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July 25, 2025
3-Day Family Travel Guide to Dalian: Coastal Adventures & Cultural Gems
Discover Dalian's scenic coastline, historical landmarks, and vibrant food scene with this family-friendly itinerary.
Family TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 大连
Location: Northeast China, Liaoning Province
Famous For: Coastal views,European architecture,Fresh seafood
Daily Cost: $80-120
Best Season: May-September
Introduction: Why visit Dalian?
Dalian combines coastal beauty with cosmopolitan charm. Famous for Xinghai Square, Tiger Beach Ocean Park, and Russian Street, it offers perfect balance of relaxation and exploration for families.
Best time to visit Dalian
Ideal Seasons: Spring to early autumn for optimal weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (10-18°C) with blooming flowers perfect for outdoor activities at Lianhua Mountain Scenic Area.
☀️Summer: Warm ocean breezes (25-30°C) ideal for beach days at Golden Pebble Beach.
🍁Autumn: Crisp air (15-22°C) highlights autumn foliage at Dalian Forest Zoo.
❄️Winter: Cool but windy (0-8°C) with holiday decorations at Dalian People's Square.
Arriving and leaving Dalian
Extensive metro system ($0.5-1.5) with lines 1-5. Public buses ($0.3) and taxis ($2起步). Families recommended to use Didi for convenience.
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport [Recommended]
Main gateway with direct flights to major cities. Located 10km west of city center - taxi takes 25min ($15-20), metro 40min ($0.75).
Dalian North Railway Station
High-speed rail connections to Beijing (5.5h) and Shenyang (2h). Taxi to city center costs $10-15.
Where to stay in Dalian: Best Neighborhood
Xinghai Square
Vibrant area near major attractions. Options include Dalian Marriott Hotel and Shangri-La Dalian with sea views.
Zhongshan District
Historic European-style district with easy access to Russia Street and Japan Street. Recommended: Dalian Kempinski Hotel.
Top Things to do in Dalian
Xinghai Square
Asia's largest city square with ocean promenade, light shows, and public art installations.
Tiger Beach Ocean Park
Aquarium and marine shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and polar bears. Children's playground and gift shops.
Dalian Forest Zoo
Hilltop zoo housing pandas, giraffes, and endangered species. Cable cars offer panoramic views of the bay.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for hill climbs. Bring waterproof gear for sea breezes.
What to eat: Dalian food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Zheng Huang Qi
Legendary seafood restaurant specializing in abalone and sea cucumber dishes. Reservations recommended for dinner.
2. 6886 Dalian Old Restaurant
Family-run eatery serving traditional Liaoning cuisine including sweet-and-sour yellow croaker fish.
3. Dalian Seafood Market
Open-air market where you select fresh catches then have them cooked at adjacent eateries.
Signature Dishes
1. Dalian Mianzi
Tapioca starch jelly served with sweet soy sauce, chili oil, and eggs. Try authentic version at Meng Ge Mianzi near Central Park.
2. Seafood Hotpot
Fresh catches cooked tableside in spicy broth. Top restaurants: Zheng Huang Qi for premium options and Zhen Hao Seafood for budget-friendly.
3. Fushan Braised Pig's Feet
Tender braised pork served with mantou bread. Best enjoyed at heritage restaurant Fangcheng Snacks established in 1937.
Dalian itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Dalian Marriott Hotel:Enjoy ocean-view breakfast at hotel's Sky Lounge
Visit Xinghai Square:Walk the promenade and visit the Dalian Museum (free with passport)
🥗Lunch at Zheng Huang Qi:Try abalone porridge and sautéed scallops
Explore Tiger Beach Ocean Park:See dolphin shows and polar bears (entry fee $18)
🍽️Dinner at 6886 Dalian Old Restaurant:Taste local specialties like braised sea cucumber
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Russian Street Café:Enjoy Russian pancakes at European-style cafe
Walk Japan Street:Photograph Meiji-era architecture and shop for souvenirs
🥗Lunch at Fangcheng Snacks:Try Fushan braised pigs' feet with mantou
Tour Dalian Museum:Free exhibits about maritime history and Russian/Japanese influences
Relax at Dalian People's Square:Watch fountain shows and feed pigeons
🍽️Dinner at Dalian Seafood Market:Select fresh lobster and have it grilled on-site
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Buffet breakfast with ocean view
Boat tour to Bangchui Island:Scenic island visit with hiking trails and historic presidential villa
🥗Picnic lunch at island beach:Enjoy packed seafood snacks while beachcombing
Return to city and visit Dalian Modern Museum:Interactive exhibits about port history and technology
🍽️Farewell dinner at Seafood Market:Celebrate trip with garlic butter scallops
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