The 16 Best Things to Do in Dalian in 2026

Dalian, located at the southernmost tip of Northeast China, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Liaoning Province and a major metropolis. This city is surrounded by the sea on three sides, boasts beautiful scenery, and has a mild climate with neither scorching summers nor severe winters. It is affectionately called the “Window of the Northeast” and the “Northern Pearl.”

It has a continuous coastline and numerous seaside bathing beaches.

There are also various exotic streets and countless century-old European-style buildings.

The old-fashioned trams that slowly traverse the city connect numerous landmark squares and symbolize an era’s imprint.

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🌟 Dalian Travel Planning Guide

Considering a last-minute trip to Dalian?

🇨🇳 Top Activities and Tours in Dalian:

1. Private 2 Day Tour of Dalian City
2. All Inclusive Private Lushun(Port Arthur) Full-Day Tour


🏨Top Hotels in Dalian:

The Castle Hotel (⭐️ 4.7 luxury)
Grand Hyatt Dalian (⭐️ 4.7 luxury)
Kempinski Hotel Dalian (⭐️ 4.6 mid-range)
Hotel Nikko Dalian (⭐️ 4.6 mid-range)
Intercontinental Dalian (⭐️ 4.5 mid-range)


🌐Make sure to install ExpressVPN or NordVPN in advance for unrestricted internet access during your stay in China!

🌏 Where is Dalian Located

Dalian is a major port city located in the northeastern part of China, on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula in Liaoning Province. It is bordered by the Yellow Sea to the east and the Bohai Sea to the west, making it strategically significant in terms of maritime trade and naval presence. Dalian lies roughly 845 kilometers (525 miles) southeast of Beijing and is well-connected by air, rail, and sea routes.

Known for its temperate climate, beautiful coastline, and modern infrastructure, Dalian is a popular tourist destination and an important center for finance, shipping, and logistics in the region.

👑 Best Things to Do in Dalian

Binhai Road is a road along the coastline within the city of Dalian, spanning 40 kilometers, with wooden boardwalks along the way that allow for walking. This long stretch of road, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other, offers incredibly beautiful scenery!

Most of the main attractions in Dalian are situated along this road, connecting 12 spots, including SunAsia Ocean World, Tiger Beach (Laohutan) Ocean Park, Xinghai Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Bangchuidao Scenic Area, Venice Water City, and more.

If you want to take a leisurely tour of Dalian, you can spend a whole day on Binhai Road, enjoying the sea views and relaxing at the seaside bathing spots. Most people take the sightseeing bus to tour Binhai Road, while walking enthusiasts can also explore sections of it on foot.

🚗How to get there: Take bus 49 to Yifang Chengbao (Castle Hotel).

Dalian is definitely a city known for its squares. With a total of 102 squares of various sizes, it truly lives up to its name as the “City of Squares.”

Xinghai Square, covering an area of 1.76 million square meters, is the largest urban square in Asia. The entire square is oval-shaped, with an area larger than two Tiananmen Squares. The center is paved with 999 pieces of red Sichuan marble, and there are large palace lanterns over ten meters high around the square, giving it an impressive presence. It is said that this place used to be an abandoned salt field, but now it has become a shining landmark of Dalian.

Visitors can enjoy the musical fountain, various sculptures, and sea views, and even feed seagulls. The square also hosts a large beer festival every summer, transforming it into a lively and festive carnival.

🚗How to get there: Take bus 49 or 808 to Xingyu Jiedong.

Xinghai Park is a rare seaside bathing beach located along the main urban road in Dalian, comprising both a land park and a seaside bathing area.

The park offers simple amusement facilities like pirate ships and bumper cars. Additionally, Xinghai Park boasts the tallest sea bungee jump in Asia, which operates only during warmer weather.

Following renovations, the water quality at Xinghai Park beach has improved significantly. The beach stretches 800 meters long and 30 meters wide, featuring a mix of sand and pebbles. On the park’s west side, you’ll find a charming blue-roofed, white-walled villa that houses the Dalian Natural History Museum.

🎫Admission ticket: Free
⏰Opening hours: All day
🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to 2nd Hospital of Dalian Medical University Station.

Dalian boasts two well-known ocean worlds, with the other located at Tiger Beach Ocean Park. Both venues focus on showcasing and performing with polar animals like beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, and walruses. SunAsia Ocean World, more conveniently located near the city center in Xinghai Park, consists of five pavilions.

The main attractions at SunAsia Ocean World are the Ocean World and Polar World pavilions, where the major performances also occur. Ocean World features a variety of marine creatures such as Manta Ray, sharks, jellyfish, and sea turtles. A standout feature is the 118-meter-long underwater tunnel that offers an immersive experience of marine life swimming around you.

Polar World features numerous polar animals, including sea lions, walruses, penguins, and polar bears. It also has a unique heart-shaped performance involving humans and beluga whales.

Coral World showcases an array of beautiful and diverse coral species, making it an enjoyable place to explore at a leisurely pace.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 240
⏰Opening hours: 08:30 – 18:00
🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to 2nd Hospital of Dalian Medical University Station.

Bangchuidao Scenic Area is situated approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Dalian. This picturesque spot features mountains, sea, islands, and beaches. It serves as a state guesthouse for domestic and international leaders, restricting tourist access when leaders are present. The climate here is mild year-round, making it an ideal place for recuperation.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides and the sea on one, the area has mountains to the north and an open sea with a flat beach to the south. The beach is a pebble beach, which, despite not having fine sand, offers its own unique appeal. The water is exceptionally clear, the greenery is lush, and the air is fresh, likely due to its exclusive use for leaders’ vacations. You can also spot luxury cars, golf courses, and private clubs that are off-limits to tourists.

The 2.3-kilometer coastline includes a bathing area with both sandy and pebbly sections, ideal for strolling and enjoying the sea views. Spending a day here is sure to be very comfortable.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 20
⏰Opening hours: 08:00 – 19:00
🚗How to get there: Take bus 90 or Tourist Bus Loop Line to Bangchuidao.

East Post of Venice Water City is an artistic district in Dalian Donggang Resort Area, modeled after the Italian city of Venice. Despite being a man-made attraction, its canals and European-style buildings exude a European town atmosphere, making it well worth a visit.

The gondola ride is one of the most iconic activities in the water city. Riding a gondola along the city’s canals offers a unique perspective of the scenic surroundings. You can also spot a large number of seagulls along the coast.

Whether for photography or sightseeing, this place has become an unmissable destination in Dalian. Remarkably, entry to this extensively funded area is free. The pedestrian streets along the canals offer shopping and strolling opportunities, with the added charm of boatmen rowing by. At night, the area is beautifully lit up.

P.S. From November to April, the canals dry up during the low water season, and gondola rides are not available.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Convention Center Station.

Tiger Beach Ocean Park has earned a Guinness World Record for its extensive building area, large water volume, and the most comprehensive collection of polar animals. It is situated in the central southern coastal area of the city and boasts over 4,000 meters of coastline.

The park features the Polar Region Marine Animals World, the largest coral pavilion in China, and the Bird Forest located outside the main park.

The key attractions are in the Polar Region Marine Animals World. Upon entering, you are greeted by beluga whales, followed by dolphins, seals, and other marine animals, including the rare carpet shark, which is hard to find in other aquariums. Unfortunately, there is no underwater tunnel. It’s recommended to spend extra time here and arrive at least 15 minutes early for the performances, especially the impressive dolphin show.

Bird Forest is separate from the main park area and requires a round-trip cable car ride for CNY 60 to reach the opposite mountain. The parrots in Bird Forest are a highlight—they can talk, ride bicycles, do arithmetic, and perform money-related tricks, making them very entertaining.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr. 10 – Oct.: CNY 198; Nov. – Apr. 9: CNY 180
⏰Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
🚗How to get there: Take Bus 2, 4, 47, 403, or 404 to Laohutan Haiyang Gongyuan (Tiger Beach Ocean Park).

Previously a small fishing port, this area was transformed by the government into a tourist spot. Its main attraction is the long coastline adorned with various North American and European-style buildings, mostly colorful wooden houses. These buildings house unique artistic restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Every afternoon, returning fishermen sell seafood on the pier at very low prices! You can have it cooked at nearby restaurants, and it’s extremely tasty! Some fishermen even offer the unique experience of cutting fresh sea urchins for customers to eat on the spot.

If you have time, you can enjoy a coffee here for an entire afternoon. The scenery is picturesque and distinctive, with seagulls and hourly chimes creating the ambiance of a small North American town. The only drawback is that the seawater isn’t very clean due to the pier.

🎫Admission ticket: Free
⏰Opening hours: All day
🚗How to get there: Take bus 2 or 712 to Yuren Matou (Fisherman’s Wharf).

Zhongshan Square was initially built during the Russian occupation and was renamed after Sun Yat-sen following the liberation. Zhongshan Square is Dalian’s oldest circular city square, distinct from traditional Chinese square layouts. It features a European city layout with the square at the center and streets radiating outward in a spoke-like pattern, with ten roads spreading out from the square.

The buildings around Zhongshan Square were mostly constructed in the early 20th century, showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Eclectic styles. Many of these buildings are now mostly used by financial institutions, making Zhongshan Square the financial center of Dalian.

In the evening, colorful lights illuminate the square, and the neon lights cast a vibrant glow on the classical and majestic old buildings, giving the area a particularly solemn and beautiful appearance.

However, the square is not very large. If you happen to be staying at a nearby hotel, it’s worth a visit to experience a glimpse of Dalian’s past.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Zhongshan Square Station.

Dalian’s Russian Folklore Street is the first street in China to maintain the architectural style of 19th and 20th-century Russia. Stretching about 500 meters, it features 38 unique Russian-style buildings.

Along the street, you’ll find numerous Russian restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops selling crafts and souvenirs. It’s a great spot for a stroll and to enjoy an authentic Russian meal. However, the heavy commercialization has somewhat diluted its authentic charm. For reasonably priced small gifts, it’s a good place to shop.

This street leads to Shuangxing Commodities Wholesale Market, Dalian’s most bustling national-level wholesale market. Here, you can find a vast array of products, from food to clothing to everyday items, all at reasonable prices. It’s a key wholesale hub for Dalian’s retail markets.

🚗How to get there: Take bus 1107, 403, 40, or 526 to Shengli Qiaobei.

Dalian, having been a Russian and Japanese colony for almost fifty years due to its role as a major battleground in the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. This has resulted in a rich immigrant culture, with many old Japanese and Russian streets worth visiting. Dalian’s trams originated from this period and have been in use since 1909, making them one of the city’s most historic features.

As the only city in mainland China where the history of trams has never been interrupted, Dalian has preserved 16 trams produced between 1935 and 1938 and developed the DL6W model modern tram in the early 21st century.

Inside the trams, there are Western-style ceiling lights hanging from the roof, copper-colored leather straps for handrails, and wooden seats along the aisles. Currently, the 201 and 202 routes are still in operation and available for passengers.

Jinshitan Scenic Area, or Golden Pebble Beach, often referred to as Dalian’s backyard garden, was named one of China’s 40 most beautiful spots by CNN. The Golden Beach here offers expansive views, with water clarity and sand quality surpassing those of the city’s beaches.

This area is home to a variety of attractions, including a wax museum featuring lifelike celebrity figures, China Martial Arts Museum, Movie and TV Art Center, among others.

In my opinion, the Coastal National Geopark is the highlight of Jinshitan. It encapsulates geological marvels from 600 million to 300 million years ago, such as sea-eroded cliffs, caves, and pillars, often referred to as “God’s Sculptures of the East.” You can explore the geopark by yacht or by walking the boardwalk, with the latter being my recommended option.

Jinshitan also features a golf course and a hunting ground, each unique but rather pricey. With so many scenic spots to discover, boredom is not an option in Jinshitan Scenic Area.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 180
⏰Opening hours: 8:30 – 16:30
🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 3 to Jinshitan directly.

If you’re visiting Dalian, it’s highly recommended to take a trip to Lvshun if you have the time. This small town at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula is located between the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea and has played a significant role in the modern history of the region. It serves as a maritime gateway to Beijing and Tianjin and a natural defense for Northeast China.

In Lvshun, the must-visit attractions include White Jade Hill (白玉山景区). Climbing to the top of the hill offers a panoramic view of Lvshun Port. You can see hidden forts, the naval channel, and military ships docked at the port.

Taiyang Valley (太阳沟风景区) is another scenic area with beautiful coastal views and many old buildings. The Lvshun Museum (旅顺博物馆), located here, is the oldest and largest comprehensive historical art museum in Dalian. Built in 1917, it houses around 100,000 artifacts, including national first and second-class cultural relics such as bronzes, paintings, and ceramics. Notably, it has the only collection of Indian Gandhara stone carvings in China.

Additionally, East Jiguan Mountain (东鸡冠山景区) and 203 Scenic Area (203景区) are best visited in spring and autumn when the flowers bloom and the leaves change colors. The 203 Scenic Area also hosts a cherry blossom festival in the spring. In summer, there are several beaches in Lvshun where you can swim. Overall, Lvshun is an enchanting place that is definitely worth a visit!

🚗How to get there: Take Bus Lushunkou 203 or 206 to Shihuyuan (Garden of Lions and Tigers).

👉 Book Lvshun Tour on Viator

In Dalian, you can savor seafood from both the Bohai and Yellow Seas. The cooler waters of the northeastern sea result in longer growth cycles for marine life, making the seafood exceptionally flavorful and nutritious.

TianTian YuGang, a renowned seafood restaurant in Dalian, excels in serving local seafood. Their menu includes a variety of dishes such as abalone, shark fin, grilled prawns, and lobster, catering to all price ranges.

The restaurant’s standout dish is the grilled prawns, celebrated for their incredible freshness. Additionally, the raw sea urchin is a favorite among diners and comes highly recommended.

In Dalian, besides its famous seafood, the traditional Northeast dishes are also a culinary highlight. Pin Hai Lou is a notable establishment for such cuisine, beloved by locals.

Pin Hai Lou has several branches in Dalian. The one located next to Laohutan Fisherman’s Wharf is a standalone Russian-style building. It features a blue and white marine decor with nostalgic touches like a train carriage, vintage cars, and retro TVs and radios. The restaurant offers both a main hall and private rooms with dedicated service.

Specializing in Northeast cuisine, the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes. Some of the standout dishes include fried octopus, braised yellow croaker, and Chinese mackerd dumplings. After enjoying a hearty meal, you can take a leisurely walk around Fisherman’s Wharf.

As evening sets in, head to Paulaner Brauhaus to dive into Dalian’s vibrant nightlife. This establishment is more than just a German cuisine restaurant; it’s a lively bar with a fantastic atmosphere.

Conveniently located in the basement of the five-star Kempinski Hotel, the beer house offers easy access. Designed with a German countryside theme, the restaurant features its own brewing furnace, producing excellent self-brewed beer. The variety is impressive, with rich dark beers, and smooth pale beers.

Each night, live bands perform, allowing you to enjoy your meal with live entertainment in the hall. The private rooms are spacious and comfortable. Paulaner Brauhaus is a great spot to experience the best of Dalian’s nightlife!

🛫 How Do I Travel to Dalian

By Plane

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is the primary airport serving Dalian, situated approximately 12 kilometers from the city center. This airport is a crucial transportation hub in Northeast China, offering over 100 domestic flights to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Harbin, and 43 international routes to major cities in around 15 countries, including Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Getting from the Airport to the City Center:

• Subway: You can take Line 2 to reach downtown Dalian. If you need to transfer to Line 1, do so at Xi’an Road station.
• Taxi: The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around CNY 30.

By Train

Dalian has four railway stations, with the most commonly used being Dalian Railway Station and Dalian North Station.

Dalian Railway Station: Located in the vibrant commercial area near Qingniwaqiao, it is surrounded by shopping streets, hotels, and entertainment spots, offering easy access to all parts of the city.

Dalian North Station: Approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, this station serves bullet trains to cities such as Beijing, Harbin, Jilin, Shenyang, Changchun, Jinan, and Shanghai.

🚖 How to Get Around Dalian

Metro

Dalian operates six subway lines: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 5, Line 12, and Line 13. Line 2 is particularly convenient as it connects key locations like Dalian Railway Station, Airport Station, Xi’an Road Station, People’s Square Station, Qingniwaqiao Station, and Zhongshan Square Station.

Bus

The bus system in Dalian is very user-friendly, with frequent buses that minimize waiting times and maintain punctuality. Be sure to have small change ready. The regular fare is CNY 1, and air-conditioned buses cost CNY 2.

Bus No. 901 is a key route for tourists, covering nearly all major attractions.

Taxi

Taxis in Dalian start at CNY 10 for the first 3 kilometers, then cost CNY 2 per additional kilometer. Ride-hailing apps like Didi offer added convenience for getting around.

Tram

Dalian is unique in China for its uninterrupted tram history, with trams running for over a century. The 201 line still features some antique wooden trams from the pre-liberation era, complete with wooden seats and copper handrails. This historical experience is highly recommended.

☀️ Best Time to Visit Dalian

The optimal time to visit Dalian stretches from early summer to early autumn, specifically from May through October. The city enjoys a temperate monsoon climate with maritime influences, ensuring mild winters and cool summers.

• June to August: Despite being the peak tourist season and the rainy season, temperatures range from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. This period is ideal for experiencing Dalian’s summer allure and for escaping the heat.
• September to October: This is another prime time for visiting Dalian. September is particularly noted for its fresh seafood. However, be prepared for significant temperature fluctuations between morning and evening.

In winter, many water-based activities and some attractions close due to the weather.

🏨 Where to Stay in Dalian

Dalian boasts an extensive variety of accommodation options, from star-rated hotels to unique homestays. The preferred areas for most visitors are around Xinghai Square and Zhongshan Square.

Both areas provide convenient transportation and is close to many of Dalian’s key landmarks and popular tourist attractions. Moreover, the vicinity is filled with a diverse range of eateries, food stalls, shopping malls, and pedestrian streets.

Hotel Recommendations

Kempinski Hotel Dalian

For a central stay in Dalian with top-notch service and luxury, the Kempinski Hotel Dalian is ideal. It’s within walking distance of Dalian Railway Station, the light rail, and the metro. Nearby Qingni Alley offers a variety of regional and local snacks, perfect for an evening stroll and food exploration.

The hotel features a traditional Northeast “bathhouse” experience at its 4,500-square-meter spa, the largest in Northeast China, located on the 6th floor. The basement houses the German bar, Paulaner Brauhaus, for a fun night out.

• Booking
• Trip

Hotel Nikko Dalian

Hotel Nikko Dalian, located near Zhongshan Square and Russian Folklore Street, is a five-star hotel just a 20-minute drive from the airport. With 21 years of history, it excels in dining and service.

The hotel features a serene Japanese-style wooden design and offers diverse dining options, including Chinese, Western, and Japanese cuisines. Known for its high cost-effectiveness, Hotel Nikko Dalian is perfect for families with children and those who appreciate Japanese-style aesthetics.

• Booking
• Trip

InterContinental Dalian

As the tallest hotel in Dalian’s old city center, this landmark offers stunning high-floor views and is just a two-minute walk from Youhao Square Metro Station, ensuring easy transportation access.

The hotel boasts a classic business style with nostalgic Dalian touches. The luxury suites are spacious at around 75 square meters, featuring a dark color scheme despite somewhat dated decor.

The 46th-floor executive lounge provides breathtaking, unobstructed harbor views. Guests can enjoy a diverse breakfast selection of Chinese and Western dishes for a satisfying start to the day.

• Booking
• Trip

The Castle Hotel

For a romantic experience in Dalian, The Castle Hotel is an excellent choice. Perched on a hill next to Xinghai Square, this hotel stands out as a charming castle-style building and is a popular starting point for exploring the coastal road.

The hotel’s Gothic architecture sets a dramatic tone, and from its rooms, guests can enjoy magnificent views of the sea and mountains. The sky garden on the 5th floor provides sweeping vistas of the picturesque Xinghai Bay.

Inside, the hotel is lavishly decorated in a classic European retro style, offering a luxurious ambiance reminiscent of a medieval European palace.

• Booking
• Trip

Grand Hyatt Dalian

The Grand Hyatt Dalian is renowned for its exceptional quality. Situated at a prime location, it is conveniently close to Xinghai Square and the central shopping area, making it an ideal hotel for those exploring Dalian.

A standout feature of the hotel is its sea-view rooms, which provide stunning views of the ocean. The five-star amenities guarantee a comfortable stay that feels like home. Additionally, the breakfast offered is extensive and of excellent quality, with a diverse selection of options.

• Booking
• Trip

🌸Final Tips: Traveling to Dalian

• Make sure to visit the Haibin wooden walkway for its stunning sea views.
• Remember that Xinghai Park and Xinghai Square are two separate locations.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis near the airport and train stations, as they tend to overcharge. It’s better to use a ride-hailing app.
• Fisherman’s Wharf is a less crowded, picturesque spot perfect for taking photos.
• When eating seafood, avoid combining it with beer, watermelon, or other cold foods to prevent stomach issues.
• Seafood at tourist spots can be pricey, so it’s better to dine at restaurants in the city.
• Check out Dalian’s night markets for local food. Heishijiao and Xi’an Road Night Markets are favorite spots for locals.
• Bring a hat because Dalian can be quite windy.
• To avoid rush hour, plan your travels outside of 6:30-8:00 in the morning and 16:00-19:00 in the evening. The subway is the most convenient way to get around.
• Make time to visit Lvshun to see the meeting point of the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, and don’t miss the Lvshun Museum.

China Travel Planning Guide&FAQ