A Spontaneous Solo Trip

Dalian | A coastal city that feels unlike the North. Some cities, even if you've never been, inexplicably hold a special place in your heart. That's how I feel about Dalian. If I had to name a favorite northern city, it would be Dalian. My fondness for this place led to this trip. Based on my itinerary around Xinghai Bay, I secretly listed 30 tasks—this was a wish list: ✅ Watch the sunrise by the sea ❎ Bungee jump, experience a free fall ✅ Ride a carousel ✅ Buy a lottery ticket ✅ Take a bus I've never ridden before ✅ Help a stranger with a good deed ❎ Ride a Ferris wheel ❎ Watch a fountain show 🟨 Attractions Guide Xinghai Square is a must-visit spot. I completed the most tasks here, but also left the most unfinished. Forgive my cowardice—bungee jumping over the sea truly tests your mental strength. Even after mentally preparing myself for a long time, I still couldn't take that step. I heard the fountain show only runs at night, but I had other plans for the evening, so unfortunately I missed it. ✅ Check in at a trendy restaurant ✅ Watch a movie together at Wanda Dolby Cinema 🟨 Experience I heard that Kaide Heping Square has Asia's first Wanda Dolby theater. After wandering around Xinghai Square all morning, I decided to have lunch and then watch a movie to rest. 🟨 About Food I visited the highly popular 'Jianghu Xiaoniu' steak hotpot! It was absolutely amazing—spicy broth paired with tender, non-greasy steak, and the vegetables needed no dipping sauce at all! It paired perfectly with the iced lemon black tea. For two people, one pot of steak with a side dish was more than enough! After the steak hotpot, there was free ice cream, which had a nostalgic, old-fashioned taste. Before leaving, I even bought a bag of their steak hotpot-flavored twisted dough sticks. I bought the movie tickets on the app before eating. There was a midday screening of 'Chinese Doctors' at the Dolby theater. This film is based on the real events of the COVID-19 pandemic. The audiovisual effects and colors made for a very comfortable viewing experience, and the seats were wide and soft. After resting, I rented a car and drove along Binhai Road, enjoying the stunning views of mountains on one side and the sea on the other. I believe such scenery can only be seen on Binhai Road. I drove all the way to the parking lot of Lianhuashan Park and then hiked up. To complete the task, I insisted on climbing to the top. The view from the summit was beautiful, offering a sense of looking down at all the smaller sights. Unfortunately, it was a bit foggy that day, so I couldn't capture great photos. On the way down, I gave up. I spotted a small train and, after some hesitation, chose to take the train down instead of the cable car. Finally, let me talk about the hotel I stayed at. Since this trip to Dalian was a last-minute decision, I booked an Atour hotel online. I chose the location near the train station for easy access to attractions. I went with it because of the high reviews online, and it proved to be a wise choice. Lobby: The lobby was spacious and bright, and the overall style immediately caught my attention—exactly my taste. Every staff member greeted me warmly and proactively, making me feel at home. The front desk offered me a cup of hot tea, which was very comforting on that cold winter day and lifted my spirits. Room: After checking in, I entered the room—very clean, very cozy, with a homey atmosphere. Lying on the soft bed, I easily felt drowsy. After a good night's sleep, all fatigue vanished, and I still felt warm and refreshed. Before leaving, I specifically asked about the bedding. The staff told me that everything in the room was available for purchase. As a traveler, sleep quality is crucial, so I impulsively bought a pillow. Now I can't travel without it. Breakfast: After sleeping well, I got up early to have the hotel breakfast. It was on the 7th floor. As soon as I reached the restaurant entrance, a staff member greeted me warmly and asked if I slept well. After reporting my room number, I entered. The variety of food was impressive, with many dishes I liked. At the open kitchen, staff members helped make noodles, wontons, and fried eggs. They were hospitable and friendly, making my meal enjoyable. The hotel also offers free gym, laundry room, and book bar, catering to various needs for quality living. I never imagined a hotel could think so thoroughly for its guests. I will choose this hotel again when I come to Dalian, and I've developed a great impression of the Atour brand. I've noted the hotel's address and location here for anyone interested.