A 5-Day, 4-Night Seaside Getaway: Encounter the Most Romantic Dalian in Winter

The last time I was in Dalian was 16 years ago.

Back then, because of a book by Annie Baby, I had a special obsession with this coastal city, so I chose it for the first truly meaningful trip of my life.

That summer was filled with bright sunshine and refreshing sea breezes, etched into the first page of my travel autobiography—so beautiful.

Time leaves no trace; in the blink of an eye, 16 years have passed.

Returning here now, the person I was back then has traveled to so many places over these years and experienced so many people and events, yet that unique feeling in my heart remains as clear as ever.

Dalian in winter has shed the summer heat from my memories, replaced by crisp, cool air.

It seems like so much has changed, yet nothing has changed.

Beautiful old buildings, vast plane trees, the boundless sea... beauty still flows through the streets and alleys. This is still the Dalian I love.

This trip was arranged for five days, visiting many must-see attractions and some lesser-known spots.

If you share my affection for Dalian, join me in experiencing its many facets and beauty.

Day 1: Exploring Museums

If you want to understand a city, start with its local museum.

Dalian Modern Museum is China's first comprehensive museum to bear the name "Modern," recording Dalian's profound history.

The first floor currently hosts an exhibition titled "A Century of Struggle: A Glorious Journey" commemorating the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, showcasing artworks by nearly a hundred renowned domestic artists.

The second floor is the Modern Dalian exhibition area. It represents roughly half of modern Chinese history, presenting Dalian's development from 1840 to 1949 through various formats along a timeline.

Among these, an old street scene is faithfully recreated—perfect for photos.

The fourth floor hosts temporary exhibitions from time to time, currently a special exhibition on overseas Chinese passports.

Dalian Natural History Museum, with its European-style architecture, is the most beautiful museum in my eyes.

It integrates geology, paleontology, zoology, and botanical specimens, with marine biological specimens and "Jehol Biota" fossils as key collections. The number of marine mammal specimens is the largest in China, making it an excellent place for children to learn natural science.

The most awe-inspiring is the 66.7-ton black right whale specimen, said to be the largest in Asia.

The first floor houses the Earth and Mesozoic exhibition halls, with meteorites, minerals, and dinosaur fossils.

The second floor is the marine exhibition hall, where the huge whale specimen is located.

The third floor features wetlands, plants, and forest animal exhibits.

If you happen to be there at dusk, don't miss the staircase on the side of the building.

Through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, you'll see Black Rock Reef and the Xinghai Bay Cross-sea Bridge. Before nightfall, it looks like a painting—perfect for capturing the full bridge, seaside sunset, or silhouettes.

Coming out of the museum and going around to the back, you can take overhead shots of Black Rock Reef, which has a desolate feel, with a touch of softness at sunset.

As night falls, head to the Xinghai Bay Cross-sea Bridge for night views.

Crossing the square and walking to the seaside, the Xinghai Bay Bridge presents a completely different appearance from daytime.

Colorful lights reflect in the sea, shimmering with tiny, colorful glimmers.

Day 2: Searching for Ancient Romance

If Dalian is a universe of romance, then Zhongshan Square is the most beautiful planet.

It is the most beautiful and representative square in Dalian. Last time, I stayed here for a long time; its unique charm deserves repeated savoring.

The square features a classic European city layout, with ten roads radiating outward from the circular center.

The buildings surrounding the square were all constructed during the Japanese and Russian colonial periods. Roman, Byzantine, Baroque... various European architectural styles bear witness to the city's century of vicissitudes, inscribing a heavy history we must never forget.

Today, these buildings are leased to banks or hotels, but their strong exotic flavor still makes this a must-see in Dalian.

There are many pigeons in the center of the square. Buy some feed and play with them—it feels like recapturing childhood joy.

Starting from Zhongshan Square, walk along Zhongshan Road to Youhao Square.

Besides the spherical landmark at the square's center, there's also the most beautiful KFC in Dalian on the roadside.

Originally the site of the Dalian Christian Church, it has pink walls and a green pointed roof—every detail is picturesque.

Strolling from Youhao Square, you can reach Dalian Railway Station.

In front of the station is the trendy Route 201 tram, a unique sight in Dalian.

Dalian's trams began in 1909, over a century ago. Route 201 is one of the oldest trams still in service.

Drop one yuan in cash, step into the nostalgic wooden carriage, and as it slowly clatters forward, time seems to recede, as if traveling back to a bygone era.

Get off at the terminal, Xinggong Street, next to Xi'an Road Pedestrian Street.

This commercial area is bustling and crowded, with many shops and malls—a favorite shopping spot for locals.

Besides shopping, it's a gathering place for various cuisines. Don't miss the Changxingli snack street in the Xi'an Road night market.

Which one is better?

Only children make choices; adults should try a bit of everything~

The clerk at one shop occasionally comes out to sing—so incredibly good that my friend and I couldn't bear to leave, like starstruck fans.

People's Square is also beautiful. The old buildings outside the square now house Dalian's government and judicial offices.

If it weren't winter, there would be a musical fountain. Like Zhongshan Square, there are many pigeons here, and children walking among them is so heartwarming~

Dalian itself is a city with a romantic aura. The luxurious Dalian Castle Hotel, perched halfway up a coastal mountain, creates a dreamy fairy tale.

The hotel is one of Dalian's landmarks. Its Bavarian-style castle exterior, standing on the hillside, resembles Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle.

Glass roofs, crystal chandeliers, spiral staircases... every detail exudes luxurious European palace style, as if you've become a runaway princess from a fairy tale.

The sky garden on the 5th floor is a must-visit, accessible even if you're not a hotel guest. It's a bit like Spain's Alhambra.

From the terrace, you can overlook the Xinghai Bay Bridge, taking in Dalian's most beautiful scenery.

Day 3: A Day for Lüshun

They say that if you haven't been to Lüshun, you haven't really been to Dalian.

This small city surrounded by sea on three sides deserves that reputation.

At the Huang-Bohai Sea Boundary Scenic Area, climbing the steps to the observation platform, you can see the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea meeting here, with the two waters distinctly different in color.

Interestingly, the yellow one is the Bohai Sea, while the blue one is the Yellow Sea.

At the foot of Laotie Mountain, white waves, black reefs, the vast sea and sky merging at the horizon, and an old fisherman fishing offshore.

Lüshun, at the southernmost tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, has been a strategic military site since ancient times. From the Sino-Japanese War to the Russo-Japanese War, many places in this small city bear heavy history, a microcosm of modern Chinese history.

At Lüshun Military Port, walk along the seaside. The Awakening Lion sculpture faces the Lüshun Port proudly.

A single man can hold the pass against ten thousand—the century-old military port of Lüshun has witnessed the nation's transition from having no coastal defense to strengthening its maritime power, while also reminding us never to forget our national humiliation and to build a strong military and a strong nation.

The touching "Night of the Military Port" and the "Deep Blue Dream" at the entrance are deeply moving.

Baiyu Mountain is within the city, named in ancient times to correspond with Huangjin (Gold) Mountain.

At the summit, the Baiyu Mountain Pagoda was once called the Loyalty Pagoda, an indelible evidence of Japan's invasion of China.

Leaning on the railing and looking out over Lüshun Port, you can clearly see the Tiger Tail Peninsula below.

At the foot of the pagoda are flocks of white doves, much more alert than those in the city, unwilling to eat the feed from our hands.

The former site of the Russo-Japanese Prison Museum is also in the city, free to visit.

This prison was originally built by the Russians in 1902, and after the Japanese victory in 1907, it was expanded to its current scale.

It once imprisoned and executed many patriotic martyrs. The guided tour covers every scene, but each one made me feel suffocated, struggling to breathe.

I deeply admire the heroes who gave and sacrificed for our peaceful present, and I recall a line from a book I love: "May all battlefields be filled with doves of peace, and all gun muzzles adorned with flowers."

Dongjiguan Mountain was the main battlefield of the Russo-Japanese War. Known as an open-air museum, it preserves war relics such as the Dongjiguan North Fort, Russian machine gun positions, Japanese breach points, and observation batteries.

In winter, the forest is bleak and still.

Every trace of war weighs heavily on the heart.

My heavy heart finally began to lighten upon arriving at Tahe Bay Happy Coast.

A snow and ice carnival was underway, transforming the summer seaside into a winter wonderland.

It was my first time seeing a snow world on the coast; all kinds of fun snow activities turned us back into kids.

Walking along the shore, white snow and blue sea made the world extraordinarily tranquil.

Doesn't it look like a scene from a Korean drama?

Day 4: A Day About the Sea

Binhai Road Tourist Scenic Area is my absolute favorite place.

This coastal road has towering mountains on one side and the vast sea on the other, with many attractions along the way.

The first stop on Binhai Road is Tiger Beach Ocean Park, where getting up close with various animals can heal many unhappinesses.

The park is very large; I recommend setting aside at least half a day, following this order: Coral Hall, Polar Region Hall, Happy Theater (currently closed), Marine Mammal Hall, and Bird Valley.

Coral Hall features various marine life and coral reefs, bringing the mysterious underwater world right before your eyes. The underwater tunnel and the wall of jellyfish are both beautiful and photogenic.

Polar Region Hall is the most exciting pavilion, where you can see penguins, beluga whales, dolphins, polar bears, and many other polar animals—adorably therapeutic.

The Marine Mammal Hall is home to a group of walruses. When they see people come in, they swim over begging for food. If you don't give them any, they'll indifferently drift away...

Bird Valley is some distance from the park center; you need to exit and re-enter with your ticket. There, you can see flamingos, ostriches, parrots, and other birds up close, and there are regular shows.

If you want a place to fully experience romantic Dalian, check out Lianhua Mountain Park on Binhai Road.

Lianhua Mountain is the highest peak in Dalian, at 259.6 meters.

Above the café at the summit, there's an observation deck offering a 360-degree view of downtown Dalian, and you can also see the entire Xinghai Bay Bridge from a drone's perspective.

The white tower on the observation deck is great for photos; the window seats in the café downstairs are also very photogenic.

Fujiazhuang Park has a winding coastline. Fujiazhuang Bathing Beach is one of the four major seawater bathing beaches in Dalian.

Walking along the winter seaside, watching wave after wave crash onto the sand—even if you can't swim, waiting for sunset here is a romantic choice.

I was initially disappointed about missing the sunset at Fujiazhuang, but when I passed Beida Bridge, everything turned out just right.

The observation deck next to the bridge offers an excellent view: under the cliff, the vast sea; at sunset, it turns golden; the silhouettes of distant boats and islands look like scenes from a movie.

At that moment, time itself seemed to soften.

Passing through Donggang Business District on the way to dinner, towering buildings sparkled with lights under the night sky.

Facing the blue sea, this business district is a new internet-famous spot in Dalian. The international yacht harbor, conference center, musical fountain, and Venice Water City are all worth a visit.

Unfortunately, limited time meant I couldn't explore them properly, so I'll leave that as a reason to come back to Dalian next time.

Day 5: No Skiing, No Happiness

On the last day of this trip, a local friend took me skiing.

Linhai Ski Resort is very close to the airport, with 7 runs. It's the largest ski resort in southern Liaoning.

Many local Dalian residents come here to ski. The price is reasonable, and the environment is nice.

Unfortunately, as a ski novice, I've set numerous goals to learn skiing but remain stuck at the stage of strapping on a turtle-shaped bumper and learning to fall.

Dalian Shangri-La Hotel

The environment and service of a star-rated hotel go without saying; the comfortable rooms relieve travel fatigue.

I highly recommend the congee at breakfast—the freshly-made seafood congee is very smooth and delicious.

Dalian Anbu·Seaview Vintage Homestay

Located by the fishing harbor of Tiger Beach Fisherman's Wharf, it's convenient to Binhai Road.

The homestay faces the sea; you can watch the sunrise from your room.

It also houses nearly a thousand American antiques collected by the owner, filling every corner with an old American film vibe.

Dalian Sishi Jingyu Beach Resort Hotel

Also on Binhai Road, it has its own private beach and exquisite sea-view rooms.

The first floor resembles an art gallery, occasionally hosting art exhibitions.

I'm looking forward to returning here in summer and enjoying a slow life.

Dalian Jinli·Designer Homestay

Located at Heishijiao (Black Rock Reef), this is a very stylish standalone building hidden in a residential area.

White Mediterranean-style courtyard and decor, simple and elegant, and great for photos.

Dalian Qingqiu·Taolin Meisu (Peach Forest Beautiful Stay)

Like a paradise in the bustling city, very ethereal. You can also wear Hanfu for free for photos.

The sea square is within walking distance from the homestay—a perfect location.

As a foodie, a trip without good food is incomplete.

Before departure, my friend and I researched many local Dalian delicacies. Over these days, I forgot about dieting; every meal was satisfying.

Qiankuli Seafood Buffet

A super popular seafood buffet in Dalian. For just over 300 yuan, you can enjoy seafood to your heart's content.

The seafood and many dishes are very fresh—can be steamed or hot pot. Eating a durian or Boston lobster alone can make it worth the price.

Dalian's time-honored restaurant in a standalone little Western-style building at Tiger Beach Fisherman's Wharf.

The restaurant has a vintage and refined atmosphere, and the dishes are tasty.

Beni Japanese Restaurant (Red Leaf Japanese Cuisine)

A long-established Japanese buffet in Dalian, open for over 20 years. All private rooms ensure good privacy.

It was one of the first Japanese restaurants authorized to serve pufferfish. Don't miss fresh sashimi, foie gras, tempura, grilled eel, and more.

Oleg Russian Restaurant

You must try Russian cuisine when in Dalian.

This restaurant in Donggang has a beautiful environment with sea views outdoors and live performances in the evening.

Recommended: signature potato chips, Russian-style sausages, and Russian pot beef.

Enni Xiaomu Wu Rice Wine House (Eunice Small Cabin Rice Wine Restaurant)

A popular Korean-style restaurant in Dalian, open until 1 a.m. A true late-night eatery.

Sitting around the table with friends creates a great atmosphere. We ordered a full table of dishes, none disappointing. Various rice wines are also good—authentic Yanbian flavors.

Highly recommend spicy chicken wings and fire-spicy chicken feet—must-orders at every table~

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Located on the basement floor of the Kempinski Hotel Dalian, perfect for an evening drink with friends.

Ganjingli Dongshi Food District

Near Dalian Airport, the district is full of restaurants. A good choice for your first or last meal in Dalian.

This was from the day in Lüshun—iron pot stew is definitely the soul of Northeastern cuisine, haha!

The restaurant's style is very Northeastern. The heated kang (brick bed) next to the iron pot is so comforting in winter, I almost wanted to nap there.

The iron pot stewed ribs, fish, chicken, along with vermicelli, pickled cabbage, potatoes, and other sides, bubbling with steam. Dipping cornbread into it, I accidentally ate too much...

This 5-day, 4-night trip brought back memories of my travels 16 years ago and enriched my heart's image of Dalian.

This city is my complex, a presence that will never fade, no matter the time.

I'm already looking forward to our next reunion.