Things to do in Dalian

A trip to Donggang, Dalian, wouldn't be complete without experiencing Venice Water City! The entire area recreates European style, with over 200 castles scattered throughout, featuring Gothic spires, Baroque reliefs, and vintage clock towers paired with various arched bridges – every detail is meticulously crafted. Strolling along the canals, the beige walls adorned with exquisite carvings offer a picturesque view at every turn, as if you've stepped into a European town. The daytime atmosphere is refreshing and soothing, but as evening falls and the lights illuminate the buildings, their reflections shimmering on the water and canals, creating a captivating ambiance perfect for photos. A gondola ride is highly recommended – the soul of the water city! The long, elegant gondolas glide gently across the water, the gondoliers rowing with long poles, the boats slowly gliding beneath the stone bridges. Sitting on the boat, you can gaze at the buildings on both banks, admiring the castles and their reflections up close. A gentle breeze ripples the water, offering a completely different perspective than walking on the shore. Slowly immerse yourself in the romantic waterways, feeling the tranquility of a boat adrift in a painting. A gondola ride at dusk is the best way to experience this. We chose the Atour S Hotel next door for our stay, which was incredibly convenient, just walking distance from the water city. The stay was excellent; the room was clean and comfortable, and the service was attentive. It was convenient to explore the water city without having to travel back and forth; we could simply return to the hotel to rest after a long day. The area offers free admission, and the riverside walkways and plazas are perfect for strolling. It's suitable for couples or families. With its grand and elegant European-style architecture and the unique romantic atmosphere of gondola rides, this is a must-visit in Dalian's Donggang area – definitely worth a special trip!

I went during the National Day holiday this year, and there were definitely more activities and more people than when I went in winter. It wasn't as deserted as I expected. I'll definitely go when it's more crowded next time, it'll be so lively! Haha.

星海公园绝对值得打卡！这里海景超赞，蓝天碧海相映成趣。游乐项目超丰富，海上蹦极超刺激，摩天轮能赏全景，还有海水浴场可戏水。不管亲子、情侣还是度假，都能玩得尽兴。

Bangchui Island in Dalian was once a summer resort, but now only clear waters and strange rocks remain; the tide embraces the golden sands, the forests are filled with birdsong, and a leisurely stroll is like entering a painting. Climbing the wooden boardwalk on the mountainside offers even more beautiful views.

Xinghai Square truly lives up to its reputation as a Dalian landmark, offering a grand and expansive view overlooking the entire azure bay. The giant century-old city sculpture and flocks of white doves are particularly distinctive, making for a delightful evening stroll with the sea breeze. In the distance, the cross-sea bridge and Lotus Hill are framed together, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. The square's spacious walkways are ideal for cycling or leisurely walks, and the sunset paints the sea with breathtaking colors. With comprehensive amenities nearby and a variety of restaurants and attractions, it offers excellent value for money and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals – a must-visit in Dalian.

The Ferris wheel isn't great at night, but it's quite nice during the day. It's an old amusement park; the roller coaster and Cobra ride seats are peeling. The Ferris wheel and drop tower, which opened 26 years ago, are pretty good. The Hollywood Theater is also quite nice. The evening shows and fireworks are spectacular.

Dalian Fisherman's Wharf covers an area of ​​nearly 60,000 square meters and boasts a 1,768-meter-long coastline. Natural beaches are located on its west and southeast corners, while a 280-meter-long pier stretches along its south side. The concept of Fisherman's Wharf originates from Europe and America, representing a nostalgic European-style leisure and a unique port city culture. The wharf is a comprehensive and distinctive themed commercial area integrating sightseeing, entertainment, culture, dining, shopping, and vacationing.

Jinshitan National Tourist Resort in Dalian is quite far from downtown Dalian and boasts numerous attractions, with the Jinshitan Geopark being the most quintessential. It's essential to visit on a sunny day. If driving, make sure your navigation app selects the Geopark. During holidays, it gets very crowded and parking is difficult. There are shuttle buses within the Geopark, costing 10 yuan one way. It's recommended to walk there and return by bus. The initial walk might be a bit strenuous, but the later sections are flatter. Bring water and snacks; there are restrooms in the latter part of the park. Depending on your physical condition, you can take the bus back from the Octagonal Pavilion or the Crab General Cave. Those with more stamina can walk another 500 meters to enjoy the view before returning to the Crab General Cave to catch the bus. The entire trip takes 1-2 hours, which is manageable even for seniors.

The view of the sea and the cross-sea bridge from the highest point of Lianhua Mountain in Dalian is quite impressive, especially the cable car ride. The scenic area offers a direct shuttle bus to the summit. After interacting with the deer, you queue for the cable car. Two people share a cabin, which is quite nice. On a clear day, the view is unbeatable; taking your time to appreciate the scenery is very pleasant. 😌 If you have the time, come and experience the natural scenery; the sea and sky blend seamlessly, it's magnificent.

It was too big; there were so many places to visit in one day. I brought a 12-year-old boy, and he had good stamina. He mainly did beachcombing, looking for fresh seafood on the beach. Overall, I gave it a good review.