Dalian has returned, and I really don't recommend going in June-July because...

it's just too perfect, tailor-made for summer. Dalian, the "Northern Pearl" embraced by the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, is a popular summer retreat with its cool sea breeze, geological wonders, and diverse culture. --- ### 🌊 **1. Must-Visit Attractions: A Fusion of Mountains, Sea, and Technology** 1. **Xinghai Square** - The **largest city square in Asia**, with 1.76 million square meters of open space. At night, the music fountain light show (19:00-20:00) and the Xinghai Bay Bridge lights complement each other, perfect for evening strolls and family kite flying. - **Binhai Road Hiking**: Cycle along the 6-kilometer coastline connecting Yanwoling Wedding Park and Fujiazhuang Beach, enjoying mountain and sea views. 2. **Jinshitan National Tourist Resort** - **Geological Wonders**: Sea erosion landforms like the "Dinosaur Exploring the Sea" and "Cracked Stones" formed over 600 million years, best photographed in the early morning side light for clear textures. - **Science Dream Digital Art Museum**: AR dinosaur fossil revival, NFT rock layer art creation, fossil restoration experience (open on Saturdays), full of tech vibes. 3. **Laohutan Ocean Park** - **Polar Pavilion**: Beluga whale shows, penguin feeding (50 RMB/person), and close-up views of polar bears swimming. - **Coral Pavilion**: Touch starfish, observe coral symbiosis at night (reservation required), and a 180° underwater tunnel perfect for photos. 4. **Lüshunkou Historical and Cultural Area** - **Bohai and Yellow Sea Boundary**: From the Laotieshan viewing platform, see the distinct separation of sea waters, paired with a century-old lighthouse for photos. - **Taiyanggou Ginkgo Avenue**: Golden fallen leaves pave the road in late October, with Russian and Japanese old buildings turned into an "open-air museum," and the Lüshun Museum houses Western Zhou bronze treasures. 5. **Oriental Water City** - Gondola rides weave through European-style buildings, with night lights reflecting on the water, known as the "Venice of the East," ideal for romantic dinners. --- ### 🍽️ **2. Specialty Cuisine: The Ultimate Expression of Seafood** - **Classic Seafood**: Steamed scallops, sea urchin raw or steamed egg, mackerel dumplings, recommended at Heishijiao Old Restaurant. - **Street Snacks**: - **Seafood Menzi**: Sweet potato starch fried with shrimp pieces, crispy and soft (Dai Street Night Market). - **Fish Soup Buns**: Soup made from small yellow croaker, enhanced with pepper (Zhongyuan Food Street). - **Innovative Experience**: The "Geological Era Set" at the Science Dream Light and Shadow Restaurant, molecular cuisine paired with holographic projection. --- ### 📅 **3. Best Travel Time and Activities** - **Peak Season (May-October)**: - **July-August**: Average temperature 22°C, cycling on Binhai Road, beachcombing at Jinshitan, kite surfing on the Golden Coast. - **September**: Fishing season, seafood at its plumpest; avoid summer crowds, great value for money. - **Special Festivals**: - **July Xinghai Beer Festival**: Square celebrations + neon lights on the cross-sea bridge. - **October Lüshun Ginkgo Festival**: Old street concerts + classic movie screenings. --- ### 🏨 **4. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences and Practical Tips** 1. **New Cultural Landmarks** - **Dongguan Street**: A cultural and creative street transformed from 120-year-old buildings, with cafes and handmade shops hidden in historic styles. - **Fisherman’s Wharf**: Sunset accompanied by bell chimes, fishing boats returning to port like an oil painting backdrop. 2. **Transportation and Accommodation Suggestions** - **Accommodation**: Around Xinghai Square (convenient night views), Jinshitan Resort (sea view rooms), Taiyanggou homestays (autumn ginkgo window views). - **Transportation**: Century-old tram (retro experience), city loop bus (20 RMB/day, covering all scenic spots on Binhai Road). 3. **Avoiding Pitfalls** - Rent an audio guide (20 RMB) at the geological park, or the wonders might just look like "ordinary stones." - The Kingdom Discovery Theme Park night session (entry at 16:00) offers better value, with a 260 RMB ticket including a fireworks show. --- Dalian’s romance lies in the **cool 22°C sea breeze, the 600-million-year-old rock layers, and the century-old slow pace of the tram**—whether chasing technological wonders, immersing in historical clouds, or simply savoring the fresh sweetness of sea urchin, there’s always a side here that will make you willingly "indulge."