Things To Do
in Dalian
Dalian, located in the Liaoning Province of China, is a major port city recognized for its significant role in trade, finance, and tourism within Northeast Asia. The city boasts a unique blend of modern and historic architecture, reflecting its multifaceted history and vibrant culture.
Dalian is renowned for its scenic coastlines, lush parks, and squares, making it a popular destination for both local and international tourists seeking natural beauty and urban sophistication.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Tiger Beach, where you can enjoy the ocean views and take a stroll along the shore. Grab a local breakfast at a nearby café to fuel your exploration.
Head to the Dalian Modern Museum to learn about the city's history and art. Afterward, take a leisure walk in the nearby Friendship Square.
Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant near the beach to savor fresh local delicacies. Finish your day with a relaxing walk along the waterfront promenade.
Visit the Dalian Art Museum to immerse yourself in contemporary Chinese art. Take some time to explore the diverse exhibitions and installations.
Lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant then make your way to the Lao Dong Park to relax amidst nature. This park features scenic paths and beautiful gardens.
Attend a cultural performance at the Dalian People's Stadium or a nearby theater. Enjoy a vibrant dinner at a local hotpot restaurant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Dalian is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and beaches, making it a popular tourist destination.
- The city has a pleasant climate, with mild winters and warm summers.
- Dalian boasts a strong economy, especially in shipping, logistics, and technology sectors.
- There are a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, parks, and historical sites.
- The city has well-developed infrastructure, including public transport and a modern international airport.
- Air pollution can be a concern in certain areas of the city.
- Dalian experiences heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- The cost of living can be high relative to the national average, particularly in housing.
- Language barriers may pose challenges for non-Chinese speakers.
- Limited options for international cuisine compared to larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
Best Activities in Dalian
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy dolphin and sea lion shows, and explore the marine life in the aquarium.
Relax in the beautiful gardens, go boating on the lake, or visit the sculpture garden.
Take a stroll along the beach, rent a bike, or enjoy various water activities.
Explore the variety of wildlife and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Dalian with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Dalian
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the sea and cliffs, ideal for photography
Features a beautiful coastline and sunset views, perfect for photography
Scenic road along the coastline with panoramic views, great for photography
Food in Dalian
Dalian Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street food often found along Xinghai Square or outside Zhongshan Square. The squid is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, offering a tantalizing mix of smoky and savory flavors.
Must-Try!
This delicacy can be savored at high-end restaurants like Ming Wah International Convention Center or local seafood restaurants near Tiger Beach. The sea cucumber is braised to a tender texture and combined with scallions for a flavorful dish.
Widely available in seafood restaurants around the city, this dish showcases the local affinity for grilled seafood. The yellow croaker is seasoned with salt and gently grilled, yielding a delightful smoky flavor.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Dalian better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located near Xinghai Square, this bustling seafood market offers a wide array of fresh catches and street food stalls. Visitors can sample grilled seafood, crispy fried snacks, and authentic local specialties.
This vibrant night market features a diverse range of street food vendors, from sizzling kebabs to steaming dumplings. It's an ideal spot to soak in the city's lively atmosphere while indulging in delicious snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Dalian, it's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close when interacting with others.
In Chinese culture, using formal greetings such as 'Ni Hao' (hello) and addressing people with their proper titles is a sign of respect.
Showing respect to elders and authority figures is highly valued in Dalian, and it's important to use proper language and gestures when interacting with them.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Dalian with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Dalian
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not expected in Dalian, China. It is not a common practice in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
In Dalian, China, cash is still widely used for smaller transactions, especially in local markets and smaller shops. However, major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger retail stores. Mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used and accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Dalian is during spring when the city's cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The temperatures are mild and comfortable, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Summer in Dalian is warm and humid with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. This season is ideal for beachgoers as Dalian has some beautiful beaches and coastal areas to explore.
Autumn is also a great time to visit Dalian, with comfortable temperatures and stunning fall foliage. The city is less crowded, and the air quality tends to improve during this season.
Winter in Dalian is cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, the city becomes a winter wonderland with ice lantern festivals and other winter activities that make it a unique and exciting time to visit.
Dalian at Night
Hiking in Dalian
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area featuring beautiful coastal views, rocky cliffs, and several hiking trails, suitable for both casual walkers and more serious hikers.
This area offers a variety of hiking paths through lush forests and hilly terrain, providing stunning views of the coastline and Dalian city.
A national forest park with well-marked trails that wind through dense forests and up to higher elevations, perfect for a day of hiking and enjoying nature.
A lesser-known area with peaceful trails alongside rivers and streams, featuring rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Known for its picturesque island views, Bangchuidao has several hiking paths along the shoreline, with opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the seaside.
Aiports
How to reach Dalian by plane.
The main international airport serving Dalian, located approximately 10 km northeast of the city center.
Located about 200 km west of Dalian, it is the largest airport in Liaoning Province and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated approximately 120 km southwest of Dalian, this airport facilitates several domestic flights.
About 270 km southeast of Dalian, this airport connects Yantai with various domestic and international destinations.
Located roughly 290 km southwest of Dalian, this airport primarily serves domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Dalian, comprising over 90% of the population.
A significant minority group, historically present in the region, contributing to the cultural diversity of Dalian.
A smaller ethnic group known for their historical significance in China and presence in the Dalian area.
Muslim ethnic group that contributes to the cultural tapestry of Dalian.
A historical presence due to Dalian's past as a Russian territory, with a small community remaining.
Includes various small groups such as Mongols, Tibetans, and Uighurs, among others, with minimal population presence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Dalian, with a rich history and a strong following. The city is home to professional teams and hosts numerous soccer events.
Table tennis has a significant presence in Dalian, with many local clubs and tournaments. It is a favored sport among both recreational players and serious athletes.
Basketball enjoys widespread popularity in Dalian, with many parks and schools featuring courts. The local community actively participates in leagues and friendly matches.
Dalian, with its coastal location, promotes swimming as a popular sport, especially during the summer months. There are various indoor and outdoor swimming facilities available.
Badminton is a well-liked sport in Dalian, enjoyed by people of all ages. The city organizes various competitions, and many players participate in community events.
Volleyball is another favorite sport in Dalian, both on the beach and indoors. The city hosts volleyball tournaments and has many recreational teams.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dalian.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Dalian cuisine predominantly features seafood and meat, several restaurants such as Veggie Mama and Ma HuaHua offer vegetarian and vegan dishes crafted from fresh produce and plant-based ingredients.
Though gluten-free awareness is growing, it's advisable for individuals with gluten restrictions to communicate their dietary needs clearly at restaurants. International hotel chains and upscale dining establishments are generally more adept at accommodating such dietary preferences.