Never go to Dalian in March, I'm afraid once you see this sea, you'll never forget that blue!
March in Dalian is a season for those who truly understand it. If you're ready to feel like "once you come, you won't want to leave," then set off!
🚗 Transportation Recommendations
External Transportation
· Airplane: Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport is very close to the city center. After landing, take Metro Line 2 directly to downtown, about 30 minutes; a taxi costs 40-50 yuan and also takes about 30 minutes.
· High-speed Rail: Dalian Station is in the city center with very convenient surrounding transportation; Dalian North Station is a bit farther but connected by Metro Line 2, still quite convenient.
Internal Transportation
· Metro: Currently 4 lines available. Download the "Dalian Metro e-Travel" app to scan codes for rides. Most attractions are accessible.
· Bus: Many routes offering city views. May experience traffic jams during peak hours. Some routes support Alipay ride codes.
· Taxi/Ride-hailing: Starting fare is 8 yuan, 2 yuan per kilometer, very affordable. Carpooling is common during peak hours. When the driver rolls down the window and asks "Where to?" just calmly give your address.
· Tram: Highly recommend Route 201! The vintage carriages slowly shuttle through the city, passing old buildings with a strong retro vibe. Avoid riding during morning and evening rush hours—you'll be packed like sardines.
· Taxi Tip: City taxis usually cost no more than 20 yuan, but starting fare near Laohutan is 20 yuan. Pay attention when booking accommodation.
👣 Attraction Recommendations (March Off-Peak Edition)
March in Dalian means fewer people and beautiful scenery. These places are worth a leisurely visit:
【Classic Must-Visit】
1. Xinghai Square — Asia's largest city square
· Highlights: Feeding seagulls, night view of the cross-sea bridge, century-old city sculptures. The square is huge; renting a bike to ride around is a great choice. Dalian rarely has hills here.
· Avoid: Don’t eat seafood at the various "fishing ports" around the square—they are places for hosting guests and usually too expensive for regular visitors.
· Nearby: Xinghai Park offers sea bungee jumping for over 200 yuan per jump. Thrill-seekers can give it a try.
2. Binhai Road — Mountains on one side, sea on the other
· Highlights: This scenic road connects many beautiful spots. Recommended to hike or bike a section. Beida Bridge is a popular wedding photo spot, stunning beyond words! If tired, take the city sightseeing bus with hop-on-hop-off service.
3. Bangchuidao Island — A summer retreat for national leaders
· Highlights: Crystal-clear seawater, pebble beaches, quiet environment, perfect for walking, daydreaming, and photography. Feels like stepping into a painting.
4. Haizhiyun Park — Underwater Grand Canyon
· Highlights: Free admission! A 7.6 km route featuring the "Eighteen Bends" and "Strange Slope." The Eighteen Bends is known as the "Underwater Grand Canyon," and the Strange Slope has cars going uphill and downhill in a counterintuitive way, very amusing.
· Transportation: Take Route 201 shuttle or Bus 529 to Haizhiyun Park stop.
· Note: Vehicles are prohibited inside the park. The roads are rugged, especially the sharp and steep bends of the Eighteen Bends.
【Choose One Aquarium】
1. Laohutan Ocean Park vs. Sun Asia Ocean World
· Laohutan: A classic ocean park with beautiful scenery. After visiting, you can go directly to Binhai Road and Xinghai. However, many animals have been relocated recently, and the polar pavilion is not as good as before.
· Sun Asia: Conveniently located near the city center with easy transportation. Famous for its underwater tunnel and better-reviewed polar pavilion.
· Suggestion: If time is tight and you want to see polar animals, go straight to Sun Asia; if you want to enjoy the scenery, choose Laohutan.
【Cultural Streets】
1. Russian Style Street
· Highlights: Brightly colored Russian architecture, souvenirs like nesting dolls and chocolates, offering a taste of foreign culture.
· Avoid: Few locals visit; mainly a shopping stop for tour groups. The old buildings are beautiful but heavily commercialized. Just stroll and take photos.
2. Dongguan Street Historical and Cultural District (Newly popular!)
· Highlights: A century-old street renewed! Renovation completed in September 2024, featuring 13 immovable cultural relics and 42 historic buildings. Old brands, specialty dining, and trendy cultural products blend perfectly. You can try sea urchin dumplings, steamed jelly, and buy shell carvings and other creative products.
· Features: The tram jingles along, century-old buildings stand quietly, blending history and modern fashion for a "time-travel" experience.
3. Zhongshan Square
· Highlights: Surrounded by many European-style old buildings now used by banks and telecom companies. Great for photos, even more beautiful when lit up at night.
· Nearby: Friendly Square (with a crystal ball), Qingniwa Bridge, and Labor Park are all close by, no need for taxis, just walk.
【Outskirts and Special Spots】
1. Jinshitan National Tourist Resort
· Highlights: Discovery Kingdom theme park (less crowded and cheaper at night), Golden Coast, Jinshi Wax Museum. Suitable for a dedicated 1-2 day trip.
· Transportation: Take the light rail or find group deals (many include pick-up and drop-off).
2. Lushun
· Highlights: Russo-Japanese Prison (heavy but worth remembering), Old Iron Mountain dividing line between the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. Worth visiting if interested but don't expect too much.
3. People's Square
· Highlights: Large clean green lawns, music fountain (operates at 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM in summer), nice night views.
· Don't expect: The female motorcycle police are an ancient relic from 800 years ago, so don't hope to see them.
4. Fisherman's Wharf
· Highlights: European-style buildings, fishing boat docks, great for photos, especially beautiful at dusk.
🍜 Food Recommendations
As a port city, Dalian offers fresh seafood and hearty northern cuisine that will leave you stuffed!
【Must-Eat Seafood】
· Sea Urchin Dumplings: Completely free of fishy smell, full of the unique rich and natural sweetness of sea urchin. The ocean flavor spreads in your mouth. A must-try in Dalian! Well-known dumpling shops around Rifeng Street and Ruyi Street have them.
· Colorful Snowflake Scallops: Garnished with green peas and red peppers, like a sunrise over the sea, tender as spring rain. Old Dalian locals love pairing it with dry white wine. A traditional delicacy.
· Red Roasted Whole Shrimp: Made with Bohai Bay shrimp, slow-roasted over low heat until the juice is absorbed. The shrimp meat is tender, and the shrimp shells are crispy and fragrant. A banquet highlight.
· Stir-fried Sea Cucumber: Highly nutritious and delicious, known as "one sea cucumber is worth seven eggs."
· Lantern Sea Cucumber: Fresh taste, soft texture, tender and fragrant.
【Special Snacks】
· Dalian Steamed Jelly: Made from sweet potato starch, pan-fried to golden crispiness, topped with sesame paste, garlic paste, and soy sauce. Crispy outside, chewy inside, you'll love it at first bite! Available at street food stalls.
· Teppanyaki Squid: The pinnacle of Northeast snacks! Common on the streets, squid grilled sizzling with oil, brushed with secret sauce, perfect with cold beer.
· Sea Jelly Noodles: Made from seaweed, crystal clear, mixed with garlic paste, cilantro, and chili oil. Refreshing and appetite-clearing, perfect for summer.
· Salted Fish Pancakes: Golden crispy corn pancakes wrapped with salted mackerel dried by the sea breeze. The salty and sweet corn flavors blend with a century-old fisherman's warm hospitality.
· Dalian Seaweed Buns: Made with freshly picked seaweed and pork belly, thin skin holds the juice, biting into it is like waves crashing on the shore.
· Dalian Clam Noodles: A "soul staple" eaten by locals since childhood. The broth is made by freshly pried clams, milky white and so fresh it makes your eyebrows dance.
· Fried Shrimp Chips: Childhood memories for those born in the 70s and 80s! Made from fermented Bohai Bay shrimp juice, fried until puffed like clouds, crispy and light.
So, be cautious about visiting Dalian in March. It's just too beautiful, and I'm afraid once you come, you'll never forget it.