Exquisite Four Days Dalian Tour: Traversing Coastal Landscapes and Cultural Landmarks

Summary

Day 1 Arrival in Dalian:  Xinghai Park, Xinghai Square, Lianhua Mountain Scenic Spot
Day 2 Dalian: Cross-Sea Bridge, Silver Beach, Tiger Beach Ocean Park, Lingjiao Bay
Day 3 Dalian: Fisherman's Wharf, Bangchui Island, Venice Water City, Haizhiyun Park, Donggang Music Fountain
Day 4 Depart from Dalian: Russian Style Street, Zhongshan Square, Nanshan Style Street, Depart from Dalian

Day 1 Arrival in Dalian

Upon your arrival in Dalian, you will be warmly greeted by the guide at the designated meeting point, where a prominent signboard reading "Your Way Holiday" stands out, making it easy for you to spot him. He will help you with your luggage, check if you have any travel weariness, and briefly outline the day's itinerary—starting with three iconic spots that showcase Dalian's coastal and urban charm—ensuring you feel well-accommodated from the very start.

The first stop of the journey is Xinghai Park, a coastal gem with a history dating back to 1909, initially built during the late Qing Dynasty as a small public garden. Over the decades, it expanded significantly, especially after the founding of the People's Republic of China, integrating natural coastal landscapes with man-made leisure facilities like lawns, pavilions, and a seawater swimming pool. Today, it remains a beloved spot for both locals—who come for morning exercises and evening strolls—and tourists. As you walk along the winding coastal paths with the guide, he will point out the lush pine trees that line the shore (a signature plant of Dalian, known for withstanding coastal winds) and the sparkling sea where fishing boats occasionally drift by. He’ll share interesting anecdotes too: “In the 1950s, this park was a favorite for newlyweds to take photos, and even now, you’ll see many couples capturing their moments here. The seawater pool was once one of the largest in northern China, hosting regional swimming competitions.”

Next, you'll visit Xinghai Square, one of Asia's largest urban squares, covering approximately 1.76 million square meters. Built in 1997 to celebrate the return of Hong Kong to China, it carries profound patriotic and cultural significance, showcasing Dalian's coastal charm and urban vitality. The square's most iconic landmark is the 19.97-meter-tall five-pointed star sculpture, featuring 1,997 smaller stars surrounding a central star, symbolizing the unity of the Chinese people in 1997. Extending from the sculpture is a 1,300-meter-long seaside promenade lined with marble railings carved with images of waves and marine life. Your guide will first take you to the base of the five-pointed star sculpture and explain its symbolic significance before leading you to the best viewing point along the promenade.

Today's final stop is the Lianhua Mountain Scenic Spot, named for its resemblance to a blooming lotus. Geologically, Lianhua Mountain is the result of long-term coastal erosion and tectonic movements, resulting in unique rock formations and breathtaking panoramic views. Your guide will lead you up the gentle slopes, introducing you to the local flora and fauna along the way. Upon reaching the summit, you'll admire the rolling cityscape below, where the sea and the city blend seamlessly. After the tour, your guide will recommend a local restaurant and, after dinner, transfer you back to your hotel for a comfortable rest after your trip.

Day 2 Dalian

After a simple yet hearty breakfast at the hotel, you'll meet your guide and begin your day of adventure.The first stop is the observation deck of the Dalian Cross-Sea Bridge. This majestic bridge is not only a transportation marvel but also a symbol of Dalian's modern development. Completed in recent years, it spans the sea, connecting various parts of the city and greatly facilitating transportation. Your guide will take you to a designated observation deck, where you can admire the bridge's sleek design as it winds across the azure sea. Your guide will provide a detailed account of the bridge's construction, highlighting the engineering challenges overcome to create this impressive structure.

Afterwards, you'll travel to Silver Beach, renowned for its fine, silvery-white sand that feels soft and comfortable to the touch. As a historic seaside resort, Silver Beach has been a popular destination for beachgoers since ancient times. Its pristine natural environment, clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Your guide will explain local beach customs, such as traditional seafood gatherings, and recommend the best spots to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

Lunch will be a delightful experience with local seafood. Enjoy fresh steamed crab, tender grilled squid, and delicious seafood soup, all sourced from the nearby fishing port, showcasing the authentic flavors of Dalian's coastal cuisine.

In the afternoon, you'll explore the Tiger Beach Ocean Park, one of China's most renowned marine parks. Over decades, it has evolved from a small oceanarium into a comprehensive park featuring a variety of marine animal shows, aquariums, and rides. Your guide will accompany you to witness spectacular dolphin and sea lion performances and explain the park's training methods and conservation efforts for these marine creatures. He'll also take you to the large aquarium, introducing you to various rare marine species and their habitats.

The day's final stop is Lingjiao Bay, a tranquil and beautiful coastal bay. Historically, it was home to a small fishing village, and traces of its fishing culture still remain. Today, it's a popular spot for photography and relaxation, boasting calm waters and picturesque sunsets. Your guide will share stories of the bay's evolution and recommend the best times for sunset. For dinner, your guide will recommend nearby restaurants where you can enjoy more delicious seafood and other Dalian specialties. After dinner, your guide will send you back to your hotel.

Day 3:Dalian

Your day begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, energizing you for the entire day. Your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby.First, you'll visit Fisherman's Wharf, located in Zhongshan District, adjacent to Dalian Port. This area's history is closely tied to Dalian's fishing industry, dating back to the late 19th century, when Dalian became a treaty port. Once a bustling cargo and fishing port, fishermen unloaded their catch at dawn and fishmongers haggled over prices. In 2012, the area was transformed into a cultural and leisure district, preserving the old fishing boats, stone warehouses, and wharves, while also adding a seafood market, cozy cafes, and art galleries. As you follow your guide onto the wharf, the aroma of fresh seafood fills your nostrils. Your guide will lead you through the open-air seafood market, where vendors display buckets of live crabs, shrimp, and shellfish. He'll also highlight the local fishing tools displayed on a nearby exhibition wall. While most people now use motorized boats and modern nets, these ancient tools remain a reminder of the past.

Next is Bangchui Island, named after its rock formation that resembles a mallet. Geologically, it is a volcanic island formed millions of years ago, with unique lava landscapes and coastal cliffs. The island has rich ecological resources, and the guide will point out the rare plants and birds that inhabit the area. He will also tell you about the local legends associated with the island, adding a touch of mystery to the visit.

Lunch will feature more local delicacies, such as Dalian-style braised fish, savory seafood pancakes, and refreshing cold noodles with seafood, all reflecting the city's unique culinary traditions.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the man-made Venice Water City attraction in Donggang District. Built in 2016, it's modeled after the Italian water city of Venice. Spanning 400,000 square meters, it boasts a 4-kilometer-long canal, red-roofed, white-walled European-style buildings, and 20 bridges of varying styles, including arch and beam bridges. Designed to offer visitors a diverse cultural experience, the attraction blends Italian architecture with Dalian's coastal charm. Your guide will stroll along the canal, explaining the architectural details. The buildings are inspired by Renaissance Venetian palaces, and the bridges are exact replicas of famous Venetian bridges, such as the Rialto Bridge. Your guide will also recommend a gondola ride, with gondoliers trained in Venice—some even speaking a little Italian. During the ride, you'll pass under bridges and see locals sitting in open-air cafes along the canal. He also shared the story behind its construction: "Dalian has always been a city embracing multiculturalism, and this attraction was built to allow visitors to experience the charm of Europe without having to travel abroad. It's also a popular spot for wedding photos—many couples flock here for the romantic atmosphere."

Afterward, you'll visit Haizhiyun Park, a 400,000-square-meter coastal park completed in 2018 as part of Dalian's Coastal Ecological Corridor project. Combining ecological conservation, leisure and tourism, it boasts a 2.6-kilometer coastal promenade, wetlands, and a botanical garden. The park is home to over 200 plant species, including salt-tolerant coastal plants like Suaeda and Phragmites australis. It also serves as a habitat for migratory birds such as wild ducks and herons.

The day's final stop was Dalian's modern landmark, the Donggang Music Fountain, completed in 2013. Spanning 90,000 square meters, the fountain is one of the largest in Asia, boasting over 2,000 jets that shoot water up to 80 meters high. Inspired by Dalian's coastal character, the fountain's water patterns mimic waves, seagulls, and lotus flowers, accompanied by classical, pop, and folk music. Your guide will take you to a high platform, away from the crowds, for a clear view of the fountain. The fountain features different performances during the day and at night. The daytime show utilizes natural light to highlight the water's clarity, while the nighttime show incorporates colored lights and laser effects. The musical selection includes both Chinese songs like "Ode to the Yellow River" and international classics like "The Blue Danube."

In the evening, your guide will return you to the park entrance and transfer you to your hotel. For dinner, he recommends exploring the nearby neighborhoods and trying Dalian traditional noodle soup or seafood fried rice.

Day 4 Depart from Dalian

After a light breakfast of local pastries and hot milk at the hotel, you will meet the guide for the final day's journey before departure.The first stop is Russian Style Street, a street that bears the marks of Dalian's historical connection with Russia. Built in the early 20th century, the street is lined with well-preserved Russian-style buildings, featuring unique architectural elements such as domes and colorful facades. The guide will walk you along the street, pointing out the historical background of each building, many of which have served as consulates, banks, or residences in the past. Today, the street is a bustling commercial area with shops selling Russian souvenirs and local specialties, and the guide will recommend some authentic Russian snacks for you to try.

Next, you'll visit Zhongshan Square, a 22,000-square-meter circular plaza built in 1899 during the Tsarist Russian occupation. Surrounding the square are ten buildings in diverse styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Deco, earning it the nickname "The World Architecture Expo." For example, the former Dalian Bank Building (now the Commercial Bank) is a classic Baroque Revival structure with a grand entrance and intricately carved columns; the former Yokohama Specie Bank Building features Art Deco geometric patterns. Your guide will lead you to the center of the square, where a bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen stands. "A hundred years ago, this square was designed as the administrative and financial center of the city, and it still serves that function today—many major banks and companies have offices here," your guide will explain. The Russian-style fountain in the corner, built in 1901 and renovated in the 1950s to incorporate Chinese elements such as lotus carvings, perfectly illustrates the evolution of Dalian culture through the ages. Every morning, locals practice Tai Chi and ballroom dancing here; it's a place where history and daily life intersect.

Lunch will be a chance to taste some of Dalian's classic dishes, such as spicy seafood hot pot, tender braised abalone, and flavorful seafood fried rice, allowing you to savor the city's culinary charm one last time.

The final stop is Nanshan Style Street, a quiet, tree-lined street in Nanshan District that was once known as the "foreign residential area" in the early 20th century. Built between 1910 and 1930, it boasts over 100 buildings in a mix of architectural styles—European villas, Japanese wooden houses, and even a few American colonial-style residences. Many of these buildings once served as residences for foreign diplomats, merchants, and missionaries, and many have now been converted into galleries, cafes, boutique hotels, and art studios. As you stroll along the streets with your guide, he'll explain the unique characteristics of each style and the street's cultural atmosphere.

After the visit, the guide will assist you with your luggage and send you to the departure point, concluding your wonderful four-day journey in Dalian.

Price Per Person in US Dollars