2025 Spring Trip to Dalian Xinghai Square: Coastal Charm Exploration Guide

Dalian Xinghai Square Travel Guide I. Transportation Guide 1. Public Transportation - Subway: Take Line 1 to Xinghai Square Station, Exit A. The square is a 5-minute walk away. - Bus: Take Bus No. 16/18/22/23/202 to Xinghai Square Station. 2. By Car - Navigate to "Xinghai Square." There are several parking lots nearby (such as the Xinghai Holiday Hotel parking lot), costing around CNY 5/hour. 3. Nearby Connections - About 8 km from Dalian Railway Station, a 20-minute taxi ride; about 12 km from Zhoushuizi International Airport, a 30-minute taxi ride. II. Must-See Attractions 1. Xinghai Bay Bridge Viewing Platform - Asia's longest cross-sea bridge. Recommended for photography in the early morning or evening. On clear days, the sea and sky blend seamlessly, and the sunset offers stunning lighting. 2. Centennial City Sculpture and Footprint Relief - The core landmark of the square, commemorating the centennial history of Dalian. The 1,000 footprints on the relief symbolize the city's development. 3. Musical Fountain (Evening Show) - Opening hours from April: 7pm–7:30pm (subject to the announcement on the day). Accompanied by lights and music, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot. 4. Shengya Ocean World - A 10-minute walk from the square. Features a 118-meter underwater tunnel. April is the off-season with fewer crowds. Tickets are approximately CNY 220/person. 5. Shell Museum - Shaped like a shell, the museum houses over 6,000 rare shells. Suitable for family visits (tickets CNY 50, open 9am–5pm). III. Recommended Activities 1. Feeding Seagulls - Seagull food is available for purchase by the seaside (CNY 5/pack). The sight of seagulls gathering is quite therapeutic. Feeding is recommended in the morning (seagulls are less interactive after they are full in the afternoon). 2. Cycling or Walking - Rent a shared bike and cycle along the coastline. Recommended route: Xinghai Square → Xinghai Bay Bathing Beach → Golden Pebble Beach (approx. 3 km). 3. Flying Kites - The open space of the square is perfect for flying kites. Traditional sand martin kites are sold by vendors on-site (from around CNY 30). IV. Food and Shopping 1. Local Specialty Restaurants - Haiwei Dangjia (Xinghai Square Branch): Steamed seafood + porridge hot pot, average CNY 150/person. Recommended dishes: razor clams and sea urchin. - 68-86 Dalian Lao Cai Guan: Authentic Dalian cuisine. Recommended dishes: Sanxian Munzi (three-delicacy pancake) and Squirrel Fish, average CNY 80/person. 2. Snacks and Coffee - Wave Coffee: Open-air cafe by the sea. Reservations are required for scenic seats. Signature Sea Salt Latte is CNY 48. - Night Market Snacks: Small stalls on the west side of the square open gradually from April. Try grilled squid and Munzi (CNY 10–15/serving). 3. Shopping Recommendations - Xinghai Convention and Exhibition Center: A 10-minute walk away. Offers Dalian specialties (such as grilled fish fillets and sea cucumbers) and premium brands. V. Itinerary Suggestions Half-Day Tour (Afternoon + Evening) 2pm Arrival → Photo at Centennial City Sculpture → Cycling along the coastline → 4pm Shengya Ocean World → 6:30pm Dinner → 7pm Musical Fountain. One-Day Tour (In-depth Experience) 9am Shell Museum → 11am Feeding seagulls at the square → 12:30pm Lunch (Haiwei Dangjia) → 2pm Walk across Xinghai Bay Bridge → 4pm Relax at a cafe → 6:30pm Musical Fountain night view. VI. Important Notes 1. Spring in Dalian can be windy. It is recommended to wear a hat or scarf to avoid messy hair in photos. 2. Shared bike parking spots are limited around the square. Please return bikes to designated areas promptly after use. 3. Confirm seafood prices before weighing at restaurants to avoid disputes. April is not a closed fishing season, so the seafood quality is generally good. 4. Taxis are in high demand after the evening fountain show. Consider walking to the Heping Square shopping area to find a taxi. Appendix: Special Events in April - Cherry Blossom Festival (mid-April): The cherry blossom grove on the east side of the square enters its late blooming period. Consider wearing Hanfu or light-colored clothing for photos. - Kite Championship (April 20): If your trip is scheduled later, you can watch professional teams perform with large soft kites. Have a pleasant trip and enjoy the spring scenery and coastal charm of Dalian!