Didn’t go to Bali, went to Haxian Island instead, and was moved to tears by this original fishing village~
St3ll@ @nd3rs0n
Finally found my ideal courtyard homestay on Guanglu Island
IidaKuosisto
Went to Dalian just for these 20 photos~
JourneyingSoul
The aesthetic of Jiaodong cuisine, bringing the freshness of the Bohai Bay.
luceria_4356
Stunning! A breathtaking forest island hidden near Dalian Ø
SavannahThompson
The best beach getaway near Dalian. Guanlong Dao Island. It's easier to get there than you think!
Dreaming of sea, sand, and tranquility, but don't want to spend half a day traveling? Guanlong Dao Island (广鹿岛) is where a true island getaway becomes accessible. Just an hour by high-speed train, 15 minutes by taxi, and an hour by ferry—and you're on the largest island of the Changshan Archipelago. Wide sandy beaches, clear, glassy water, the freshest seafood, and a true vacation experience await you here, without the crowds. An ideal option for families with children and anyone who wants a true seaside getaway without flying south.
🏝️ Why is Guanlong Dao the best choice for a beach vacation?
The island's main draw is its beaches. The water here is clear, and the main beach, Moon Bay (Yuèliàng Wān, 月亮湾), is considered one of the best on the entire Dalian coast. The sand is fine and soft, and the entry into the water is shallow, making it safe and comfortable for children. Locals call this water "glassy" and "jelly-like"—on a sunny day, it truly is turquoise and clear.
A second option is Rainbow Beach (Cǎihóng Tān, 彩虹滩). It's less well-known, but also has soft sand and calm water. A great place if you're looking for privacy.
Also important:
Easy to get there—a combined route (train, taxi, and ferry) takes only about 2.5–3 hours from the center of Dalian.
Nature and tranquility—no city noise, just seagulls, waves, and wind. Seafood – fresh crabs, shrimp, and fish straight from the boat, cooked for you at any guesthouse.
🚄 How to get there? The fastest and most convenient route
The entire journey takes about 2.5–3 hours. Here's a step-by-step plan:
Step 1. High-speed train (Dalian → Pikou)
Take the high-speed train (type G or D) from Dalian Station (大连站) or Dalian North Station (大连北站) to Pikou Station (皮口站).
Travel time: 40 minutes – 1 hour.
Second-class seat ticket: 28–37 RMB, depending on the train.
Trains run regularly on the Dalian → Zhuanghe → Dandong route, so finding a convenient time is easy.
Tip: Maps indicate that Pikou Station (皮口南站) is slightly closer to the pier (about 5 km versus 8.6 km from the main station), so check both options when purchasing tickets.
Step 2. Taxi (train station → Pikou Pier)
From Pikou Station to Pikou Pier (皮口港) it's a 10-15 minute taxi ride.
The fare is 20-30 yuan per car. You can take Didi or a local taxi.
From Pikou Station, it's even closer; a taxi will cost about the same.
Step 3. Ferry (Pikou → Guanglu Dao)
Arrive at Pikou Wharf and buy a ferry ticket to Guanglu Dao.
Travel time: 50-60 minutes.
Ticket price: 55 yuan per person (standard fare).
Ferry schedules are not fixed and depend on the weather. During the high season (July-August), there are more departures, while in the off-season, there are fewer.
Important: It's best to check the schedule the day before your trip on the official account of the Guanglu Dao Ferry Company (大连市普兰店区皮口港务公司) or by calling the wharf. Flights may be cancelled in windy weather.
Step 4. On the Island
Most guesthouses and hotels meet guests at the pier and provide free transportation. Please inform the hosts of your arrival time in advance.
⏰ When to go?
The best time is July, August, and early September. The water warms up to 24–26°C.
August is the warmest month, but short-term rain is possible.
September — the heat subsides, there are fewer tourists, and the sea is still warm. A great time for a relaxing holiday.
At the end of September, the air temperature remains stable at around 25°C — comfortable for both swimming and walking.
📅 Sample 2-3-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the beach
8. 00 AM — Depart Dalian by high-speed train.
9. 00 AM — Arrival in Picou, taxi to the pier.
10. 00 AM — Ferry to Guanludao.
· 11:00 AM — Check-in at the guesthouse, fresh seafood lunch.
· All day — Moon Bay: swimming, sand, sunsets.
Day 2: Exploring the Island
· Morning — stroll through the fishing village.
· You can rent a boat for fishing or simply sail around the island.
· Afternoon — Rainbow Beach for a change of scenery.
· Evening — dinner with crabs and shrimp, stargazing (the island has a very dark sky!).
Day 3: Farewell swim and departure
· Morning — another swim, collecting shells.
· Lunch — and then the ferry back to Piko, then a taxi and train to Dalian.
⚠️ Important Tips
Sun and Water — There's almost no shade on the beach, so be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of drinking water. Children need a separate supply.
Food on the Beach — There are virtually no shops on the beaches themselves, so it's best to bring snacks and water bottles.
Reservations — During peak season (July–August), guesthouses fill up 1–2 weeks in advance, so book in advance.
Clothing — Bring a windbreaker or light jacket; the island can get chilly in the evenings due to the sea breeze.
Ferry — It's best to buy tickets in advance, especially on weekends. Check the schedule the morning of your trip.
💎 Summary
Guanludao Island is the best option for a beach holiday near Dalian. Train, taxi, and ferry—and you're there. Clear sea, soft sand, fresh seafood, and a relaxing atmosphere await you. Come for 2-3 days and you'll definitely want to come back again.
Anatolii Zakharchuk
Exclusive glass sea
griffin_9506
Who knows! There’s a stunning glass sea hidden near Dalian!