A Trip to Dalian to Experience Exotic Charm

After the May Day holiday, I found cheap flights from Nantong to Dalian, so I immediately booked tickets and packed my bags for a spontaneous seven-day trip to Dalian. Day 1: The flight departed at 8:05 AM and landed at Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport at 9:30 AM. I took a taxi to Tianxi Hotel near the train station, had lunch at Dalian Shopping Mall nearby, rested at noon, and familiarized myself with the surroundings in the afternoon. Then, I took the subway directly to Tiger Beach Fisherman's Wharf. Day 2: Visited Zhongshan Square, Haichang Oriental Water City, Russian Style Street, and Houguan Ancient Street. Day 3: Joined a local one-day tour to Lüshun (booked on Ctrip). Day 4: Took Metro Line 3 directly to Jinshitan, bought a ¥20 combo ticket for the scenic area bus. The first stop was the core attraction—Jinshitan National Geopark. Walking along the coastal boardwalk, I saw ancient rocks shaped by thousands of years of waves, resembling layered cakes, eagles spreading wings, elephants drinking water, and turtle-shell patterns... truly awe-inspiring. Day 5: Checked out and took a taxi to a hotel near Xinghai Square. Walked around Xinghai Square, Golden Beach, Silver Beach, and Fujiazhuang. In the evening, enjoyed the light show at Xinghai Square (music fountain available during peak seasons and holidays). Day 6: In the morning, hiked up Lianhua Mountain. Took a taxi to the South Gate 1 of the zoo, with options to walk, take a cable car, or ride a mini train. Personally, walking or the cable car (for a bird's-eye view of the sea) was preferable. In the afternoon, took Bus No. 16 near Xinghai Square, passing Harbor Square and People's Square, and got off at the Convention Center stop. Walked to the yacht marina, strolled along the coast to Haichang Oriental Water City. As the sun set, the golden light bathed the classical European-style buildings, while gondolas glided through the water, creating ripples. Tired from the day, I ordered sea urchin dumplings at Xiding and enjoyed their excellent service. At night, the lights at Haichang Oriental Water City were mesmerizing, harmonizing with the surrounding architecture. Day 7: Took a direct flight back to Nantong from 10:05 AM to 12:05 PM and arrived home by noon. Transportation: Mainly relied on the subway, supplemented by taxis. Most attractions like Tiger Beach Fisherman's Wharf, Jinshitan Geopark, and Xinghai Square are directly accessible by subway. Food Highlights: Dalian-style stewed rice cakes, stir-fried rice with sea sausage, mackerel dumplings, shrimp dumplings, sea urchin dumplings, locust flower pancakes, and other seafood. Special mention to Xiding's sea urchin dumplings! Special Reminder: If planning a trip to Dandong, avoid Mondays.