Exploring Jinshitan in Dalian: Discovering Billion-Year-Old Wonders Between Mountains and Sea

Jinshitan, often referred to as "Dalian's Backyard Garden," combines coastal scenery, geological marvels, and leisure activities, making it perfect for family trips or parent-child outings. A 1-2 day itinerary is enough to fully enjoy the area. Here's a guide covering key attractions, travel tips, and food and accommodation options. Must-Visit Attractions • Jinshitan Geological Park: The crown jewel of the area! Featuring billion-year-old rock formations like "Dinosaur Probing the Sea" and "Eagle's Beak Rock," the park offers a close-up view of marine erosion landscapes along its boardwalk. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture stunning sunrise shots with the rocks. Tickets cost 40 RMB, and the visit takes about 2 hours. • Golden Coast: A 5-kilometer stretch of fine, soft sand. In summer, you can enjoy water activities and sand play. Rent a beach ATV (around 100 RMB for 30 minutes) for a thrilling ride. The nearby barbecue plaza is perfect for enjoying grilled food with a sea breeze in the evening. Free entry, but it gets crowded during peak season (July-August). • Discoveryland Theme Park: A favorite among young people and kids! It features thrilling rides like the "Crazy Roller Coaster" and "Desert Eagle," as well as cartoon parades and nighttime fireworks shows. Tickets are about 220 RMB. Arrive at opening time to hit the popular rides first and save on waiting time. • Life Mystery Museum: A unique educational spot showcasing biological specimens to help visitors understand human and animal anatomy. Great for kids to learn something new. Tickets cost around 120 RMB. Practical Travel Tips • Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 from Dalian city center to Jinshitan Station (about 1 hour, 8 RMB). Within the scenic area, attractions are spread out, so consider renting an electric scooter (around 100 RMB/day) or taking the eco-friendly shuttle (20 RMB/person, unlimited rides for the day). • Best Time to Visit: May to October is ideal, with May and September offering cooler weather and fewer crowds. Avoid the midday heat in July and August by visiting the geological park in the morning and enjoying the beach or theme park in the afternoon. Food and Accommodation • Food: Don't miss the seafood barbecue and grilled squid. Check out "Jinshitan Seafood Market" for fresh, made-to-order dishes. Try the local snack "Chao Menzi" with garlic sauce, and explore street food for authentic flavors. • Accommodation: For proximity to attractions, choose a seaside guesthouse near Golden Coast (around 300-500 RMB/night). For budget-friendly options, stay at chain hotels in Jinshitan Town (around 200 RMB/night), which also offer convenient dining and shopping. Jinshitan offers not only breathtaking natural landscapes but also a variety of entertainment experiences. Whether you're looking to relax or enjoy an educational family trip, this destination has something for everyone!