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July 25, 2025
1 viewsUltimate 5-Day Dalian Family Travel & Budget Food Guide
Discover how to explore Dalian with kids, savor local delicacies, and stay within budget
Family TravelBudget TravelFood Travel5 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 大连
Location: Liaoning Province, Northeast China
Famous For: Coastal beauty,Russian architecture,Seafood cuisine,Family-friendly parks
Daily Cost: $40-80 USD
Best Season: May-Jun & Sep-Oct
Why Visit Dalian: China's Coastal Gem
Dalian offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. This coastal city combines stunning beaches like Xinghai Square with unique Russian Street architecture, creating a perfect destination for families seeking both relaxation and adventure while enjoying budget-friendly experiences.
Best Time to Explore Dalian
Ideal Seasons: Spring (May-June) and Autumn (Sep-Oct) offer perfect temperatures (15-25°C) for outdoor activities
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-20°C) with blooming flowers at Bangchui Island, ideal for beach walks and outdoor family activities
☀️Summer: Warm (20-28°C) but breezy at Golden Pebble Beach, best for water activities and seafood festivals
🍁Autumn: Comfortable (10-22°C) with autumn foliage at Laotie Mountain National Forest Park, perfect for hiking
❄️Winter: Cold (0-5°C) with limited outdoor options, but good for indoor attractions like Dalian Museum
Arriving and Leaving Dalian
Metro (Lines 1-5), 2 yuan flat fare; Buses 1-3 yuan; Taxi starts at 10 yuan; Family-friendly options: Dalian Sightseeing Bus
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport [Recommended]
4th largest airport in NE China - 12km from city center, 30min taxi ($8-10), metro Line 2 available
Dalian North Railway Station
High-speed rail hub connecting Beijing (5h) and Shenyang (2h), 15km from city center, taxi ~$7
Dalian Railway Station
Older main station for conventional trains, 2km from Xinghai Square, walkable/cheap taxi
Best Neighborhoods for Family Stay
Xinghai Square
Closest to main attractions, 3-5 star hotels like Shangri-La Dalian, 300-800 RMB/night options
Xi'an Road
Budget-friendly with good transport access, popular chain hotels from 200 RMB/night
East Harbor District
Modern area near Dalian Disney with family suites and water view apartments
Top Family Attractions in Dalian
Xinghai Square
Asia's largest city square with kid-friendly playgrounds, bike rentals, and nightly light shows
Dalian Forest Zoo
Home to pandas, tigers, and dolphin shows, with skywalk system connecting different animal areas
Golden Pebble Beach
8km geological coastline with safe beaches for kids, tide pools, and the famous 18-hole golf course
Tips
Purchase combo tickets at Dalian Discovery Kingdom for 20% discount. Visit aquariums early morning to avoid crowds.
Budget Dalian Cuisine: What to Eat
Recommended Restaurants
1. Zheng Huang Qi
Local chain serving authentic Dongbei cuisine, family set meals from $15, signature dishes: Seafood Hotpot
![Full Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot [Qing Xiang Hai Tang] (Zi Jia Ni - 350ml)](/_next/image?url=http%3A%2F%2Fyiqinteahouse.com%2Fcdn%2Fshop%2Ffiles%2Ffull-handmade-yixing-zisha-teapot-qing-xiang-hai-tang-zi-jia-ni-350ml-yiqin-tea-house-yiqinteahouse-com-1.jpg%3Fv%3D1723794210&w=3840&q=75)
2. Xiang Hai Jia
Seafood market with cook-your-own option, 30% cheaper than Western restaurants, must-try: Steamed Scallops
3. Dalian Old Street Night Market
200+ street food stalls near Qingniwa Bridge, budget eats from $0.5 per skewer
Signature Dishes
1. Stuffed Vermicelli (Mian Fen)
Crispy sweet potato noodles topped with shrimp, pork, and egg, served with spicy sauce
2. Sea Urchin Roe (Hai Dan)
Fresh sea urchin served raw on the half-shell, best at local night markets
3. Three Delicacies Dumplings (San Xian Jiaozi)
Pork-based dumplings with sea cucumber, shrimp, and mushrooms from Dalian Dumpling House
Dalian 5-Day Family Itinerary
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Dalian Old Street:Try local specialties like Jianbing and Tofu Pudding
Visit Russian Street:Family-friendly architecture walk with souvenir shops
🥗Lunch at Xiang Hai Jia:Seafood market with DIY cooking options
Explore Dalian Museum:Interactive exhibits and free entry
🍽️Dinner at Kaiyuan Food Market:Budget-friendly local favorites like Grilled Scallops
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Starbucks:Quick coffee and snacks before beach day
Visit Xinghai Park:Kids play areas and sea lion performances
🥗Lunch at Xinghai Seafood Restaurant:Beachfront dining with fresh catches
Walk Golden Pebble Beach Corridor:Gentle trails and tide pool exploration
🍽️Dinner at Golden Pebble Beach Barbecue:Family-style grilled seafood feast
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Xi'an Road Market:Local bakery and street food options
Explore Dalian Forest Zoo:Morning is best for active animal viewing
🥗Lunch at Zoo Restaurant:Convenient picnic-style options
Visit Black Stone Reef Park:Interactive marine exhibits and touch pools
🍽️Dinner at Dalian Dumpling House:Traditional family-style dining experience
DAY 4
🍳Early Breakfast at Hotel:Ensure energy for full-day activities
Enter Dalian Discovery Kingdom:Rides for all ages, shows every 2 hours
🥗Lunch inside Park:Variety of themed dining options
Watch 4D Movie Show:Great break from rides for younger kids
🍽️Dinner at Xiang Hai Jia:Rewarding meal after full day of fun
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Dalian Hotel:Traditional Chinese buffet
Visit Dalian Art Museum:Interactive art workshops for kids
🥗Lunch at Zheng Huang Qi:Try signature Pork Blood Stew
Shopping at Dalian Department Store:Local snacks and souvenirs for take-home gifts
Departure:Head to airport/station with happy memories
Dalian Travel FAQs
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