Trust me! You must visit Dalian this winter!!
Dalian, a name I've heard since childhood, has seemed much quieter in recent years. It wasn’t until I arrived on a snowy winter day that I realized what a treasure I almost missed—here, mountains and sea embrace, European-style buildings scatter along the coast, seagulls and deer share peaceful moments, and vintage trams slowly pass by. This unique charm, blending northern boldness with oceanic gentleness, left me savoring it long after I returned: Dalian really should not be underestimated.
If you also yearn for a city with snow, sea, and stories, keep this 3-day walking guide handy to experience the tranquility and romance of winter in Dalian.
🗺️ Dalian 3-Day Tour Route (Comfort-tested version)
❄️ Day 1: Along the coastline, meet mountains, sea, and deer
• Morning: Arrive in Dalian, settle in, then head straight to the best viewing platform of Xinghaiwan Bridge to capture the grandeur of the long bridge lying over the waves.
• Afternoon: Go to Taiyuan Street, stand at the intersection and look across to see rows of European-style buildings instantly transporting you to a foreign street scene. Then stroll to Tiaoyue Bridge, where you can see the nearby coastline.
• Evening: The highlight of the trip—Yinshatan Beach. The sea here is a deep blue, dotted with black reefs along the shore, with small island silhouettes in the distance. The key surprise is a group of gentle deer resting on the hillside nearby! After snow, the mountains, sea, deer, and snow frame a breathtaking scene. Afterwards, visit the quiet Amber Bay to watch the sunset glow.
🌊 Day 2: Weave through the city’s veins, from local streets to the harbor
• Morning: Start at Zhongshan Square, take a lap to admire the old buildings. Then turn into Minsheng Street and Qiyi Street to feel the old street atmosphere, where the morning market offers frozen pears, seafood, and other Northeastern specialties.
• Late morning: Experience the vintage Route 201 tram. Recommended spots for photos are near Shiji Street, Chunhai Street, and Huale Square, where the tram, streets, and distant skyscrapers create a moving picture.
• Afternoon: Check in at the quaint Songshan Temple, then head to Lingjiao Bay. This is a perfect spot to photograph the European-style buildings of the Fisherman’s Wharf across the water, with seagulls circling and fishing boats returning—very cinematic.
• Dusk: Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf to wait for the sunset, watching the evening glow turn the lighthouse and colorful houses golden.
🕊️ Day 3: Embrace the square and sea, a gentle farewell
• Morning: Go to Xinghai Square to feed the seagulls. The flocks flutter against the vast sea and sky backdrop, perfect for photos (recommended near the Centennial Memorial City Sculpture).
• Afternoon: Stroll along Xinghaiwan Seaside Bathing Beach, then visit the Dalian Art Museum (the building itself is very distinctive), and finally wander through Russian Style Street to buy some souvenirs.
⭐ Must-visit Highlights Deep Guide
• Yinshatan Beach: Highly recommended! It’s not a fine sandy beach but a rugged coast covered with black reefs, with islands in the sea and mountains in the background. The deer on the nearby hillside are a delightful surprise—quiet and mysterious.
• Lingjiao Bay & Fisherman’s Wharf: Best visited together. In the afternoon, shoot the “Cinque Terre”-style buildings across from Lingjiao Bay; at dusk, watch the sunset and lights at Fisherman’s Wharf—two moods in one trip.
• Zhongshan Square: The heart of Dalian, with radiating streets lined with century-old European buildings harmoniously coexisting with modern skyscrapers, dazzling at night. Nearby, the Black Clock is a classic photo spot.
• Route 201 Tram: A “mobile relic” running for over a century. Riding or photographing it is full of nostalgia and the best way to feel Dalian’s historical pulse.
🥟 Taste of Dalian: Must-try Food List
Coming to Dalian without eating seafood is a wasted trip, but surprises go beyond that:
• Dumpling specialties: Must order hairtail fish dumplings and sea urchin dumplings, fresh and juicy.
• Signature staple: Sea intestine rice, crispy tender sea intestines mixed with thick broth over rice—one bite is unforgettable.
• Japanese cuisine paradise: Due to historical ties, Dalian’s Japanese restaurants are high quality and affordable. As a sashimi lover, I was blissfully overwhelmed here; the quality surpasses many inland cities with great value.
💡 Practical Travel Tips
• Best seasons: Winter (after snow) and summer each have their charm. Winter is less crowded, with unique snow and sea views; summer is cool and a great escape from the heat.
• Transportation: Combine buses, metro, and taxis within the city. Have change or scan QR codes for the Route 201 tram.
• Clothing: In winter, windproof and warm clothes are essential as it’s windy by the sea. Bring some bright-colored clothes to stand out against the gray-blue winter scenery.
• Mindset: Dalian is best enjoyed slowly and attentively. No need to rush—daydream in the square, watch seagulls fight for food, wait for a tram to pass by—that’s the best travel rhythm.
Dalian’s beauty lies not in noisy tourist spots but in the calm atmosphere blending mountains, sea, and history that fills the air. This winter, why not see snowy Dalian? It will surely offer you warmth and romance beyond expectations.
Dalian Winter Travel Diary