Food Guide｜My Winter Love Song with Dalian Cuisine

📍 Dalian · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 77 likes

Her true nature is far from noise and bustle, exuding a unique charm. Standing by the sea, close your eyes and quietly enjoy the gentle sea breeze, listen to the sound of the waves, open your arms to embrace the sea, and fly towards the endless blue sky.

Keywords: coastal city, romance, fashion (city of fashion), all kinds of delicious food

As a travel enthusiast, I have visited almost all of China's coastal cities, but Dalian was the only one missing. This was my first real visit (last time was just a transit stop), and I missed the best summer season. However, I didn't expect that coming in winter would bring me unexpected surprises and rewards.

1. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll and admire Dalian's architecture: Dalian's architecture can be called a world architectural exposition: European styles - Eastern and Western Europe, Southern and Northern Europe, classical and modern European, American style, Japanese style, as well as traditional Chinese buildings. Examples include Baroque architecture (Dalian Hotel, Dalian Natural History Museum), Russian-style architecture (Lüshun Railway Station), and Romanesque architecture (Victory Square).

2. Take a citywalk and wander among the squares: Dalian is the city with the most squares in China, with probably hundreds of squares of various sizes. What's commendable is that these squares, regardless of size or fame, almost all have their own stories and origins. When night falls, residents flock to the squares to listen to music, dance, take walks, and play, enjoying a harmonious atmosphere. This unique cultural scene astonishes many visitors.

3. With curiosity, learn everything about the sea in Dalian: Dalian is a coastal city with a 1,900-kilometer coastline. 'Golden beaches, silver beaches, the sea and sky merge into one.' The sea gives this place endless charm. With fresh air and suitable temperatures, it's a paradise for eating seafood, fishing, shopping for sea products, watching the sea, listening to the sea, and playing by the sea.

4. Drive along Binhai Road: This is 'China's No.1 Urban Coastal Sightseeing Road.' On one side are mountains covered with mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests and hillsides blooming with fiery azaleas; on the other side is the vast misty sea and various-shaped reefs and islands. Scenic wonders appear one after another, offering beautiful views.

5. Live like a local in Dalian: Go to places full of the hustle and bustle of daily life, live and chat with the locals. You'll find that Dalian seems like a city from a movie, with very friendly people. Experience island life: watch sunrise, wait for sunset, go clam-digging on the beach, go fishing, and explore every island.

6. If you come in summer, that's a wonderful thing. Under the azure sky, gaze at the endless sea, stroll along the fresh and quiet seaside, and count the footprints beneath your feet.

7. Visit Laohutan Ocean Park: Take the aerial cable car, ride a sea yacht, enjoy the sea views and the full view of Laohutan Park, watch rare marine animals, experience the simplest joy, and be carefree like a child.

8. Enjoy a sumptuous feast: Whether it's fresh seafood, exquisite Japanese cuisine, authentic Northeastern dishes, street-side barbecue, exotic Korean-style dishes, or hearty Russian food... it will definitely make your trip to Dalian unforgettable.

1. Seafood: As the saying goes, 'those living near the sea eat from the sea.' In Dalian, seafood is the most common and well-known delicacy, very fresh and plump, allowing you to achieve seafood freedom. Especially the 'xia guai' (hermit crab), I saw and tasted it for the first time; I've never seen it in other coastal cities.

2. Japanese cuisine: Thanks to the sister-city relationship, there are many excellent Japanese restaurants in Dalian. With Japanese-style decor, exquisite plating, fresh ingredients, and generous portions, you can enjoy authentic Japanese food without going to Japan.

3. Northeastern cuisine: Although not delicate and even rough, it is very delicious, and the portions are always generous. It unconsciously makes you feel the warmth and hospitality of Dalian people. Among all Northeastern dishes, Guobaorou is the undisputed No.1. Guobaorou is to the Northeast what hotpot is to Chongqing; it's like the city's signature dish, one of the most famous in the Northeast, telling you how delicious Northeastern food is with its sweet, sour, crispy, and hearty meat pieces.

4. Korean-style cuisine: Due to its geographical proximity to North Korea and South Korea, Korean-style cuisine has become a specialty in Dalian. You can see many restaurants on the streets that look like those in Korean dramas, very approachable, with a 'saemida' (Korean) atmosphere. Choose one, sit cross-legged, and order classic dishes like cold noodles and stone pot bibimbap. The Korean aroma fills the air, adding a warm happiness to the cold winter.

5. Russian cuisine: Dalian is also close to Russia, so its culinary culture is influenced to some extent. If you want to taste authentic Russian-style Western food without leaving the country, this is definitely the place!

6. Barbecue: When it comes to barbecue, many people might think, 'Isn't barbecue available everywhere? Why eat it in Dalian?' In fact, barbecue is almost a divine presence in the Northeast. 'Gold chains and a small watch, three meals a day of barbecue' describes the Northeastern brother. A table of seafood barbecue skewers that soothe your taste buds, with a few cases of beer, and all worries disappear.

7. Dalian Traditional dishes: The characteristics of old-style Dalian cuisine are based on Shandong cuisine, with seafood as a specialty. This is because most Dalian people migrated from Shandong, so Dalian cuisine is heavily influenced by Jiaodong cuisine. The seafood feature comes from Dalian's geography: surrounded by sea on three sides and mountains on one. Signature dishes include Seafood Menzi, Stir-fried Sea Intestines, Steamed Lantern Abalone, Fish-Fragrant Shrimp Balls, Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions, and Suyang Big Roast.

As a coastal city, how can you miss seafood, especially fresh and plump seafood? For value for money, you must not miss the must-visit internet-famous restaurant - Qiankuli. Here, you not only have seafood freedom but also durian freedom. At Qiankuli, you can find swimming crabs, hermit crabs, oysters, various sashimi, various lamb chops and grilled meats, and even durian flesh as big as a fist. Raw or cooked, cold or hot, if you can think of it, they have it. Qiankuli has several branches in Dalian; you can choose one near your accommodation.

Must-try delicacies:

- Xia Guai (hermit crab): I saw it for the first time; it's eaten more in Dalian. You eat the tail...

- Durian: Stored in the fridge, super large pieces. Locals say that by eating one durian here, you can get your money's worth (150 yuan each).

- Seafood: All fresh and live, in water, you can scoop them yourself. There are also fully prepared ones, divided into cooked and raw.

- Others: Desserts, sushi, sake, barbecue, etc. At least more than 10 types of each.

1. Tangshan Street branch: 219 yuan/person; Xinghai branch: 499 yuan/person. The difference is king crab and fresh durian.

2. You can have hot pot or steam pot.

3. Usually buffets have a two-hour limit, but here there is no time limit; you can eat until closing time.

Pinhailou is a chain restaurant specializing in seafood. For visits near Laohutan, you can go to this branch at Fisherman's Wharf. The seaside standalone villa is very beautiful, with blue and white as the main colors, fresh and elegant, creating an ocean atmosphere. At the same time, the restaurant gives the feeling of eating on a tram, with compartments one after another, reflecting the city's characteristics.

Dalian's seafood fusion cuisine is presented with perfect color, aroma, taste, presentation, and meaning. Highly recommended to eat here; the environment is also nice. After eating, go to Fisherman's Wharf to watch fishing boats, bask in the sun, and listen to the waves. Beautiful!

Recommended dishes (average 150 yuan per person):

- Pinhai Little Octopus: A must-order signature dish. The little octopus is crispy, with a slightly sweet flavor in the burnt aroma. Kids will love it.

- Stir-fried Conch Slices with Cabbage: Worth noting: they use live conch, which doesn't get tough even when stir-fried. The texture is just right.

- Fresh Shrimp and Celery Balls: Balls made of celery and shrimp meat. Visually, they are light green and beautiful. You can't tell they're made of shrimp and celery, but each ball is full of shrimp meat, delicious and not greasy.

- Old Dalian Soft-fried Meat: A local specialty. If you don't see the name, you might think it's Sichuan-Chongqing-style crispy pork. Although fried, it's not oily or hard; it's very soft and tender, cut thinly, and goes well with pepper-salt seasoning.

- Steamed Scallops with Garlic and Vermicelli: Garlic, vermicelli, and scallops - a classic combination that can't go wrong.

- Grilled Sea Urchin Tofu: For tofu lovers, paired with fresh sea urchin, it's flavorful and generous in portion. The tenderness of tofu combined with the freshness of sea urchin makes for a very novel dish.

Hongye Japanese Restaurant: Dalian's oldest Japanese restaurant, specializing in Japanese cuisine for 23 years. It offers a la carte Japanese buffet and is also 'the first Japanese restaurant authorized to serve pufferfish' in Dalian, allowing you to achieve various Japanese food freedoms. The interior decoration is standard Japanese style; private rooms come in different sizes, with tatami options, offering good privacy and suitable for group dining. Our group of 17 chose a large private room. Different price levels are available (we chose 260 yuan/person). After choosing, you can order directly.

The ingredients here are of good quality, whether it's the thickness and freshness of sashimi or the raw materials of fried items like tempura. The quality, appearance, and taste are all decent overall.

- Sashimi: Since it's Japanese cuisine, how can you not order sashimi? It's a must. You can ask for a platter. The sweet shrimp, in particular, received unanimous praise from our companions.

- Foie gras: Super tender, topped with fruit jam to balance the flavor. The moment it enters your mouth, you can taste its deliciousness.

- Cheese-baked Crab Meat: A must-order signature dish. A whole crab is peeled, the meat and roe are mashed, mixed with plenty of cheese, placed in a crab-shell-shaped bowl, and baked. One scoop satisfies completely.

'Give a Northeasterner a pot, and they can stew everything in the world' - this is absolutely true. Iron pot stew is a very authentic Northeastern dish. Especially in winter, you must have it; it warms the heart. During our visit to Lüshun, we chose Xiaoxifu Iron Pot Stew (recommended by locals). It has private rooms with heated brick beds (kang), very Northeastern style.

Besides fish stew, there are also iron pot stewed goose, tendon and brain stew, etc. We chose the traditional fish pot and additionally ordered pork ribs, old tofu, potatoes, eggplant, enoki mushrooms, and other vegetables. We stuck corn cakes around the pot, making a huge pot. It is said that the side dishes in iron pot fish stew can't be chosen randomly; they need to withstand long stewing and absorb the flavor. So they are typical Northeastern vegetables, considered the best combination. The average cost here is less than 100 yuan per person.

Eunni Log House Rice Wine Restaurant: This is an incredibly popular and delicious internet-famous Korean-style restaurant in Dalian. Aside from my personal love for seafood, this is the best restaurant I've found in Dalian. Although very spicy, it's absolutely delicious.

The walls are decorated with distinctive illustrations that seem to have their own stories. The display is a super realistic Yanbian log house museum style. Any photo you take feels like being in a Korean drama, warm and cozy. There are private rooms; take off your shoes and sit cross-legged inside, very similar to Korean dining. The natural wood color decoration gives a feeling of returning to the countryside.

- Cold-marinated Crab: Often seen in Korean dramas, this is a specialty of the Korean ethnic group. Eunni Log House uses different crabs according to the season as the main ingredient, then marinates them raw with Korean spicy sauce and waits 2 days before serving.

- Spicy Stir-fried Sea Mushroom: A very unique dish made of octopus suckers. It's chewy yet crispy. 38 yuan/portion.

- Spicy Chicken Wings: A must-order dish for every table. Crispy and spicy; it's the best chicken wing I've ever had. Coated with sweet and spicy sauce, slightly garlicky, with super tender meat inside, it goes well with rice. However, a tip: it's best to eat this last. Since it's very spicy, if you eat it before other dishes, you might not taste the others. The spiciness is addictive.

- Rice wine: As the name suggests, you must try their rice wine. There are many flavors, sweet and sour. Banana milk rice wine, original rice wine (signature), corn rice wine, etc. You can choose according to your preference. The alcohol content is low; slightly tipsy is best. Personally, I think it's more like a beverage, haha. Great for gatherings.

- Crescent Bone Kimchi Rice Balls: I never thought a rice ball could be so delicious. The outside is covered with shredded seaweed, each grain of rice is soaked in a secret sauce, with flavors of kimchi and egg. Additionally, each rice ball contains crispy bone, making a crunching sound when bitten, which I absolutely love.

- Blood Sausage: Certified as authentic by Korean compatriots. In the Northeast, this is a must-try.

- Stone Plate Tofu: The biggest feature is its sauce, specially made by the restaurant in Korean style. Paired with tender tofu, eaten hot, it's very satisfying.

Location: In an alley next to Democracy Square, near World Trade Center. Parking is not easy; self-driving friends need to be careful.

Business hours: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, so no need to worry about early closing.

Oleger Russian Restaurant: As a famous Russian restaurant on Dalian's food list, you must try it. The restaurant's environment is decorated in Russian style: Russian nesting dolls, wooden tables and chairs, even tableware with Russian elements, elegant and meaningful. Amidst the dappled light, the live singer's music blends with the restaurant's style and cuisine, creating a strong Russian atmosphere. It feels like being in Russia. At this moment, you just want to enjoy the beauty of time and taste the food, paired with a glass of Russian craft beer. Perfect!

- Russian Pork Skewer: Must-order. True to its name, it's a big skewer, very large and delicious. One skewer is enough for two people. Well-grilled and flavorful, with just the right saltiness.

- Russian Sirloin Steak: Medium rare, tender yet chewy. One serving comes with two pieces, accompanied by two sauces: red wine sauce and black pepper sauce. You can choose according to your preference.

- Russian Braised Beef in Pot: A classic Russian-style Western dish. Its appearance is very distinctive and beautiful. The pot is covered with a crispy puff pastry lid, inside which are beef chunks braised in tomato sauce, sweet and sour. Cut open the lid and scoop it out with a spoon.

- Charcoal-grilled Sausage: A very solid meat sausage, one of the signature dishes. The casing is thin, the meat is bouncy, cooked just right. Dip it in Russian spicy sauce, it's tender and not greasy. Perfect for meat lovers.

- Russian Craft Beer: Brewed in-house. Full of flavor, very cheap, only 6 yuan per glass.

Xi'an Road Food Street: This is the busiest and most popular place for locals to shop. It's underground on the basement floor, indoors, so you don't have to worry about winter cold or summer heat. There is a wide variety of food, and there are always surprises, such as new food items or new shop openings. You can find snacks from all over the country here. In addition, there are many handicraft shops, perfect for shopping.

Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Xinggong Street Station, Exit D, and walk about 100 meters. You can also take Tram 201 to the last stop.

Special recommendation: Big Tree Grilled Cold Noodles, super popular, an internet-famous shop. Different from traditional grilled cold noodles, it's delicious.

Do you want to know what romance is? Come to Dalian, and you'll understand at a glance. Blue sea, beautiful sunset, European-style castles, Xinghai Bay Bridge, city views, winding Binhai Road...

- Xinghai Bay Bridge: Spanning across the sea, the sea and sky merge, as if the end leads to a fairyland on earth.

- Binhai Road: One of Dalian's must-visit attractions. Locally known as 'Lovers' Road,' many couples have walked this road. It's common to see wedding photoshoots at Swallow's Nest Ridge and North Bridge. The total length is 32 kilometers. To freely explore the whole route, you can drive, cycle, or hike. It's recommended to walk one or two sections to avoid fatigue and a tight schedule. Restaurants and shops are mainly concentrated around Laohutan and Fujiazhuang, so bring water and food when hiking Binhai Road.

- Fujiazhuang Park: One of Dalian's top ten scenic spots, a seaside beach area. The natural landscape here is unique, with high slopes and terraces on the east and west, a wide beach in the middle, and East and West Dalian Islands facing the beach across the sea, forming a multi-dimensional space of sea, mountains, reefs, and beaches. There is a 550-meter-long bathing beach, one of Dalian's four major seawater bathing beaches. The beach consists of uniform coarse gravel, with moderate grain size, clean water quality, and visibility exceeding 3 meters.

- Lianhua Mountain: The highest peak within Dalian city. The wind blows the prayer plaques on the wall, making a wooden wind chime-like sound. The observation deck looks like a cone snail, white blending with the blue sky, standing between the mountains and the sea.

- Swallow's Nest Ridge: After descending Lianhua Mountain, you can drive there directly. If you have a large car, you may not be able to stop to see. It is named because black swallows often come here to nest on the cliffs. Standing on the ridge, you can see the beautiful scenery of Laohutan and Shicao Village to the east, and Fujiazhuang and the East and West Dalian Islands to the west. Hidden in the blue waves in front of Swallow's Nest Ridge is 'Abalone Reef,' rich in abalone. Swallows dart like shuttles on the cliffs. Below the cliffs, waves crash against the reefs and bottomless sea caves, splashing foam. This area has many reefs and rich marine products, ideal for fishing.

Dalian: Only by experiencing it yourself can you understand what 'City of Romance, Fashionable Dalian' means. In Dalian, whether on city streets, by the seaside, or indoors, no special poses are needed. As long as you move naturally, I can snap casual shots, and the result is a fashion masterpiece.

Dalian is probably the city with the most squares in China. Just wandering around freely is the best way to experience the city. Morning light filters through the buildings; use your feet to measure Dalian, square after square, tram after tram.

- Zhongshan Square: Surrounded by various Western-style buildings, it feels like strolling through European streets. This seaside city, with its winter breeze, unique and cosmopolitan, has an indescribable charm that is captivating. Here, as long as you have a good sense of framing, any random shot becomes a street masterpiece.

- Friendship Square and People's Square are close to Zhongshan Square. The most iconic feature of Friendship Square is the large crystal ball, visible from the center of Zhongshan Square. People's Square, like Zhongshan Square, has pigeons leisurely strolling, and nearby is the Dalian municipal government.

- Black Stone Reef: Located around Dalian Natural History Museum. Even in cold winter, many people come here to collect clams and other seafood. However, for photography enthusiasts, it's a place to shoot fashionable sea-view photos: walk casually on the undulating black reefs, sit on the stone railings by the shore, with the sea as the background. The photographer captures both close and distant views in the camera lens, freezing beautiful moments.

- Yifang Castle: As the name suggests, it's a castle exuding fashion and romance. The best photo spots are the central staircase on the first floor and the rooftop garden on the 5th floor. These two places have become internet-famous spots in the castle. Whether you stay overnight or not, anyone visiting Dalian will come to take photos.

- Donggang Business District: Dalian's CBD. This area was developed through renovation and land reclamation. It is a comprehensive business district integrating business, financial headquarters office, entertainment, culture, sports, tourism, leisure, and residence. You must mention that the night view here is extremely fashionable and prosperous.

Tahewan Happy Snow World: This is a snowy wonderland by the sea, with white snow and blue sea, a parent-child paradise that brings out your childlike heart. Here, you can ride snow rings, ice slides, snow trains, and snow ground big yellow duck. The activities are easy, interesting, and cute, perfect for posing for photos. In summer, it's a tropical seaside scene; in winter, it becomes a northern kingdom. Come here and let yourself go wild!

- Linhai Ski Resort: In winter in Dalian, besides hot springs, skiing is the best partner. Linhai Ski Resort is the largest in Dalian. The environment is very nice. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate/advanced, there are suitable slopes available.

- Tickets: Two types: sightseeing (40 yuan) and skiing (145 yuan includes only ski equipment and cable car). If you need ski clothing and a storage locker, there is an additional fee of about 55 yuan for both, with a 100 yuan deposit. Ski instructors: optional, about 200-300 yuan per hour. There is a simple restaurant in the ski resort; the food is decent.

Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park: Currently the largest modern seaside amusement park in China. The park features the 'Concentrated Polar World, Displaying Ocean Wonders' Polar Marine Animal Hall, Sea Beast Hall, and the largest Coral Hall in China. There are also iconic structures like Tiger Sculptures for viewing. Take the cross-sea cable car or a sea yacht to enjoy the sea views and the full view of Laohutan Park. Outside the park, Bird Forest and 4D Cinema provide novel visual and auditory feasts. In winter, only four venues are open: Coral Hall, Sea Beast Hall, Polar Marine Animal Hall, and Bird Forest.

- Coral Hall: Asia's largest marine biology museum focusing on coral reef biomes, displaying over 200 species and more than 3,000 specimens of coral reef organisms. The fine fish exhibition area features live corals, sea anemones, shellfish, and other fine coral reef fish from the Southwest Pacific. The undersea laboratory area has interactive projects such as vortex fish, electronic photo albums, periscopes, electron microscopes, vacuum tanks, and underwater concerts. The performance area features underwater ballet, mermaid shows, and underwater fantasy weddings.

- Polar Marine Animal Hall: The main building has three floors, with a partial fourth floor. It is divided into six sections: polar animal display, polar experience, science education, underwater world, marine animal performance area, and service area.

- Sea Beast Hall: The main shape is a cartoonish pirate ship perched on an island coast, with bright colors and strange shapes. Whether in architectural form or animal display, it's a masterpiece. The hall has one underground floor and two above-ground floors, with a total water volume of nearly 3,000 cubic meters. The water circulates 24 hours a day and is purified by a professional water treatment system, with extremely high transparency. Visitors can observe marine animals from underwater, above water, and high angles.

- Bird Forest: China's largest semi-natural artificial birdcage. With a 43-meter-high central pillar and 18 fixed points according to the mountain terrain, a huge gray polyethylene net is supported, covering half a valley, making people feel they are in nature. It houses over 80 species of birds, including peacocks, red-crowned cranes, and whooper swans, totaling more than 2,000 rare birds.

Tips: When visiting the Polar Hall, be sure to catch the show times and avoid peak crowds. You can watch the show first; try to get a front seat, slightly off-center is fine. The best way to avoid crowds is to leisurely observe marine animals while others watch the show, then have lunch after the show-goers come out, and then wait in a good spot for the next show. Remember to watch it again—it's very exciting!

Dalian Modern Museum: The first comprehensive modern museum in China, pioneering a new model where cultural heritage synchronizes with real life. The exhibits are arranged in a 'museum within a museum' basic layout, with more than 20 thematic exhibition halls and tens of thousands of exhibits.

Dalian Natural History Museum: A comprehensive natural science museum integrating the collection, research, and display of geology, paleontology, animal and plant specimens. Its predecessor was founded in 1907, and it is a national first-class museum. It has many fossils and specimens, with the largest number of marine mammal specimens in the country.

Must-see highlights:

- Ocean-blue roof, beige walls, European style, exotic charm

- The stunning 66-ton black right whale fossil specimen

- Xinghai Bay Bridge: From the window on the stairs to the second floor, you can see the sunset; it's particularly beautiful.

The museum has 4 floors:

- Basement: Kenneth Behring Hall, mainly African animal specimens.

- First floor: Earth Hall and Paleontology Hall, with dinosaur fossils.

- Second floor: Ocean Hall, with fish and mammals.

- Third floor: Wetland and Forest Animal Hall, mainly displaying vivid scenes of wild animals and wild river crabs coexisting.

A treasure trove of a museum tour not only enriches our knowledge and makes us love the Earth, but also teaches us to cherish the natural environment. Perfect for bringing children; you can explore a new world together with them and gain a lot.

Admission: Free, need to make a reservation online in advance, scan QR code to enter.

Opening hours: 9:00-16:30 (closed on Mondays). No entry after 15:30 (occasionally you can enter before 16:00, depends on luck).

Tram 201: This has become a must-visit internet-famous spot in Dalian. It is one of the oldest trams still in service in the 21st century. It represents the first generation of trams in the world and a tram line that covers many attractions in Dalian.

Dalian Railway Station: A century-old landmark that gives this romantic and fashionable city a strong sense of historical atmosphere.

Lüshun: At the southernmost tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, a place that bears half of China's modern history. There are many must-visit scenic spots here.

- Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea Dividing Line: Witnessing a world natural wonder in person is a surprising delight. Only two places in China can see this: one is in Penglai, Yantai, Shandong; the other is here at Lüshunkou, Dalian, Liaoning. The cyan and blue-green water is from the Yellow Sea, and the grey-blue water is from the Bohai Sea, merging right before your eyes.

- Military Port: Formerly called Military Port Garden, it has been renovated into an aircraft carrier deck theme. You can see the century-old Lüshun Military Port, known as 'one man can hold the pass against ten thousand,' and also see the naturally formed 'Tiger Tail' landscape that is 680 million years old.

- East Jiguan Mountain: This was the main battlefield of the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. Known as an open-air history museum, you can visit the East Jiguan Mountain North Fort, the naturally formed magical Margaret Head, Wangtai Battery, and Erlongshan Fort. Many modern history enthusiasts make this their first stop for study.

- Lüshun Russo-Japanese Prison Museum: A national-level key cultural relic protection unit, an excellent classroom and base for patriotic education. The museum is divided into two parts: the original prison exhibition and special exhibitions. The original prison scene display consists of 19 areas: panoramic sand table, body check room, east cell block, An Jung-geun's cell, dark cell, guard rest room, guard duty room, torture room, guard station, relic exhibition, indoctrination room, west cell block, west body check room, factory 1, triangle area, north gate, medical department, execution ground, and cemetery restoration area.

Historical background: The prison was built between 1902 and 1904. During the Russo-Japanese War, it served as a Russian cavalry barracks and field hospital. After the war, the Japanese expanded it significantly from 1907. Cells increased from 85 to 253, with additional kilns and vegetable gardens outside the wall, and 15 workshops built inside the courtyard, forcing prisoners to produce military supplies and daily necessities. The prison was surrounded by a red brick wall 725 meters in circumference and 4 meters high, with electric wires and watchtowers, covering an area of 26,000 square meters.

Take Lüshun Bus 204 to 'Yuanbaofang' stop, walk about 200 meters.

Admission: Free, need to make a reservation in advance.

Opening hours: Closed on Mondays.

09:00-16:00 (May 1 - Oct 10, Tue-Sun)

09:00-15:30 (Oct 11 - Apr 30 next year, Tue-Sun)

Tips: Closed on Chinese New Year's Eve.

Baiyu Mountain: The view here is excellent, overlooking the entire Lüshun city area and the landscape of mountains and sea. At the top is the Baiyu Mountain Tower, built by the Japanese.

Yifang Castle Hotel: One of Dalian's landmark buildings. The exterior is a Bavarian-style castle, perched halfway up a hill, reminiscent of Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle. Glass roofs, crystal chandeliers, spiral staircases... Every detail in the hotel exudes luxurious European palace style, making you feel like a princess escaping from a fairy tale. The rooftop garden on the 5th floor is a must-visit; you can visit even if you are not staying at the hotel. It somewhat resembles the Alhambra in Spain. At the end of the terrace, you can overlook Xinghai Bay Bridge, taking in the most beautiful scenery of Dalian.

Qingqiu Taolin Homestay: A fairy-themed inn inspired by the TV drama 'Three Lives, Three Worlds, The Peach Blossom.' They provide Hanfu for changing and taking photos. The location is not very good, and the entrance is not obvious. On my first visit, at night, it felt dreamy and cozy. The milky white lobby, dried flowers everywhere, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and warm lighting made the entire Dalian winter seem a bit different.

Dalian Jinli Designers' B&B: A seaside B&B near Fisherman's Wharf, with super high appearance in retro style. It is operated by a couple born in the 1980s. The shop is filled with various vintage items, such as radios, cameras, percussion instruments, old decorative mirrors, etc., both retro and trendy. It is said that many items were sourced by the owner from Seattle markets. From the details of these collections, you can truly feel that each B&B has its own story, the taste of time, and their dedication.

The first floor is divided into two parts: upon entering, you see the lobby and bar; then there is a partition made of dried flower stands, behind which is an open kitchen with several large dining tables.

Outside the door is the sea with countless boats docked, surrounded by various European-style buildings. The B&B is retro and literary. Choose a seat by the window, order a cup of coffee, enjoy your own world, and have a blissful afternoon tea time. Staying here at night, you can be accompanied by the sea, listening to the sound of waves, sleeping by the sea, dreaming a dream about the sea, and encountering a long-lost emotion.

Interesting and romantic room names: Anbu - Dream Residence: If the heart has nowhere to settle, wherever the body is, it is wandering; Anbu - Boat Story: Listen to the boat story, listen to you; Anbu - Meet the Sea: Meeting the sea, just the right moment.

This place is also a filming location for many variety shows and movies. Who knows, you might run into a star here someday!

Siji Jingyu Beach Resort Hotel: The only B&B resort hotel in Dalian with a private beach. Here, mountains and sea meet, revealing tranquility amidst prosperity, well worth recommending. As soon as you check in, you have a dedicated butler who is very thoughtful and will inform you about the hotel's general situation and surrounding travel tips. Every room has a sea view, allowing you to see the romantic sea view without leaving your room. Coming here on weekends gives you a feeling of 'picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, leisurely seeing the southern mountain.' In addition, the hotel prepares many free snacks that taste great.

Bus: From Fisherman's Wharf, take bus 712 to Shicao Village stop, then walk.

Hotel activities: Western-style beach BBQ, sunrise yoga, beach cocktails, surfing, starry sky movies, tide-picking, etc. In winter, activities may change due to cold weather; you can ask the hotel in advance.

Nearby attractions: Laohutan Ocean Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Bangchuidao.

Airport: Dalian has its own airport, with direct flights from many cities. It is also an important transit city in Liaoning. Airport buses go directly to the city center, or you can take a taxi (about less than 100 yuan).

Train stations: Dalian has two main train stations: Dalian Station and Dalian North Station. Dalian Station is also an internet-famous spot.

Bus station: Suitable for nearby travelers. Nowadays, most people choose high-speed rail or planes.

Dalian is a city worth visiting multiple times, no longer just for summer escape. If I have the opportunity, I will come here endlessly.

When spring blossoms and the sea is before you, coming to Dalian gives a romantic happiness; during the hot summer, it's a cool comfort; when the autumn wind blows, it's a feeling of anticipation and longing; in the snowy winter, it's a high-fashion coolness.

Table of Contents:

1. Dalian Impression

2. Eight Things to Do in Dalian

3. A City of Inexhaustible Delicacies

4. Must-Eat Foods

5. Food Spots Worth Visiting Again and Again

- 1. Qiankuli Seafood Buffet: Achieve Seafood Freedom

- 2. Pinhailou: Dalian's Time-Honored Restaurant, Local Dishes with Seafood

- 3. Hongye Japanese Restaurant: A Different Buffet Style

- 4. Xiaoxifu Iron Pot Stew: Authentic Northeastern Cuisine

- 5. Eunni Log House Rice Wine Restaurant: Korean-Style Cuisine

- 6. Oleger Russian Restaurant: Immerse in Russia