Dalian has returned, and it is really not recommended to go in July and August because it is just too much~
While the south suffers from unbearable heat, the sea breeze in Dalian embraces you with a refreshing 20°C! Here, there is no sticky heat, only clear blue sea and sky, incredibly fresh seasonal seafood, and endless scenery winding along the coastline. This summer, come to Dalian to start a healing journey away from the high temperatures!
**🌊 Best travel time: July - August**
* **Pleasant climate:** Average temperature 20-28°C, with gentle sea breeze, making it an excellent summer resort.
* **Warm sea water:** Perfect for swimming and playing in the waves.
* **Delicious seafood:** The season when all kinds of seafood are plump and fresh!
* **Rich activities:** Beer festivals, beach culture festivals, and other summer events are held one after another.
**🚉 Transportation guide:**
* **Airplane:** Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport connects to major cities nationwide. Airport shuttle bus and Metro Line 2 go directly to the city center.
* **High-speed train/train:** Dalian Station, Dalian North Station, and the Harbin-Dalian High-Speed Railway connect Northeast China and the whole country. Metro, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services are convenient within the city.
* **City transportation:** Metro covers major attractions and business districts; the vintage tram (Route 201) is a unique city scenery; along Binhai Road, it is recommended to take a taxi or charter a car for sightseeing.
**🏖️ Must-visit attractions:**
1. **Xinghai Square & Xinghai Bay:** Asia’s largest city square, enjoy the vast sea and sky, feed flocks of seagulls, and admire the dazzling night view of the cross-sea bridge.
2. **Binhai Road:** One of "China’s most beautiful coastal roads," walk or drive with mountains on one side and sea on the other. Highlights: Beida Bridge, Yanwo Ridge, Fujiazhuang Park (seaside bathing beach), Xiuyue Peak.
3. **Bangchuidao Island:** Location of the State Guesthouse, with crystal-clear water, soft sandy beaches, and a quiet elegant environment (entrance fee 20 RMB).
4. **Laohutan Ocean Park:** Watch beluga and dolphin shows, stroll through the Underwater World (entrance about 220 RMB).
5. **Jinshitan National Tourist Resort:** (About 1 hour drive from the city) Ten-mile golden sandy beach, unique geological wonders (Dinosaur Sea Exploration, etc.), Discovery Kingdom theme park (suitable for families and young people).
6. **Lüshunkou District:** A chapter of modern Chinese history, visit the old Russo-Japanese prison site, Lüshun Museum, and Naval Port Park to feel the vicissitudes of history.
**🍽️ Dalian food guide:**
* **Seafood feast:** Must-try in July-August: plump sea urchin, abalone, mantis shrimp, yellow croaker, oysters, and shrimp claws (mantis shrimp). Recommended dishes: **steamed seafood, sea urchin dumplings, seafood barbecue, and Menzi (a local snack).**
* **Authentic restaurants:** Guangcai Restaurant (old brand), Zhenghuangqi Seafood BBQ, Haiwei Dangjia (steamed seafood), Rifengyuan Dumpling House.
* **Food streets:** Zhongyuan Snack Street, Yan’an Road, Jiaotong University Snack Street.
**🏨 Recommended accommodation areas:**
* **City center (Qingniwa Bridge, Youhao Square):** Transportation hub, convenient for shopping and dining.
* **Xinghai Square/Xinghai Bay:** Best choice for sea view rooms, beautiful environment, close to the beach.
* **Zhongshan Square/Renmin Road:** Strong European style, concentration of high-end hotels.
* **Xi’an Road:** Commercial center, convenient metro, cost-effective.
**📅 Sample itinerary:**
* **Classic 3 days 2 nights:**
* Day 1: Xinghai Square (feed seagulls, see the bridge) → Mid-section of Binhai Road hike (Beida Bridge, Yanwo Ridge) → Laohutan Ocean Park
* Day 2: Bangchuidao Island → Fisherman’s Wharf (artistic photo spot) → Donggang Music Fountain Square (around 7:30 PM)
* Day 3: Jinshitan (Golden Coast, Geological Park) or one-day tour of Lüshun (Naval Port, Museum)
* **In-depth 4-5 days:**
* On top of the 3-day itinerary, add: East section of Binhai Road (Hai Zhi Yun Park, Strange Slope) → Discovery Kingdom theme park (whole day) → Experience the tram → Explore more hidden beaches or try clam digging.
**💡 Travel tips:**
1. **Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!** Strong UV rays by the sea, high SPF sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas are essential.
2. **Bring a light jacket:** Cool sea breeze in the morning and evening, air-conditioned vehicles and indoor spaces can be chilly.
3. **Rock safety:** Pay attention to tides when playing, avoid getting trapped on rocks; do not swim in unfamiliar waters.
4. **Seafood purchase:** Check freshness when buying seafood at markets, confirm prices before ordering at food stalls.
5. **Comfortable shoes:** Lots of walking on Binhai Road and other spots, wear comfortable sneakers or flats.
6. **Bioluminescent sea surprise:** If lucky (usually on moonless nights in July and August), you might encounter magical blue bioluminescent sea in areas like Daheishi and Xiaoheishi (caused by algae, not a fixed phenomenon).
**✨ In conclusion:**
Dalian’s summer is a symphony of sea breeze and hops, a dance of taste buds and waves. Step on the soft sand, let the cool sea water wash over your ankles; at the corner of Binhai Road, wait for an orange-flavored sunset; in the bustling night market, feel the lively seafood carnival... This northern romantic city, with its cool 20°C embrace, is waiting to meet you!
**Pack your bags and head to Dalian! Let the sea breeze blow away the heat, let the mountains and sea heal your soul!** 🌅🦀🚢