like being transported to Russia. You can buy Russian souvenirs such as nesting dolls and chocolate, and savor Russian cuisine like rye bread and red sausage. Food Recommendations • Seafood: Dalian's seafood is incredibly fresh! Sea urchin is fresh, sweet, and melts in your mouth; crabs are full of roe and meat; and mantis shrimp have firm flesh. We recommend visiting local seafood restaurants, many of which are located near Xinghai Square, offering affordable prices and fresh ingredients. • Spanish Mackerel Dumplings: A Dalian specialty, these dumplings have chewy wrappers and tender, juicy Spanish mackerel filling. Each bite is a burst of flavor. • Fried Mung Bean Jelly: A popular street food, the mung bean jelly is fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Topped with sesame paste, garlic sauce, and chili oil, it's fragrant and chewy. • Colorful Scallop Fan: Beautifully presented, this dish combines scallop meat with egg white and other ingredients for a nutritious and delicious meal. Accommodation Recommendations • Near Xinghai Square: Convenient transportation, close to attractions, and offers beautiful sea views, but prices are relatively high. • Qingniwaqiao Business District: Convenient for shopping and dining, with a wide selection of hotels and guesthouses at good value. • Jinshitan Resort: Beautiful environment, suitable for vacation and leisure. Choose this area if you plan to spend several days in Jinshitan. Important Notes • Avoid drinking beer with seafood, as it can cause gout. Those with seafood allergies should choose their food carefully. • Pay attention to safety when playing by the sea, follow the rules of the scenic area, and do not swim in dangerous areas. • Check the weather forecast in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly. Dalian offers both beautiful natural scenery and a rich culinary scene, making it an ideal travel destination. Pack your bags and embark on a romantic journey to Dalian! 💕