Dalian Travel Guide

Overview
Dalian is a port city, square city, soccer city and romatic city, it is also a young city with history of 100 years. Located in the southernmost tip of Liaodong Peninsula. To the east lies the Yellow Sea and west the Bohai Sea, Dalian is a natural non-freezing deep-water harbor serves as a sea and land transport hub of North and South as well as one of the most important international trading ports. As a gateway of three provinces in Northeast China and Inner Mongolia, Dalian not only has an important strategic position, but also processes the beautiful scenery. 

How to Get to Dalian
Dalian is the second largest city in Liaoning Province and the popular tourist city, it has a well-developed transportation system. Flight, High-speed train, even the you can take cruise to reach Dalian city. Below is the details about how to travel to Dalian:

1. By Train: Dalian is well connected to the railway networks that crisscross the northern and the eastern parts of China. There are four railway stations serving in this city: Dalian Station, Dalian North Station, the new Wafangdian Station and the new Pulandian Station. The most important railways is Harbin-Dalian Railway line, it is a high speed railway line between Dalian and Harbin, with the total length of over 904 km, and the traveling speed is more than 350 km per hour. And the Shenyang-Dalian Railway, it is one of the six main arteries of transportation in China, with stop at Dalian Station and the new Dalian North Station.

2. By Air: Taking flight is one of convenient way to get to Dalian city from other part of China. Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is the only one airport in Dalian city which 18 km northwest of downtown Dalian; It known as one of the four largest airports in the northeast China. It offering 121 direct flights to and from most of the main cities in the mainland China as well as to Hong Kong and other main cities of 15 countries, e.g. Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sendai, etc.

How to get to Dalian city from Airport: There are public city buses No.516, 532, 610, 701 and 710, each will run for about 40 minutes and cost 1 or 2 yuan; Airport shuttle buses directly to Youhao Square (Friendly Square) will cost 10 yuan; Taxi is the most convenient from airport from Dalian airport to downtown area, it takes around 20 minutes and the fee is about CNY25. 

3. By Ship: The renowned Port of Dalian has a thriving shipping with over 150 countries and areas in the world. In the mainland China, it provides daily ships to and from Yantai, Weihai, Penglai, Tianjin Newport and Changhai, of which to Yantai and Changhai, there are high-speed tourist ships. Passenger liner to Inchon of Korea also available. 

Climate & Weather
The best time to visit Dalian city is from May to September, you can enjoy the good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The famous summer resort Dalian enjoys the North Temperate Zone monsoon-type continental climate, which is the warmest region in Northeast China, with the annual average temperature of about 10?. The hottest month is August with an average maximum temperature of 27°C. The coldest period in Dalian is from January to February. Please kindly note July is the most wet month. This month should be avoided if you are not a big fan of rain. 

What to pack for Dalian Tour
Spring in Dalian is from March to May, the average temperature of 15?, you can bring the jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved T-shirts and pants. Summer is hot and wet, lasts from June to September in Dalian with the highest temperature of 30 to 32?, you need to prepare T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, skirts, sandal, sunbonnet and sunglasses. Autumn is comfortabel in Dalian which from late September to early November with the average temperature of 16 to 20?. Jackets, thin sweaters and pants are enough for Dalian Autumn. Winter lasts from late November to early March in Dalian with the minimum temperature of -14 to -17?. You should bring the down jackets, sweaters, gloves, pants, cotton trousers and cotton trousers to keep warm. 

Festivals & Events
There are many festivals and events held in Dalian city, such as Dalian Fireworks Affairs, Dalian Chinese Scholar Tree Blossom Affairs, Dalian Import and Export Commodity Fair, Dalian Cherry Blossom Festival, Dalian Software Trade Fair, China International Beer Festival, Dalian Sand Beach Culture Festival, Dalian International Fashion Festival, China International Marathon Invitational Tournament and Hot Spring and Skating Festival.

Dalian International Beach Culture Festival is one of the most important festivals, it will be held from July to August each year. It is a widely festivals that participated by all the citizens, it is also an important international event which can fuel the economic growth of Dalian.

Top Things to Visit in Dalian
Dalian is one of the popuar tourist destinations in the northeast China, it's known for the pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, natural scenery and cultural sites. It is a well known tourist city and summer resort place in Liaoning province, it is also a "World's 500 Best Environment Cities". Below is the top things to visit when you travel to Dalian:

1) Tiger Beach Ocean Park
Tiger Beach Ocean Park is located on the southern coast of Dalian. It is constructed beside the mountains and the ocean, giving visitors a scenic view to enjoy while also creating a conducive environment for the animals that it houses. The park's main areas include: The Pole Aquarium, Coral Hall, Happy Theatre, Marine Animals World and Bird Park. You can enjoy the performance brought to you by beluga whales, sea lions and dolphins, or head to the Happy Theatre to decipher the body languages of cute sea lions and walruses.

Address: On-season (April 1 - October 31) 8:00-17:00, off-season (November 1 - March 31) 8:30-17:00.
Opening Hours: No. 9 Binhai Middle Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian
Entrance: CNY220
How to get there: You can take Dalian city bus No. 2,4,30,403,404, No.403, No.404 or Dalian tourist shuttle buses.

2) Dalian Xinghai Square
Xinghai Park is located south of Dalian in the middle section of Xinghai Bay. It is a large seaside park adjacent to to Shengya Ocean World. The park has a bathing area on the beach and an abundance of recreational facilities. Not only is it a great summer destination, it is also a place for teens to hang out. The thrilling Sea Bungee is especially worth checking out.

Address: No. 634, Zhongshan Road, Shahekou District, Dalian
Opening Hours: All the day
Entrance: Free
How to get there: Take bus No. 15, 16, 25, 202, 523, 528, 531 in Dalian to Xinghai Park Station. After getting off the car, walk about 100 meters to the southeast to enter the park

3) Bangcui Island
It is also called the Bangchui Island Resort Hotel Area and located on the eastern side of Dalian's urban district. Its main attractions include Bangchui Island Beach, the hotel villa area and Bangchui Island itself. Bangchui is recognized as one of the cleanest beaches in Dalian. The coastal scenery is quite charming; it's a famous vacation spot! Go for a stroll, get a tan, breathe in the ocean air or watch the children gather seashells and goose eggs on the beach.

Address: No.30, Binhai Road,Zhongshan District, Dalian
Opening hours: 8:00-19:00,admission stopped at 19:00
Entrance: CNY10
How to get there: Taxi is the best way to visit the Bangcui Island from Dalian city center, it's about 9KM away and takes 15 minutes.

4) Binhai Road
It is one of the landmark of Dalian city with beautiful scenery. With a total length of  30KM, on this coastal road stretching more than 30 kilometers, the north is surrounded by lush and verdant mountains, with blue sea and the reef islands to the south making it is an excellent place for hiking and photography. There are many well-known scenic spots along the Binhai Road, such as the beautiful Haizhiyun Park, as well as summer resorts such as Bangchui Island, Shicao Scenic Spot and Tiger Beach Ocean Park.

Address: Binhai Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian city
Opening hours: All the day
Entrance: Free
How to get there: Take bus No. 18,22,202,2,4,403,502,702 from Dalian city to reach different section of Binhai Road; You can take tourist sightseeing buses if you travel during peak season(April-October); Take taxi is a good option to reach Binhai Road.

5) Jinshitan Scenic Area
It is one of the most famous attractions in Dalian. Situated in the south tip of Liaodong Peninsula and bordering the Yellow Sea, Jinshitan Scenic Area is about 50 kilometers from Dalian City. Consisting of two peninsulas and a wide beach, with a land area of 62 square kilometers and a water surface of 58 square kilometers, and owns a coastline of 30 kilometers.

Address: No.36 Jinshi Road, Jinzhou District, Dalian
Opening hours: All the day
Entrance: CNY160 per person includes all the attractions.
How to get there: Take buses directly to Jinshitan Scenic Area, which is adjacent to Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone; You can take light rail from Dalian train station to Jinshitan is available.

Food Culture in Dalian
The Dalian food is featured with Shangdong cuisine since the most locals are the descendants of the immigrants from Shandong in history. Dalian is a coast city and it's famous for the freshness seafood. There are plenty of small restaurants on the roads leading off Zhangshan Square and Friendship Square. There is a night market on Tianjin Jie, where you can sit outside and enjoy the barbecue seafood and other local specialties with cold beers. For good and modestly priced seafood, try Tian Tian Yu Gang at Yan’an Road.

The locals always recommend the seafood fans not to come in July and August as during the period, the local authority imposes a two-month fishing moratorium to conserve the fisheries resources. The most popular local dishes are the Stir - fried prawns and the Lantern - shaped Steamed Abalone, along with the snacks Men Zi and salted fish and corn pancakes.

Top Dalian Tours

Flexible Dalian City Highlights Day Tour with Seafood Lunch

Highlight:Get to know Dalian and its historical highlights in one day on this private city tour. Visit the biggest and most famous Dalian People Square for the city views, and visit Xinhai Park. Then stroll Russian Style Street and dmire the grand European-style buildings. Lastly, drive along Binhai Road, enjoy the panoramic coastline and sea. This is a wonderful tour that suit for travelers who both love history and nature.

2-Days Dalian City Highlights Tour

Highlight:Discover the top attractions in Dalian with a private tour guide during this 2-day tour. Visit Xinghai Park & Square, the landmark of the city, stroll along the Russian Style Street, Binhai Road, Dalian People Square to witness the city that has to offer. This 2-Day tour package is a private tour without any hassles, you can explore all the attractions at your own pace. Entrance fees, a knowlegedable guide, city transfer are all included.

Dalian Travel Tips
1) Tap water is not drinkable, you should drink mineral water or pure water. And it's best not to drink beer when eating seafood. 

2) Dalian is also a high-spending place, try to bargain when you go shopping, and pay attention to the quality of the products.

3) Be respect local custom and culture during the tour since there are some minority people.

4) Langauge may be a barrier since few people speak english in Dalian, you can download a translation application in advance.