Things To Do
in Dalian
Dalian is a port city on the Liaodong Peninsula with a modern skyline and maritime history. It blends Chinese heritage with Russian and Japanese influences visible in its architecture and food. The coastline features long beaches, rugged rock formations, and scenic promenades that come alive in summer.
With seafood-forward cuisine and easy access to nature, Dalian offers a diverse, walkable coastal experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Dalian Railway Station, an architectural marvel that showcases a blend of Eastern and Western design. Stroll through the bustling streets of Zhongshan Square, where you can admire the beautiful colonial buildings. Don’t forget to grab some local breakfast, such as jianbing (Chinese crepes) from a nearby vendor.
After lunch, visit the Dalian Natural History Museum to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region. Spend some time at the nearby Dalian People's Square, where you can relax in the gardens and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Consider taking a quick trip to the nearby Russian Street for some shopping and to experience the local culture.
As the sun sets, head to the seaside promenade at Binhai Road to enjoy a leisurely walk with stunning views of the Yellow Sea. Stop for dinner at a seafood restaurant known for its fresh catch, and indulge in local delicacies like grilled squid and Dalian clams. Wrap up your evening by enjoying the vibrant nightlife in the Dalian Central Business District.
Spend your morning at Tiger Beach, one of Dalian's most famous attractions, where the scenic coastline invites you to explore. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore, and be sure to take photos of the unique rock formations. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a pedal boat to get a closer look at the beautiful waters.
After your beach activities, have a leisurely lunch at a beachside café, sampling local seafood dishes while enjoying the ocean view. Visit the nearby Dalian Discovery Kingdom, an amusement park with thrilling rides and entertaining shows that can delight visitors of all ages. Take some time to relax in the park’s gardens before heading back to the beach.
As evening approaches, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors. Enjoy a barbecue dinner at one of the beachside restaurants that offer freshly grilled seafood and local specialties. After dinner, take a stroll along the beach, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere as the stars begin to twinkle above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍜Street food snack | $1-5 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at cafe | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course restaurant meal | $20-40 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent seafood and coastal scenery
- Compact city with good public transport and walkability
- Coastal weather can be windy and chilly outside summer
- English availability in some areas may be limited
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "这个多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "请问最近的地铁站在哪儿？" - Where is the nearest subway station?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Dalian
Visit one of these nice places.
A wide waterfront with the iconic sculpture park and a long promenade; ideal for sunrise and sunset photos with the sea as a backdrop.
Cliffs, rocky shores, and a bright lighthouse provide dramatic coastal compositions, especially during golden hour.
A showcase of early 20th-century colonial architecture intertwined with modern glass towers; great for architectural photographers.
Striking rock formations and beaches along a limestone coastline offer dramatic coastline shots.
Food in Dalian
Dalian Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A generous pot of crab, shrimp, clams, and fish cooked in a flavorful broth; best shared with friends at seafood restaurants along the coast.
Must-Try!
Fresh, lightly prepared seafood dishes, often grilled or steamed to preserve sweetness; look for coastal restaurants near Jinshitan.
A popular street and restaurant dish, crunchy and savory; widely available at seafood stalls and markets.
Pork and chive dumplings steamed or fried; commonly found in local eateries and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively stretch by the harbor where you buy fresh seafood and have it cooked to order at nearby grills.
Traditional market offering vegetables, noodles, and regional snacks; look for jianbing, fried dough sticks, and dumplings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light handshake is common; use polite terms like 先生/女士 (xiānsheng/nǚshì) for respect and address people by surname when possible.
Keep voices moderate in public; avoid loud displays in temples and religious sites; queue politely and practice patient service norms common in China.
Safety
Tipping in Dalian
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in most Chinese service contexts, including Dalian, but tips may be appreciated for exceptional service in hotels or private tours. If tipping, do so discreetly in RMB.
Cash (RMB) is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in hotels, malls, and larger restaurants. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous; in markets and smaller shops, cash or mobile payments are often preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with the back-and-forth of rain. Pack a light jacket and a compact umbrella; flowers begin to bloom in coastal parks.
Warm to hot with sea breezes; humid conditions and crowds at beaches. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and plan early morning or late afternoon outdoor time.
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity; clear skies make outdoor activities particularly enjoyable.
Cold and windy along the coast with occasional snowfall; dress in layers and enjoy indoor attractions like museums and cafés.
Dalian at Night
Hiking in Dalian
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal forested trails with panoramic sea views; a popular day trip from Dalian.
Rocky coastal trails and viewpoints within the geopark offering dramatic scenery.
Airports
How to reach Dalian by plane.
Main airport serving Dalian, located near the city center with domestic and international flights. Reaches the city by Airport Express train, taxi, or bus; easy access to most neighborhoods.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, with a wide range of regional dialects and culinary styles.
Korean, Manchu, Hui, and Russian-influenced communities contribute to a cosmopolitan flavor in certain neighborhoods.
A growing number of international students and long-term expatriates live in Dalian, primarily in coastal districts and around universities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in parks and schools; you may catch pickup games in evenings or weekends.
Common in gyms and outdoor courts; local leagues and public courts are easy to find.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dalian.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Dalian cuisine leans heavily on seafood and meat; look for vegetable dishes, tofu-based options, and clear soups. When ordering, ask for 素食 (sùshí) or 素菜 (sùcài). If broth is unclear, request 清 汤 (qīng tāng, clear broth) or only vegetables.