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July 25, 2025
5 views3-Day Dalian Travel Guide for Couples: Romantic Escapes and Seafood Adventures
Explore coastal charm, fresh seafood, and hidden gems in China's northern coastal gem
Dalian TravelCouples TravelFood Travel3 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 大连
Location: Liaoning Province, Northeast China
Famous For: Coastal Cityscape,Fresh Seafood,European Architecture
Daily Cost: $60-100 per person (excluding accommodation)
Best Season: May-October for beach activities
Introduction: Why Dalian Captivates Travelers
Dalian combines coastal charm with European elegance, offering couples stunning ocean vistas, fresh seafood straight from the docks, and architectural wonders from its colonial past. The city's mild summer climate and scenic coastal drives make it perfect for romantic getaways, while food lovers will delight in its reputation as China's seafood capital.
Best Time to Visit Dalian
Ideal Seasons: May-October for warm weather activities
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (10-20°C) in March-May create perfect conditions for exploring coastal trails and witnessing cherry blossoms in parks
☀️Summer: July-August brings lively beach season (25-30°C) with night markets, fireworks, and dolphin shows at Xinghai Square
🍁Autumn: September-October offers crisp air and vibrant foliage at Laotie Mountain while seafood markets peak with seasonal catches
❄️Winter: Cold but relatively dry season (5-10°C) with winter seafood festivals and fewer crowds at architectural landmarks
Arriving and Leaving Dalian
Metro (Lines 1,2,5), taxis ($3 base fare), and bike rentals (Yellow Bicycle System) cover main areas. Coastal sightseeing buses connect major attractions for $2-3 per ride.
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport [Recommended]
Main airport 10km from city center with international flights. Taxi to city takes 30 minutes ($15-20). Metro Line 2 connects to major districts.
Dalian North Railway Station
High-speed rail hub connecting to Beijing (5.5 hours) and Shenyang (2.5 hours). Metro Line 1 provides direct access. Taxi costs $10-15.
Dalian Railway Station
Older downtown station serving regional trains. Walking distance to major hotels. Taxi to airport costs $18-22.
Where to Stay in Dalian: Best Neighborhoods
Star Bay (Xinghai Square)
Romantic oceanfront location with luxury hotels like Dalian Marriott and boutique apartments. Close to nightlife and beach activities.
Russian Street District
Historic architecture with charming hotels like Castle Hotel. Walkable to European-style streets and cafes.
Fisherman's Wharf
Scenic waterfront area with boutique hotels like Portman Hotel. Early morning seafood markets and quiet evening strolls.
Top Things to Do in Dalian
Xinghai Square
Asia's largest city square with ocean views, featuring the iconic 200-meter-high Dragon Monument, public art installations, and summer fireworks displays.
Tiger Beach Ocean Park
Marine life park with polar bear exhibits, sea lion shows, and the 118-meter-long Tiger Sculpture overlooking the bay.
Fisherman's Wharf
Historic fishing port transformed into a romantic destination with Scandinavian-style architecture, seafood markets, and evening light shows.
Tips
Check tide schedules for coastal attractions. Wear waterproof shoes for dock areas. Book dolphin shows in advance.
What to Eat: Dalian Seafood & Local Specialties
Recommended Restaurants
1. Old Port House
Family-run seafood institution with 30+ years of history. Try their signature Steamed Scallop with Garlic and Braised Abalone
2. Bay View Seafood Restaurant
Oceanfront dining with live seafood tanks and panoramic views of Laotie Mountain
3. Nanshan Taste
Modern European-style courtyard restaurant serving fusion seafood dishes like Wasabi Octopus and Lemon Grilled Lobster
Signature Dishes
1. Grilled Sea Urchin
Freshly harvested sea urchins grilled with soy sauce and chili oil, best enjoyed at morning seafood markets like Sunshine Seafood Market
2. Boiled Sea Cucumber
Premium Dalian sea cucumbers served with garlic sauce. Must-try at traditional restaurants like Old Port House
3. Seafood Hotpot
All-you-can-eat hotpot with live catches from local fishing boats. Recommended at Bay View Seafood Restaurant
Dalian Itinerary 3 Days & 3 Nights
DAY 1
Check-in at Castle Hotel:European-style hotel with ocean view rooms and romantic ambiance
🥗Lunch at Old Port House:Try the signature Steamed Scallops and Sea Urchin Omelette
Visit Xinghai Square:Explore Asia's largest city square with ocean views and public art installations
🍽️Dinner at Bay View Seafood Restaurant:All-you-can-eat hotpot with fresh catches from local fishing boats
Evening Walk at Black Stone Beach:Stroll along rocky coastline with bioluminescent plankton at night
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Nanshan Taste:Modern European-style breakfast with seafood porridge and local pastries
Explore Russian Street:Walk through preserved colonial architecture with cobblestone streets and boutique shops
🥗Lunch at Portman Hotel Restaurant:Enjoy pan-European dishes with fresh seafood preparations
Visit Tiger Beach Ocean Park:Explore marine exhibits and watch sea lion performances
🍽️Dinner at Sunshine Seafood Market:Choose fresh catches from market stalls and have them cooked on-site
Evening Stroll at Laotie Mountain Botanical Garden:Scenic coastal garden with panoramic city views
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Fisherman's Wharf Cafe:Cozy seaside cafe with fresh-squeezed juices and seafood omelets
Visit Fisherman's Wharf:Explore historic fishing port with colorful architecture and souvenir shops
Shopping at Dalian Museum Souvenir Shop:Purchase authentic seafood snacks and maritime-themed souvenirs
🥗Lunch at Water City Italian Restaurant:Italian dishes with Dalian seafood twist at scenic canal-side location
Final Coastal Drive to Sun Asia Ocean World:Explore underwater tunnels and watch penguin feeding sessions
Departure:Transfer to airport with time for last-minute duty-free shopping
Dalian Travel FAQs
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