Must-See Attractions

Downtown Coastal & City Landmarks

1. Xinghai Square (Free)

   Asia’s largest urban coastal square. Highlights: Giant city sculpture, thousands of seagulls (bring bread to feed), panoramic view of Xinghai Bay Cross-Sea Bridge, musical fountain at night. Best visited at sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds.
3. Lianhua Mountain Observation Deck

   City’s highest viewing platform, 360° overlook of the whole bay, cross-sea bridge and villas. Sunset viewing spot highly recommended.
4. Xinghai Bay Cross-Sea Bridge

   Iconic landmark. Walk or drive along the bridge for wide sea views; night lighting creates spectacular photos.
5. 1. Binhai Road (Coastal Road)

      Famous coastal scenic corridor, winding between mountains and sea. Key stops: Yinshatan Silver Beach, Fujiazhuang Bathing Beach, North Bridge, Yanwo Ridge. Rent an electric scooter or take sightseeing buses for a relaxed trip.
   2. Bangchui Island (Ticket ¥20)

      A small island shaped like a wooden mallet, crystal clear seawater, quiet forest trails and clean beaches. Ideal for quiet seaside photoshoots.
   3. Fisherman’s Wharf (Donggang)

      European-style harbor with colorful sailboats, retro docks, cat cafes. Perfect for sunset shots; close to Venice Water City.
   4. Dalian Venice Water City

      Canals, European castles and gondola boats. Night lights are far more romantic than daytime; enjoy the waterfront carousel and music fountain show at 19:30.
   5. Zhongshan Square

      20+ century-old European buildings surrounding the square, dubbed "Oriental Wall Street". Great for vintage architecture photography. Take the classic No.201 vintage tram to get here.
   6. Russian Style Street (Free)

      Neoclassical Russian buildings with spires and domes. Only stroll and take photos; avoid overpriced matryoshka dolls and tourist souvenirs here.

   Ocean Parks (Family-Friendly)

   1. Tiger Beach Ocean Park (5A Scenic Area)
      Dalian’s classic marine park, including Polar Museum, Coral Hall, Sea Lion Theater, Bird Forest. Watch dolphin and beluga whale performances, suitable for families with kids.
   2. St. Ya Ocean World
      Located beside Xinghai Square, underground transparent ocean tunnel, romantic mermaid shows.

   Remote Scenic Zones

   1. Jinshitan National Tourist Resort (5A)
      50km from downtown, reachable by Metro Line 3.
   • Golden Coast: Soft wide natural beach, swimming, sandcastle building
   • Geological Park: 600-million-year sea-eroded strange rock formations (Dinosaur Rock, Turtle Rock); sightseeing shuttle bus mandatory for large scenic area
   • Discoveryland Theme Park: Thrilling roller coasters, carnival performances for young visitors
   2. Lüshun Port (One-Day History Tour)
      Metro Line 12 takes 1 hour from downtown. Key sites:
   • Yellow-Bohai Sea Boundary: Distinct two-tone seawater at the junction
   • Old Russian-Japanese Prison Museum (Free, closed Mondays)
   • Baiyu Mountain: Overlook the military port
   • Sun Valley Old Town: Vintage red-roofed European houses, cherry blossom viewing in spring