Beware! Please don't come to Dalian!

Because then I can have all the fun to myself, hahaha.
I thought Qingdao was beautiful, until I came to Dalian.
Dalian has a low-key, luxurious kind of beauty.

Here's my recommended four-day, three-night itinerary:
It's not a whirlwind tour, but I managed to hit most of the must-see spots.
I'm pretty satisfied.

Day 1⃣️ Itinerary
Zhoushuizi International Airport ➡️ Xinghai Square ➡️ Xi Ding Dumplings ➡️ Bangchui Island (seagull watching) ➡️ Hai Zhi Yun Scenic Platform + The Archway of the Holy Elephant ➡️ Donggang Venice Water Town + OUR Bakery (coffee) ➡️ Fisherman's Wharf ➡️ Pin Hai Lou (dinner) ➡️ U-Le

Day 2⃣️ Itinerary
Castle photo shoot ➡️ Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform ➡️ Haida Cable Car ➡️ Tram No. 201 photo shoot ➡️ Yakitori ➡️ U-Le ➡️ Late-night noodles

Day 3⃣️ Itinerary
Sakura Senhe Uni Don ➡️ Jinshitan Coastal National Geological Park ➡️ Takeout

Day 4⃣️ Itinerary
Sleep in, return trip from Dalianbei Railway Station

⚠️⚠️⚠️Tips
❶ Two things to do on Bangchui Island: feed the seagulls and climb the small island.
❷ Two things to do at Hai Zhi Yun: visit the viewing platform and the Archway of the Holy Elephant (navigate to Xuri Square, then walk 20 mins; the road is a bit steep, so be careful).
❸ The best photo spot at Fisherman's Wharf is in front of Pin Hai Lou. You can also visit the cultural and creative shops at Cat Sky City. For photos of Diamond Bay, go to Laohutan Scenic Area; you'll need a telephoto lens.
❹ You can take a taxi to the south gate 2 of the zoo, then take the sightseeing bus to the Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform (one-way trip is CNY 30, a bit pricey, but walking isn't too far either). I don't recommend the cafe at the viewing platform; it's a rip-off.
❺ Xi Ding's sea urchin dumplings are delicious and fresh, but the wait is long. I went at 10am and waited for less than an hour.
❻ Jinshitan National Geological Park is quite fun (CNY 60 entrance fee, three park areas, about 2 hrs total). The rose garden is also beautiful and free.
❼ The castle is a stunning place for photos. It's worth the price, even if it's expensive to stay overnight.
❽ U-Le is a Dalian specialty. Spending CNY 1 is definitely worth it.
❾ For sea urchin, go to the Golden Triangle Seafood Market. The sea urchin is high quality and cheap, so you can eat your fill. Bringing a small spoon is essential.🤭

This time, I didn't make it to Hubowan, Silver Beach, or Qixianling Mountain.
A small regret, but I'll save them for next time.