Just returned from Dalian, really don't recommend visiting in July-August because it's just too...

I. Itinerary Suggestions (3-5 Day Highlights Version)

📍 Classic 3-Day Tour

- Day 1: City Landmarks & Coastal Charm
- Morning: Xinghai Square (feed seagulls, view cross-sea bridge) → Dalian Museum (free with reservation, see modern history diorama)
- Afternoon: Russian Style Street (European architecture + Dalian Art Museum) → Zhongshan Square (century-old European bank buildings + pigeon flocks)
- Evening: Donggang Music Fountain (19:30 light show) → Venice Water Town (night gondola ride, 60 RMB/person)

- Day 2: Mountain-Sea Wonders In-Depth Experience
- Morning: Binhai Road hike (Fujiazhuang → Yanwo Ridge cliff swing → North Bridge) → Tiger Beach Ocean Park (beluga whale show at Polar Pavilion)
- Afternoon: Fisherman's Wharf (colorful fishing boats + Cat's Sky Bookstore) → Bangchuidao (pebble beach + state guesthouse villas)
- Dusk: Haizhiyun Park (Elephant Trunk Heavenly Gate + Xuri Square sea view)

- Day 3: Geology & Culture Exploration
- Full day: Jinshitan (Geopark hike to see Dinosaur Exploring Sea/Turtle Back Stone) → Discoveryland Theme Park (roller coasters + parade)

🌿 Niche 4-5 Day Add-ons

- Lushun Route: Russo-Japanese Prison Museum → Taiyanggou Scenic Area (Ginkgo Avenue + historic buildings) → Baiyu Mountain military harbor view
- Hidden Gems:
- Sanjing Ranch (70 RMB): grassland windmills + animal interactions, great for family camping
- Tahewan Beach (10 RMB): Instagrammable transparent boats + colorful swings, accessible via Metro Line 12
- Wangyu Mountain (free): cliff sea views + Santorini-style architecture

II. Must-Visit Attractions Deep Dive

🏞️ Classic Must-Dos

1. Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform
- 100 RMB round-trip cable car, 360° panoramic view of Dalian, stunning "orange sea" at sunset
2. Xinghai Bay Cross-Sea Bridge
- Best photo spot: rock piles at South Gate of Forest Zoo, light show starts at 19:30
3. Dawn Beach (inside Haizhiyun Park)
- Jelly-like sea + cliff walkway, reveals natural stone "Elephant Trunk Heavenly Gate" at low tide

🌊 Hidden Gems

- Lingjiao Bay: telephoto shots of Fisherman's Wharf panorama, best lighting on sunny afternoons
- Fuguo Park: free 20-minute hike to top, famous for city night views
- Shengtang Lanshan: Tang Dynasty-style street leading to sea, great for tidepooling

III. Food Guide

🦞 Seafood Tips

- Best season: September after fishing ban lifts! Recommend Liaoyu Seafood Market (fresh catch cooked onsite)
- Must-try:
- Sea urchin steamed egg, braised sea cucumber with scallion, sea intestine rice (local eateries 50-80 RMB)
- Grilled squid (10 RMB/skewer), Dalian fried starch jelly (5 RMB, served with sesame sauce & garlic)

🍽️ Top Restaurants

- Zhenghuangqi Seafood BBQ: grilled abalone + sea urchin steamed egg, ~80 RMB/person
- Pin Hai Lou (Fisherman's Wharf): abalone rice + sea urchin tofu hot pot, ~100 RMB/person
- Jiaoda Night Market: fried cold noodle roll with stinky tofu (8 RMB), fried starch jelly, grilled squid

IV. Practical Tips

1. Transportation
- Airport→Downtown: Metro Line 2 direct (4 RMB/30 mins), avoid unlicensed taxis
- City travel: No bike-sharing! Prioritize metro + taxis (10 RMB base fare), wear anti-slip shoes for coastal hikes
2. Ticket Savings
- Buy Tiger Beach/Discoveryland tickets online 1 day early to save 20 RMB, Jinshitan combo tickets offer better value
3. Accommodation
- Best location: Zhongshan Square (metro hub + European architecture)
- Best sea views: Xinghai Square (Grand Hyatt 1200 RMB/night, Home Inn budget option 200 RMB/night)
4. Warnings
- Russian Street matryoshka dolls are mostly from Yiwu, buy cautiously; choose seafood restaurants with clear pricing
- Bring windproof jackets for breezy coastlines, wear thick-soled shoes for rocky areas