A 4-Day Tour of Dalian's Natural Scenery: Stunning Islands and Internet-Famous Photo Spots

About this trip: Dalian is a beautiful coastal city, surrounded by many beautiful islands, including: Haiwang Nine Islands, Shicheng Island, and so on. They are picturesque and naturally formed, making them the most brilliant scenic spots in the Changshan Archipelago Scenic Area.

Attractions Distribution: The Haiwang Nine Islands are exquisitely arranged with beautiful scenery, marine erosion landforms, diverse postures, and countless strange reefs and rocks that seem chiseled by nature, leaving people in awe. The islands, big and small, are like pearls shining in the blue waves. The area features stunning landscapes, gulls and sails flying side by side, clear water and clean sand, forest belts like screens, and coastal landforms such as sea erosion pillars and caves随处可见.

Scenic Features: Sea viewing, islands, reefs

Shopping: (Specialties) Sea cucumber, scallops, oysters, mussels, ark shells, conch, and various commercial fish.

Food: Boiled mixed clams in clear water, red-baked whole shrimp, salted fish pancake, chicken feet jelly, etc.

Local Transportation: To reach Haiwang Nine Islands, you must take a ferry from Zhuanghe Port. There are four passenger ferries daily between Zhuanghe and Haiwang Nine Islands. From Dalian via Huanghai Avenue to Zhuanghe and then to Haiwang Nine Islands takes only three hours; from Zhuanghe to Haiwang Nine Islands, it takes one hour by regular ferry and 30 minutes by high-speed ferry.

DAY1: Zhuanghe Haiwang Nine Islands, known as 'Little Guilin' on the sea

The blue ocean is an indispensable element of Dalian, and the many islands standing in the vast sea area also add unique charm to this city. With rolling mountains on the islands and endless sea beyond, visiting Dalian feels like stepping into a vivid 'Classic of Mountains and Seas'.

To explore the islands of Dalian, you might as well visit Haiwang Nine Islands in Wangjia Town, Zhuanghe City. The village by the mountains and sea has mountains and sea as its back garden, with exceptionally fresh air and moist atmosphere.

Dalian Haiwang Nine Islands Tourist Resort is a well-known scenic area among northern islands, a national 4A-level tourist attraction, and has long enjoyed reputations such as 'Fairyland on Earth', 'Bonsai on the Sea', and 'Darling of the Yellow Sea'. In 2017, it was named a national characteristic town, and it is the only island township among the 403 characteristic towns in the country.

There are many magnificent landscapes on Haiwang Nine Islands, including black-and-white strange rocks, elephants playing in water, camel-shaped peaks, and turtles exploring the sea—more than 60 vivid and lifelike strange reefs and rocks. It is also a natural geological museum. Visiting here, one cannot help but marvel at the wonders of nature.

Haiwang Nine Islands has original ecological marine pastures with unique marine resources. The sea here is suitable for ecological breeding of various precious marine products.

The village square is only separated from the sea by a road. Standing on the square, you can hear the sound of waves, and various fishing boats are moored in the harbor, swaying with the wind, perfectly capturing the leisurely atmosphere of an island fishing village.

Flat roads run through Wangjia Town, with neat rows of houses on both sides. The red roofs contrast sharply with the surrounding green trees. 'Living off the mountains and the sea,' the villagers of Wangjia Town have developed a thriving seafood aquaculture industry, and their lives are improving day by day.

The marine products produced here have special nutritional value and delicious taste. Sea cucumbers have obtained geographical indication product protection from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and Jiudao sea cucumbers are renowned both at home and abroad.

At the dock, boats come and go, creating a busy scene. Fishermen go out to sea for fishing, while tourists head to the nearby Haiwang Nine Islands to enjoy the beautiful sea views. Passing fishing boats leave long white lines behind, as if painting beautiful pictures on the blue background.

There is an ecological park on the island where visitors can walk or take a battery car to tour. It is also a great place to overlook the entire island's beauty.

White waves crash against the reefs, which are rugged and spectacular in shape. Together with the rising and falling tides and continuous waves, they form a unique island landscape that sparks the imagination.

The Haiwang Nine Islands International Lighthouse is located at the southeast corner of the islands, surrounded by the sea on three sides at an altitude of 102.4 meters. It stands quietly here, guiding ships from south to north. At the same time, this lighthouse is also an exquisite work of art. When night falls, it emits a beam of light spanning over thirty nautical miles, cutting through the night sky like a jade belt to guide ships on long journeys.

There are many algae in the sea, so the water here is always clear, whether sunny or rainy, presenting a mesmerizing emerald green color. From the dock, it takes only a few minutes by boat to reach the nearest of the Haiwang Nine Islands. The Haiwang Nine Islands consist of nine islands, including Greater and Lesser Haiwang Island, Shuangshi Island, Yuanbao Island, etc. They are exquisitely arranged, each with its own unique features and charm.

On the islands, many fun and beautiful attractions await visitors. The Wangjia Island International Lighthouse has stood silently here for a century, recording unforgettable history and becoming a charming landscape on the island.

The vast ocean ripples with gentle waves, while the green islands with rugged rocks quietly shine. The waves gently wash the coastline, and the弥漫的海雾 adds a touch of ethereal seclusion to the scene.

The island is covered with dense vegetation, full of green. Attractions are connected by plank roads, making it easy to walk. You can enjoy the sea view while strolling across the entire island effortlessly. The mountains and islands are lush with trees, birds chirping, making you forget you are in the mortal world and feel as if you have entered a 'Peach Blossom Spring' on the sea.

The naturally formed black rocks and white rocks echo each other, both peculiar and harmonious. This is the 'Unique Marvel Under Heaven' as praised by renowned tourism expert Professor Wang Zhili.

The picturesque Haiwang Nine Islands are an irreplaceable treasure bestowed by nature and history upon the people of Wangjia Island. Here, antiquity and youth intersect, reality and fantasy intertwine, and passion and romance blend.

Without too much commercial influence or artificial intervention, you can watch the busy life of fishermen going to sea, experience the natural charm of the island, or rent a fishing boat to enjoy fishing yourself. A family trip together, seeking the feeling of immortality without envying the immortals after returning from the quest.

DAY2: Paishi Landscape, uniquely shaped, an internet-famous photo spot

At the end of last year, a news story from Dalian went viral on social media: the collapse of the Wafangdian Paishi ancient landscape 'Table Leg' (Zhuozi Tui). This unique world-class natural landscape, once featured in China National Geographic, disappeared before people's eyes, never to return.

Fortunately, only the 'Table Leg' of the Paishi landscape has collapsed. Now, the row of reefs still impresses people with their overwhelming momentum.

Paishi Landscape is located along the coastal road of Dapaishi Tun, Tuoshan Township, Wafangdian City, Dalian. It is a well-known internet-famous scenic spot, attracting many visitors for photos, especially at sunset. The reefs appear even more magnificent and vast under the setting sun, making nature's masterpieces awe-inspiring.

From a distance, the reefs stand in rows, with lush vegetation on top, like tall giants standing shoulder to shoulder against the wind on the winding coastline. The protruding parts extend into the sea, as if testing the depth of the water.

Approaching the reefs, you can see the traces of time left on them. The waves, wind, and rain act as magical paintbrushes. After crustal movements, weathering, marine erosion, and fracturing over thousands of years, they present this spectacular and magical landscape.

The reefs are layered and yellowish-brown in color. For food lovers, they might remind you of 'thousand-layer cake.'

Dark marks fall on the brown rock face. From a distance, a reef in the middle looks like a human face, slightly sad and full of thoughts, staring at the sea.

The northern sea always carries a sense of desolation and openness. Standing in front of Paishi, away from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by clear and bright seawater and fresh and comfortable sea breeze, whether sitting quietly to watch the sea, listening to the wind, or watching the natural wonders under the afterglow of sunset, it is very pleasant.

Compared to nature's masterpiece, artificially created 'Paishi' seems like a child's toy, perhaps illustrating the insignificance of humans in the face of nature.

'Fine things in the world are not solid; colorful clouds easily scatter, and glazed tiles break easily.' Nature creates countless incomparable beauties but also mercilessly destroys many wonders. So don't hesitate or delay. Not only should one become famous early, but also see the scenery early. 'There's plenty of time' is just self-consolation for the lazy. This summer, come to Dalian to check out the stunning Paishi landscape!

DAY3: Xianyu Bay, a great place for tourism and leisure

The easiest and most worry-free way to travel is to visit a tourist resort. The resort has complete facilities, beautiful scenery, and comprehensive entertainment projects, basically covering all needs of food, clothing, housing, and transportation, allowing a trip to be enjoyable without much effort.

Dalian Xianyu Bay Coastal Tourist Resort borders the Bohai Sea to the west, backed by green mountains to the north, and faces Changxing Island across the sea to the south. The entire beach is crescent-shaped, with clear water, blue color, and soft sand, very suitable for family trips.

The resort has many large and small attractions, including a beach bathing area, hot springs, forest park, stele forest maze, Guanshan Temple, Lovers Island, etc. In addition, there are dedicated shopping streets, so you don't have to worry about missing things during your visit.

Besides classic entertainment projects, there are the most trendy and fashionable water sports. Windsurfing on the endless sea is thrilling and stylish.

The hotel area offers various room types, including row houses and standalone villas, with many choices. The seaside log cabins are particularly charming, with windows facing the sea. Falling asleep with the sound of waves at night is romantic to imagine.

Starting from June every year, Xianyu Bay becomes bustling and lively. The number of out-of-town tourists increases, and many local people come with their families and children to 'catch the sea' (gather seafood at low tide). Step on the soft sand, pick up shells and sea creatures washed up by the waves, or take some beautiful photos to capture good times.

Most northern seas are rough, with many reefs and coarse sand. But Xianyu Bay is completely different. The sand on the beach is fine and soft, and the seawater is clear and pure.

Viewed from above, the sea is calm, and Xianyu Bay seems to be sleeping quietly, presenting a peaceful scene.

Xianyu Bay Tourist Resort is known as the 'Pearl of Northeast China'. It has the best beach in the northeast—Beautiful Lady Bathing Beach; the largest Arhat Temple in southern Liaoning—Guanshan Temple; one of the eight scenic spots of Fuzhou—Water Bubbles and Lotus Wind; and the pearl on the sea—Lovers Island, among many other attractions.

There is a beautiful legend about the origin of the name 'Xianyu Bay'. According to legend, this place was originally a lifeless sea. On the morning of the Double Ninth Festival, nine fairies came down to bathe here. After they left, the sea surface was completely renewed—clear and beautiful, with birds flying and fish leaping, full of vitality. From then on, people called the place where the nine fairies bathed 'Xianyu Bay', and the island left by the fairies became 'Lovers Island'.

Lovers Island is the landmark of Xianyu Bay. A plank road from the beach leads directly to it. The island has beautiful scenery, with reefs all around, lush trees, birdsong and flowers fragrance everywhere. The original ecological environment makes people linger and indulge.

Entering July, temperatures rise day by day, and the urge to get close to the ocean becomes stronger. If you travel to Dalian, Xianyu Bay, with its scenery, sea fun, and stories, is a great place for the whole family to spend quality time together.

DAY4: Hai Zhi Yun Park, home to the world's longest wooden boardwalk

In summer, coastal cities are always particularly attractive. Dalian, 'born from the sea,' enjoys high popularity. In Dalian, people always feel gently embraced by the ocean, as if wherever you turn, you can see the vast sea.

Many parks in Dalian are near the sea, and Hai Zhi Yun (Rhythm of the Sea) Park is one of them. It is beloved by locals and well-known to out-of-town tourists. Located in the eastern part of Dalian city, adjacent to Bangchuidao (Club-shaped Island) Scenic Area, it is very convenient to access by subway Line 2.

The park has a coastline of 1,200 meters, with lush trees, blooming flowers, and marine elements everywhere. The sundial on Xuri Square is perfect for children to experience, observing how shadows change with time during the day, making textbook knowledge more vivid.

The Seabed Grand Canyon is the park's internet-famous attraction, bar none. For many, it is a unique, magnificent, and magical underwater world.

Tall rocks stand on both sides forming a canyon, with various marine creatures embedded in the rocks. Giant squid stretch their long tentacles, slender moray eels swim through the rock walls, and schools of small fish seem to play freely in the ocean... Seeing them up close is quite stunning.

Many marine creatures rarely seen or even unknown appear in the canyon, with strange yet vivid shapes. Photos taken here are truly unique on social media.

'Weird Slope' (Guai Po) is a famous spot in the park. When driving uphill on this slope, the vehicle automatically ascends without pressing the accelerator. The discrepancy between feeling and vision goes beyond human cognition, making it very magical.

Because it is adjacent to Bangchuidao, standing at a high point in the park, you can overlook the entire island from afar. The sea breeze blows gently, and thin mist floats over the sea, making the island appear more mysterious.

Bangchuidao lives up to its name (literally 'club-shaped island'). You can see its full shape from the park—a large club shape surrounded by sea, as if a giant left it behind while washing clothes.

Green outlines the hills, summer wind wrinkles the sea surface. Walking on waves, chasing the tide—Dalian's summer is full of excitement, and Hai Zhi Yun Park always harbors the small happiness of midsummer.

Almost every city has a landmark city square, and Dalian is no exception—the famous Xinghai Square. Located in Shahekou District, Dalian, it is the largest square in Dalian and also the largest in Asia. It was built on June 30, 1997, to commemorate the return of Hong Kong.

Xinghai Square is very down-to-earth. Unlike some city squares with many restrictions, it is completely open, welcoming both locals and people from all over the country. Especially in summer, the square's night view is magnificent. As night falls, neon lights shine, and the musical fountain starts, creating a stunning scene.

Buildings on both sides are adorned with colorful lights, illuminating the sea water with brilliant colors, like a starry river. The lights outline the majestic Xinghai Bay Bridge, which from a distance looks like a giant harp standing on the sea.

The Yifang Castle Hotel on the west side of the square takes on a more fairy-tale look under night lights than during the day. The entire hotel is built halfway up a mountain, overlooking the square. Its elevated position and European castle-style architecture give it a sense of tranquility and mystery.

The musical fountain dances to the music, and the lights on the cross-sea bridge change accordingly. The sea surface at night presents a deep blue, inviting reverie.

Xinghai Square's charm lies not only in its beauty but also in its playability. The square has a large amusement park. Every summer after sunset, people come in groups with friends or family. Vehicles and pedestrians, laughter and joy make the square even livelier than during the day, representing the most 'Dalian-style' nightlife.

From a distance, the curved cement slope and the cross-sea bridge form a beautiful picture, like a giant flower quietly blooming.

Pirate ship, carousel, roller coaster, Ferris wheel—all the classic traditional amusement rides are available. If you're brave enough, you can visit the 'Different Dimension' for some thrilling screams.

The square is spacious, so even with many people, it doesn't feel crowded. The summer breeze carries the scent of the ocean, bringing refreshing coolness.

Nearby, there are many food stalls. If it's hot, have an ice cream; if thirsty, order a drink; if hungry, eat some seafood barbecue—enjoy to your heart's content.

The lighthouse, sculptures, seawall, and surrounding high-rise buildings of Xinghai Square attract many tourists to take photos.

The amusement park has been around for a long time, accompanying generations as they grow up. Young parents bring their children, reliving the best memories of childhood and finding the lost stars and seas in their hearts.