Dalian is a beautiful coastal city in China. A 4-day, 3-night itinerary will allow you to experience its natural scenery, historical culture, and local cuisine. Below is a suggested travel plan:
Day 1: Arrival in Dalian & City Exploration
- Morning:
- Arrival in Dalian. After checking into your hotel, take some time to rest. It is recommended to stay in a central hotel for convenient access to transportation and dining.
- Afternoon:
- Xinghai Square: Visit the largest city square in Dalian and the biggest in Asia. The square is surrounded by monuments, sculptures, and beautiful sea views, perfect for a relaxing walk.
- Xinghai Park: Stroll along the coast and enjoy the seaside scenery that Dalian is known for.
- Evening:
- Binhai Road Night View: Walk or take a cab along Binhai Road to enjoy Dalian’s nightscape. For dinner, try seafood at a local restaurant along the coast.
Day 2: Historical and Cultural Tour
- Morning:
- Lushun Scenic Area: Take a bus or private transport to Lushun, a historic site with landmarks such as the Lushun Museum, Baiyu Hill, and the Lushun Naval Port, where you can learn about Dalian’s military past.
- Nanji Bullet Depot: Explore this historic ammunition depot hidden in the mountains, full of historical significance.
- Afternoon:
- Dongjiguan Mountain Fortress: Continue your Lushun history tour by visiting this battlefield site from the Sino-Japanese War, where you can delve deeper into historical stories.
- Evening:
- After returning to the city, visit Russian Street to experience Dalian's unique foreign influence. You can also enjoy dinner at a Russian restaurant.
Day 3: Nature and Leisure
- Morning:
- Bangchuidao Scenic Area: Head to Bangchuidao, known for its crystal-clear waters and fine sandy beaches. You can swim or take a leisurely walk along the shore, and even take a boat trip to explore the island.
- Afternoon:
- Laohutan Ocean Park: Visit one of China’s largest and most modern ocean theme parks, where you can watch dolphin and sea lion shows, and explore the coral and polar pavilions. It’s great for a family-friendly activity.
- Evening:
- After returning to the city, explore Dalian Night Market, and try various local snacks such as seafood barbecue, Dalian jelly, and Chinese pancakes.
Day 4: Shopping and Departure
- Morning:
- Victory Plaza Shopping Mall: This is a comprehensive shopping and dining center where you can buy Dalian specialties such as seafood products and shell carvings.
- Japanese Style Street: Visit this street to experience another unique cultural vibe of Dalian with Japanese-style architecture and restaurants. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs.
- Afternoon:
- Zhongshan Square: Visit this iconic landmark of Dalian surrounded by historical European-style buildings for some photo opportunities.
- Departure: Head to the airport or train station depending on your departure time.
Other Tips:
- Transportation: Dalian has convenient public transport, with buses and subways covering most attractions. Hiring a private car is also a good option for visiting further areas like Lushun.
- Food Recommendations: Dalian is famous for its seafood, so be sure to try local delicacies such as sea cucumbers, abalone, and mantis shrimp. Street food at night markets is also worth trying.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Dalian is from May to October, when you can enjoy the seaside scenery in summer and cooler weather in autumn.
This itinerary should help you make the most of a delightful 4-day, 3-night trip to Dalian!
