Dalian is stunning, but I honestly don’t recommend going in August because.............

Dalian Travel Guide (with Price Reference): Explore the "Northern Pearl" for about 1200 RMB per person
Dalian, a coastal city located on the Liaodong Peninsula, is famous for its European-style architecture, blue seas and skies, and fresh seafood. It combines urban prosperity with natural tranquility. Compared to the tropical vibe of Sanya, Dalian’s summer feels cooler, making it a popular northern summer retreat. Below is a practical guide covering transportation, accommodation, food, and attractions, with a budget of 1200-1500 RMB per person (based on 4 days and 3 nights).

1. Preparation: Budget and Season Choice
Best travel time: May to October (pleasant climate, July and August are peak tourist seasons); September to October offers crisp autumn weather, ideal for hiking and photography.
Budget breakdown (per person for 4 days):
Transportation: 400-600 RMB (round-trip flight/train + local transport)
Accommodation: 300-500 RMB (hostels/economy hotels)
Food: 200-400 RMB (snacks + meals)
Attractions/activities: 300-500 RMB (tickets + experiences)

2. Transportation Guide: How to Get to Dalian?
By plane: Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport offers direct flights to major cities nationwide; off-season round-trip tickets cost about 600-1000 RMB (e.g., Beijing-Dalian).
From airport to city: Metro Line 2 direct (about 40 minutes, fare 4 RMB); taxi about 30 RMB (20 minutes).
By train: Dalian Station and Dalian North Station have high-speed trains; e.g., Shenyang-Dalian about 2 hours (120 RMB), Beijing-Dalian about 6 hours (350 RMB).
Local transport:
Metro: covers main attractions (e.g., Xinghai Square, Xi’an Road), fares 2-5 RMB.
Bus: most attractions cost 1-2 RMB but take longer.
Tram: Retro trams 201 and 202 (fare 2 RMB), great for experiencing city vibes.
Taxi: starting fare 10 RMB, trips between city attractions about 15-30 RMB one way.

3. Accommodation Recommendations: From Hostels to Sea View Rooms
Budget options: Hostels/homestays near Xinghai Square and Zhongshan Square, beds about 40-60 RMB/night, entire homestays 200-300 RMB/night (suitable for 2-3 people).
Chain hotels: such as Home Inn, Hanting, city prices 150-250 RMB/night, including breakfast.
Mid-to-high-end: Sea view hotels near Xinghai Square (e.g., Grand Hyatt, Castle Hotel) off-season 600-1000 RMB/night, book early in peak season.
Boutique homestays: near Fisherman’s Wharf and Laohutan, stylish stays 400-600 RMB/night, perfect for photos.
Money-saving tip: Choose accommodations outside scenic areas (e.g., Xi’an Road business district) for lower prices and convenient transport; book one month in advance for discounts.

4. Must-Visit Attractions and Activities (with Prices)
1. Xinghai Square: City Landmark
Admission: Free (square + cross-sea bridge viewing platform).
Must-do: Xinghai Bay Bridge night view (light show 19:30-21:00).
Feed seagulls (bring your own bread or buy fish food, 5 RMB/bag).
Xinghai Park Beach (free, great for sand and waves).
Nearby food: Dalian Old Restaurant (about 50 RMB/person), Xijiade Dumplings (about 30 RMB/person).

2. Laohutan Ocean Park: Family Favorite
Admission: Peak season 220 RMB/person (includes Polar Pavilion, Coral Pavilion, and 5 major halls), half price for students; off-season 190 RMB.
Special shows: Dolphin shows (11:00, 14:00, free to watch).
Money-saving tip: Buy tickets online to save 20-30 RMB; avoid weekends for fewer crowds.

3. Jinshitan (Golden Pebble Beach): Geological Wonder
Admission: Geological Park combo ticket 70 RMB/person, Golden Coast beach free.
Must-do: Geological Park hike (2 hours, see “Dinosaur Exploring the Sea” and other unique rocks).
Discovery Kingdom theme park (adult ticket 220 RMB, great for young people).
Transport: Light rail Line 3 to Jinshitan Station (8 RMB, 50 minutes), then transfer to sightseeing bus (20 RMB/person).

4. Bangchuidao Island: State Guesthouse Scenery
Admission: 20 RMB/person, electric cart 20 RMB/person (optional).
Highlights: Clear seawater, fine sandy beach, perfect for photos and picnics.
Transport: Taxi from city about 25 RMB (15 minutes).

5. Venice Water City: European Style
Admission: Free (open all day).
Must-do: Gondola ride (60 RMB/person, 15 minutes).
Cat’s Sky City bookstore (free, postcards available).
Nearby food: Pinhailou (about 80 RMB/person, recommended sea urchin dumplings).

6. Fisherman’s Wharf: Artsy Photo Spot
Admission: Free.
Highlights: Fishing boats docked, European architecture, sunset silhouette photo ops.
Nearby activities: Cat’s Sky City, Cat’s Café (about 40 RMB/person).

5. Food Guide: Eat Around Dalian for About 50 RMB per Person
Seafood BBQ: Recommended: 68-86 Dalian Old Restaurant (about 60 RMB/person), Zhenghuangqi Seafood BBQ (about 100 RMB/person).
Must-try: Grilled oysters (5 RMB each), spicy stir-fried clams (30 RMB/portion), sea urchin (25 RMB each).
Dalian Old Cuisine: Recommended: Riyueming Fish House (about 50 RMB/person), Tiantian Fish Harbor (about 80 RMB/person).
Must-try: Salted fish pancakes (30 RMB), three-flavor steamed jelly (25 RMB), seaweed buns (15 RMB/steamer).
Snack streets: Dai Street: popular snack hub, recommended grilled squid (10 RMB/skewer), steamed jelly (8 RMB/portion).
Jiao Da Night Market: locals’ favorite, about 30 RMB to eat until full (grilled cold noodles, fried skewers, fruit bowls).
Special drinks: Hongbaolai peanut milk (3 RMB/bottle), Dalian soda (2 RMB/bottle).
Money-saving tip: Avoid restaurants in scenic areas; choose small eateries near residential areas; buy seafood at markets and have restaurants cook it (processing fee 10-20 RMB/portion).

6. Sample 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary
Day 1: Classic City Tour
Morning: Xinghai Square (free) + Xinghai Park (free).
Afternoon: Coastal Road walk (free, boardwalk sea views).
Evening: Jiao Da Night Market (about 30 RMB/person).
Accommodation: Xinghai Square hostel (60 RMB/night).

Day 2: Laohutan + Fisherman’s Wharf
Morning: Laohutan Ocean Park (220 RMB ticket).
Afternoon: Fisherman’s Wharf photo ops (free) + lunch at Pinhailou (about 80 RMB/person).
Evening: Venice Water City night view (free) + gondola ride (60 RMB).
Accommodation: Zhongshan Square homestay (200 RMB/night).

Day 3: Jinshitan Day Trip
Morning: Light rail to Jinshitan (8 RMB) + Geological Park hike (70 RMB ticket).
Afternoon: Golden Coast beach (free) + Discovery Kingdom (optional, 220 RMB ticket).
Evening: Return to city, Dai Street snacks (about 40 RMB).
Accommodation: Xi’an Road hotel (180 RMB/night).

Day 4: Bangchuidao + Return
Morning: Bangchuidao Island (20 RMB ticket) + seaside picnic.
Afternoon: Russian Style Street (free, photo and shopping) + buy local specialties (dried squid, sea cucumber).
Evening: Return according to flight/train schedule.

Total cost: about 1200-1400 RMB (including tickets, food, accommodation).

7. Notes
Sun protection: Strong UV in summer, bring sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses.
Transport: Attractions are spread out; recommend combining light rail and taxis; avoid rush hours (7:30-9:00, 17:00-18:30).
Seafood caution: Avoid drinking large amounts of beer with seafood to prevent gout.
Bargaining: Night markets and specialty shops allow some bargaining, especially for seafood processing fees.

The romance of Dalian is hidden in the evening breeze at Xinghai Square, in the sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf, and in a steaming bowl of seaweed buns. Take this guide and experience the unique charm of this coastal city on a budget!