Attractions · Dalian

Xinghai Square is Asia's largest urban square, covering 1.76 million square metres, and was built to commemorate Hong Kong's return to China. At its centre stand a Huabiao column and the Century Sculpture, symbolising a century of change for the Chinese nation. The square faces the sea, with views of the Xinghai Bay Bridge; its night illumination is dazzling, and it is Dalian's civic living room and a prime spot for viewing the sea. Highlights include the seaside promenade. Tip: go in the evening to enjoy both sunset and the night lights. Practical info: located at Xinghai Bay, Shahekou District, Dalian, Liaoning; admission free; open all day. Best season: summer (July–September) for a seaside escape; autumn (September–October) brings crisp skies and the most pleasant weather. Pair it with Jinshitan National Holiday Resort, Lüshunkou and Tiger Beach Ocean Park for a half- or full-day itinerary. Confirm same-day opening and reservation policies before you go and allow ample time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel off-peak, and allow time for queues and security checks.

Tip: Go in the evening to enjoy both sunset and the night lights. The square is large, so wear comfortable shoes.

• Address: Xinghai Bay, Shahekou District, Dalian, Liaoning
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: Open all day

Jinshitan is a national-level scenic area known for its extraordinary sea-eroded landforms and rich coastal resources. Within the area, Tortoise Shell Rock is celebrated as a wonder of the world, and natural formations such as Dinosaur Exploring the Sea are masterworks of nature. Jinshitan National Holiday Resort combines a coastal beach, the Discovery Kingdom theme park and the Golden Coast, making it one of Dalian's most popular holiday destinations. Highlights include Dinosaur Exploring the Sea, Tortoise Shell Rock, Discovery Kingdom and the Golden Coast. Tip: Discovery Kingdom is well suited to families with children, and a full day is recommended. Practical info: located at Jinshitan Holiday Resort, Jinzhou District, Dalian, Liaoning; admission free (some attractions charge); opening hours 08:30–17:00. Best season: summer (July–September) for a seaside escape; autumn (September–October) brings crisp skies and the most pleasant weather. Pair it with Xinghai Square, Lüshunkou and Tiger Beach Ocean Park for a half- or full-day itinerary. Confirm same-day opening and reservation policies before you go and allow ample time.

• Address: Jinshitan Holiday Resort, Jinzhou District, Dalian, Liaoning
• Ticket: Free (some attractions charge admission)
• Opening: 08:30–17:00

Lüshunkou was an important naval port in modern Chinese history and witnessed major events including the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. Baiyu Mountain offers a panoramic view of the whole Lüshun naval port, while the former Russo-Japanese Prison records the humiliating history of colonial rule. Lüshun Museum holds a large collection of historical artefacts and is an important place for understanding modern Chinese history. Highlights include the Baiyu Mountain Tower. Tip: hiring a guide is recommended to understand the history behind the sites. Practical info: located in Lüshunkou District, Dalian, Liaoning; admission ¥40 for Baiyu Mountain; opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: summer (July–September) for a seaside escape; autumn (September–October) brings crisp skies and the most pleasant weather. Pair it with Xinghai Square, Jinshitan National Holiday Resort and Tiger Beach Ocean Park for a half- or full-day itinerary.

Tip: Hiring a guide is recommended to understand the history behind the sites.

• Address: Lüshunkou District, Dalian, Liaoning
• Ticket: Baiyu Mountain ¥40
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

Tiger Beach Ocean Park is one of China's largest marine theme parks, covering 1.18 million square metres. It contains a polar aquarium, a coral pavilion, a bird forest and other venues where visitors can watch beluga, dolphin and other marine animal shows. The seaside wooden boardwalk along Tiger Beach is beautifully scenic, and the park is one of Dalian's most popular coastal attractions. Highlights include the seaside wooden boardwalk. Tip: watch the animal shows in the morning and tour the pavilions in the afternoon. Practical info: located at 9 Binhai Middle Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian, Liaoning; admission ¥220; opening hours 08:30–17:00. Best season: summer (July–September) for a seaside escape; autumn (September–October) brings crisp skies and the most pleasant weather. Pair it with Xinghai Square, Jinshitan National Holiday Resort and Lüshunkou for a half- or full-day itinerary.

Tip: Watch the animal shows in the morning and tour the pavilions in the afternoon.

• Address: 9 Binhai Middle Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian, Liaoning
• Ticket: ¥220
• Opening: 08:30–17:00