Spending a Cool Summer in a Northern Island: The Romance of Dalian

A particularly romantic seaside city, and also a city I really like, because every time I see the sea I feel healed.

Dalian 7-day, 6-night itinerary: Day1: Arrive in Dalian, check into Tiedao 1896 Garden Hotel; Day2: Sanhuan Pasture – Cherry Picking; Day3: Ziyun Huaxi Lavender Manor – Noline Offline Camp; Day4: Dalian Shengya Ocean World – Bangchuidao Island; Day5: Depart for Guanglu Island – Guanglu Island Folk Museum – Discovery Kingdom Guanglu Island Resort Hotel; Day6: 11111 – Beach – Haishan Island Resort Hotel; Day7: Take boat back to Dalian and return.

What is it like staying in a century-old villa at Tiedao 1896 Garden Hotel? Located in the city center on the west side of Russian Style Street, the Tiedao 1896 Garden Hotel is a protected heritage building with a total of 28 villas, all in Gothic architectural style. The architectural style is the popular eclectic style of the time, combining German and Russian styles. The interior is luxuriously decorated in European style, with every detail exquisitely designed—ceiling patterns, sofas, decorative paintings, and curtains all very European. The crystal chandeliers on the ceiling and the candle-style mirror lights paired with vintage patterned bronze mirrors really make you feel like you've traveled back to a century-old castle. The entire hotel is great for photos; I suggest women wear cheongsam. Particularly recommended spots: the outdoor garden fountain, the staircases, and the sofas and windows inside—all very photogenic.

Surroundings: Russian Style Street, which has many Russian-style buildings, including the Dalian Art Museum. The vintage 201 tram that runs through Dalian's streets is also worth experiencing. In short, staying here allows you to explore the surrounding area easily! Address: No. 36 Guanghui Lane, Shengli Street, Xigang District, Dalian.

Sanhuan Pasture: When talking about Dalian, everyone first thinks of the sea, but you can also see a vast grassland here—Sanhuan Pasture. It's only a 20-minute drive from the city center to see beautiful scenery of wind blowing through grass and revealing cattle and sheep. We arrived at noon, with the sun shining brightly, casting golden light on the green pasture, the grass gilded gold, cattle and sheep grazing, and wooden cabins scattered across the grassland like a beautiful oil painting. Transportation: Located opposite the Lushun Yingshi Botanical Garden; you can drive or take a ride-hailing service. Sanhuan Pasture has two gates with parking, making self-driving convenient. Activities: 1. Get close to nature: cows, sheep, alpacas, sheepdogs, horses, pigs, etc. The grazing times for sheep, cattle, horses, and sheepdogs are 9:30-11:00 and 13:30-15:30. You can camp overnight—rent a tent, bring a sleeping bag and telescope, admire the starry sky at midnight, and capture the Milky Way. Use a tripod and DSLR to shoot star trails. There is a large BBQ Garden self-service barbecue area, and you can also bring your own food and set up a picnic mat for a picnic. Portrait photo composition references: [image descriptions]

Cherry Picking: It was cherry picking season in Dalian, so we arranged a cherry picking trip. We drove to the picking garden, passing a coastal road to reach it. The cherries on the tree were fresh, and we could pick them ourselves to buy and take home.

Ziyun Huaxi Lavender Manor in Jinzhou: Known as Dalian's "Provence," this is Ziyun Huaxi Lavender Manor. Vast purple flowers bloom like a sea, stretching endlessly. Against the purple flower sea, everyone becomes softer and wants to keep taking photos. Besides the flower sea, there are forest cabins, RV camping, and a castle hotel, offering various ways to satisfy your desire to stay outdoors. Ticket: 80 RMB, buy anytime. For discounted tickets, purchase 2 hours in advance. On the day we visited the lavender manor, the weather in Dalian was great—not hot outdoors. At the entrance of the Dalian Lavender Manor, there is a large purple flower sea, and a small castle on the left. It's very beautiful for photos. Besides the vast purple flower sea, there are dense green plants, like stepping into the Wizard of Oz in a fairy tale. When visiting the lavender manor, a dress is better for photos, but the stone slab paths require comfortable shoes—no high heels. Remember sun protection, and there are rest areas. The flower season starts in June, with the best viewing time in July and August. Ziyun Huaxi • Tour Tips: Address: Ziyun Huaxi Lavender Manor, Jinpu New District, Dalian. Self-driving: Navigate to "Ziyun Huaxi" directly; about 1 hour from the city center. Sightseeing electric car: 20 RMB/person. Ticket: 80 RMB/person. Opening hours: 08:00 until visitors leave. Best months: Summer and autumn. Photo tips: Straw sun hat, light-colored dress.

Lunch was in the castle of the lavender manor. The interior was magnificent and well-designed. The restaurant was spacious with a great atmosphere. The specialty of the lunch was fresh local organic vegetables, authentic boiled corn, special braised fish, and typical Northeastern dipping vegetable platter. A wonderful dining experience.

Noline Offline Camp: Noline means offline—escaping the busy city work life and the hustle and bustle. A temporary offline, close to nature, relaxing yourself. The camp is nestled between mountains and water, with a refined camping style. On weekends, invite a few friends, no need to go far, briefly escape from life's busyness, and appreciate the beauty of nature. I think this is the life attitude that Noline Camp conveys. Address: Located in Dalian Western Suburb National Forest Park.

Camping is about getting away from city noise and meeting nature. It can be sleeping in a tent to the sound of insects under the stars, or having a picnic with friends among trees and flowers. Camping is just a way to get in touch with nature. Feeling nature is the true meaning of camping. Offline Camp is essentially a bring-your-own-everything camp; all facilities are available. Even non-camping enthusiasts can easily have an unforgettable camping experience. Outdoor camping: beware of insect bites. There are many tent styles to choose from at Offline Camp. Remember to book in advance during peak season. On peak-season weekends, there is usually a market; meals, drinks, etc., are provided at the camp. For barbecue, pay attention to fire safety. Bringing your own tent is much cheaper; those with conditions can consider it. If you want beautiful photos, bring some props. The camp also has an open-air cinema. Transportation: 1. Self-driving (navigate to the above address). 2. Taxi (target Wangjiatun Bus Stop, Route 535; after getting off, cross the road to enter). 3. Bus (take the Malan Square 535 terminal bus to Wangjiatun stop, cross the road to enter). Camping time: 13:00 - 9:30 next day; overtime 100 RMB/hour. Noline Camping practical guide: Suitable for small gatherings of friends, couple dates, team building, etc. Pets are allowed. You can bring your own food or order camp food (additional charge). Essential items: insect/mosquito repellent spray, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen. Fee standard: 1. Camping novice: 149 RMB/person, basic set: awning, outdoor chair, portable gas stove, gas canister, grill pan, camp trash rack, etc. 2. Camping expert: 99 RMB/person, advanced player zone: bring your own advanced equipment or replenish at the camp market; large items including tents, tables and chairs, down to Snow Peak bowls and gas canisters (200 RMB deposit required when checking in). Photo composition references: [image descriptions]

Shengya Ocean World has four halls: Ocean World, Coral World, Polar World, and Galaxy Star Sea. Ocean World and Coral World are adjacent, both on the right side of the entrance. Polar World and Galaxy Star Sea are adjacent, on the left side, where the food court is also. Highlights: Ocean World: Dolphin show and underwater tunnel. The underwater tunnel is impressive, with a great experience; through acrylic panels you can see many lemon sharks and other marine animals. The tunnel was expensive to build, worth experiencing. It mainly displays marine animals, taking visitors on a deep-sea fantasy journey. "Dolphin Bay Love" performance is wonderful. Polar World: Polar bears, penguins, arctic wolves. There are beluga whale and walrus shows. It mainly shows Arctic and Antarctic animals, presenting polar world in a theme park style. Highlights: 1. "Beluga Legend" show. The performance venue is small; arrive early to get a central spot for a better view. If you miss the show, you can still see beluga swimming through the glass window. 2. "Kung Fu Walrus" show, a humorous animal performance. Galaxy Star Sea: Contains polar bears, penguins, arctic wolves, etc. You can feed polar bears. A deep-sea experience journey using high-tech methods. At the exit of Polar World, there are seagulls; you can prepare bread or sausages to feed them. All venues have only one route, and performance venues are near the exits (except the beluga show). After the shows, you can leave directly or go back to visit.

How can you come to Dalian without eating seafood? After leaving Shengya Ocean World, we went to this seafood restaurant. Dalian's seafood is very fresh; you can eat the freshest seafood. Dishes like sea urchin tofu stew, seafood platter, stir-fried seafood, etc. They make various flavors and styles; you can taste all the delicious seafood at once.

Bangchuidao Island: Bangchuidao Island has the clearest water and cleanest beach in downtown Dalian. The coastal scenery is superb and perfect for photos. Into the scenic area is a tree-lined path leading to the beach, with trimmed lawns and various garden plants. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the beach. Photo composition references: [image descriptions]

Dalian has a rich variety of food, including authentic Korean cuisine. At a small wooden house restaurant, we ate spicy chicken wings, ramen hot pot, beef pot, rice cake pot, etc. They were all delicious, colorful and appetizing.

Taking a boat to Guanglu Island: You can bring ham sausages and bread to feed seagulls. It's really fun! And great for photos; seagulls chase the boat all the way, very spectacular! Also very photogenic!

Accommodation: Dalian Discovery Kingdom Guanglu Island Resort Hotel. The only five-star hotel on the island. We booked a sea view suite in advance, with a superb view! Rooms are divided into sea view and mountain view. I suggest booking a sea view room to watch the sunrise the next day. The hotel has the best facilities on the island, including two swimming pools. With blue sky and white clouds, and the azure sea nearby, lying on the lounger makes you feel very relaxed. There is also a fireworks show in the evening. After dusk, you can walk to Moon Bay Beach, named for its crescent shape; the sand is fine and stretches for miles into the sea. The back door of the hotel leads to two relatively hidden beaches with more rocks, not suitable for swimming, but with fewer people, ideal for photos.

Laotieshan Mountain: Beautiful scenery; after climbing to the top, the view is stunning—you can see the entire Guanglu Island, and also Fairy Lake from a distance. The view of Fairy Lake from above is particularly colorful. Fairy Lake: After reaching the top, follow the mountain path down to Fairy Lake. The walk is long, but the scenery is impeccable—strolling around lifts your spirits. Mazu Temple: A short walk from Fairy Lake is Mazu Temple. The view from outside the temple is also beautiful; a small island appears in the sea, and seagulls occasionally circle in the sky—perfect for photos. Moon Bay: Also called Blue Bay, located just below the hotel, about a 15-minute walk. The sand is soft and fine. Bring some beachcombing tools.

Changhai County, also known as Changshan Islands, is located in the northern Yellow Sea east of the Liaodong Peninsula. The county consists of 195 islands, with a coastline of 359 kilometers. It is the only island county in Northeast China and the only island border county in the country. Changhai County has four distinct seasons, cool summers and warm winters, with an average annual temperature around 10°C, making it a great summer resort. The harbors are linked, beaches stretch, reefs are magnificent, and the scenery is natural. Dense vegetation, green trees, fresh air, known as a "natural oxygen bar." Rich seafood, nutritious and delicious, with high domestic popularity. Changhai County is an excellent place for nature, seafood tasting, health preservation, leisure sports, and vacation recuperation. Transportation: Ferry schedules are affected by tides, so daily times vary. Under good weather, ferries run about every half hour. Check weather and daily schedule in advance via the official account of Changhai County Culture and Tourism Bureau's "We Service" menu's "Daily Ferry Schedule." Ticket prices vary by destination island distance; sailing time ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the boat. Internal transport on Changhai County islands: Bus: buses run on all five major islands, with stops near main attractions, but frequencies vary, so plan your time. Taxi: ample taxis on each island; during peak season, demand is high, so keep the driver's phone number. Shared electric scooters: only on Dachangshan Island, Xiaochangshan Island, and Guanglu Island. Rent and return points are near scenic spots and residential areas, suitable for short-distance travel; not recommended for long rides. Guanglu Island is a national island forest park, 11 nautical miles from Pikou Port and 30 nautical miles from Jinshitan Port, known as the "Gateway to Dalian." It has rich and unique tourism resources: Moon Bay Bathing Beach with clean water and fine sand. "The place where the first smoke rose in southern Liaoning"—Xiaozhu Mountain Ruins. You can stroll through the historic Mazu Temple and the misty Fairy Lake. Visit Guanglu Island Folk Museum to experience the unique traditional folk culture of islanders. Or take a boat to visit nearby General's Rock, Bird Island, and other unique island landscapes. Guanglu Island Folk Museum is located in Shajian Village, Guanglu Island Town. The exhibits cover eight categories including old village houses, farming production, Zhushan relics, iron and wood crafts, totaling over 800 items. It vividly recreates scenes of islanders' life in the past. It is the largest folk culture exhibition hall in Changhai area with the most exhibits and distinctive features, and a new platform for tourists to understand the long history and culture of Changshan Islands.

Guanglu Island's seafood: Many exquisite seafood cooking traditions have a long history. The skilled wives of fishing families on each island compete to create a variety of traditional seafood dishes with unique island flavors. The recommended list of island specialty dishes in Changhai County has as many as 99: sea cucumber stewed with fish, shrimp paste braised tofu, pearl abalone mixed with scallion, seaweed buns, scallop meatball soup. Each dish is mouthwatering. Also try the "Changhai Fisherman's Eight Big Bowls" and "Eight Small Bowls"—you won't leave disappointed. Photo composition reference: [image descriptions]

Dachangshan Island and Xiaochangshan Island are connected by a bridge. At the southern end of Dachangshan Island is Qixiang Garden, the most worthwhile attraction on the island. Covering over 6,600 square meters, it enshrines the protective goddess of fishermen—Mazu. Niuniu Bay is famous for its rare golden sand, fine and soft, with a gentle slope. Dading Mountain Coastal Defense Park and Laowangchang Scenic Road are ideal summer destinations.

Xiaochangshan Island has deep water, many reefs, vast waters, and rich resources. Known as a "natural fishing village," it is an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts. Main attractions include Golden Sand Beach, Lieyu Ping (Islands Screen), and Xiaoshuikou Forest Park. Changshan Islands are one of the eight major archipelagos in China, and the northernmost and only archipelago in Northeast China. The scenery is beautiful, climate pleasant, and seafood abundant. Xiaochangshan Island - Xiaoshuikou Forest Park is located at the easternmost end of Xiaochangshan Island, comprising the Xiaoshuikou area and Sanhegou Lieyu Ping viewing platform, covering an area of 1.2 square kilometers. It has viewing platforms, walking paths, boardwalks, glass walkways, pavilions, etc. Photo composition reference: [image descriptions]

On the last day on Changshan Island, we stayed at Haishan Island Resort Hotel. Built by the sea, it has its own private beach and water sports facilities. The hotel also has a heated swimming pool, so you can enjoy swimming regardless of temperature.

Lunch at the hotel was special seafood dumplings. Interestingly, we cooked them ourselves, which was a great experience. There were also fresh seafood sashimi, salmon head, and delicious beef hot pot. Our taste buds were fully satisfied. The entire Dalian trip not only offered beautiful scenery but also unforgettable food—a truly worthwhile journey.

The hotel's beach barbecue was also great. Eating barbecue while watching the sea, this island trip ended with the joy of good food.