Just returned from Dalian, really don't recommend visiting in July-August because it's just too...

I. Itinerary Suggestions (3-5 Day Highlights Version) 📍 Classic 3-Day Tour - Day 1: City Landmarks & Coastal Charm - Morning: Xinghai Square (feed seagulls, view cross-sea bridge) → Dalian Museum (free with reservation, see modern history diorama) - Afternoon: Russian Style Street (European architecture + Dalian Art Museum) → Zhongshan Square (century-old European bank buildings + pigeon flocks) - Evening: Donggang Music Fountain (19:30 light show) → Venice Water Town (night gondola ride, 60 RMB/person) - Day 2: Mountain-Sea Wonders In-Depth Experience - Morning: Binhai Road hike (Fujiazhuang → Yanwo Ridge cliff swing → North Bridge) → Tiger Beach Ocean Park (beluga whale show at Polar Pavilion) - Afternoon: Fisherman's Wharf (colorful fishing boats + Cat's Sky Bookstore) → Bangchuidao (pebble beach + state guesthouse villas) - Dusk: Haizhiyun Park (Elephant Trunk Heavenly Gate + Xuri Square sea view) - Day 3: Geology & Culture Exploration - Full day: Jinshitan (Geopark hike to see Dinosaur Exploring Sea/Turtle Back Stone) → Discoveryland Theme Park (roller coasters + parade) 🌿 Niche 4-5 Day Add-ons - Lushun Route: Russo-Japanese Prison Museum → Taiyanggou Scenic Area (Ginkgo Avenue + historic buildings) → Baiyu Mountain military harbor view - Hidden Gems: - Sanjing Ranch (70 RMB): grassland windmills + animal interactions, great for family camping - Tahewan Beach (10 RMB): Instagrammable transparent boats + colorful swings, accessible via Metro Line 12 - Wangyu Mountain (free): cliff sea views + Santorini-style architecture II. Must-Visit Attractions Deep Dive 🏞️ Classic Must-Dos 1. Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform - 100 RMB round-trip cable car, 360° panoramic view of Dalian, stunning "orange sea" at sunset 2. Xinghai Bay Cross-Sea Bridge - Best photo spot: rock piles at South Gate of Forest Zoo, light show starts at 19:30 3. Dawn Beach (inside Haizhiyun Park) - Jelly-like sea + cliff walkway, reveals natural stone "Elephant Trunk Heavenly Gate" at low tide 🌊 Hidden Gems - Lingjiao Bay: telephoto shots of Fisherman's Wharf panorama, best lighting on sunny afternoons - Fuguo Park: free 20-minute hike to top, famous for city night views - Shengtang Lanshan: Tang Dynasty-style street leading to sea, great for tidepooling III. Food Guide 🦞 Seafood Tips - Best season: September after fishing ban lifts! Recommend Liaoyu Seafood Market (fresh catch cooked onsite) - Must-try: - Sea urchin steamed egg, braised sea cucumber with scallion, sea intestine rice (local eateries 50-80 RMB) - Grilled squid (10 RMB/skewer), Dalian fried starch jelly (5 RMB, served with sesame sauce & garlic) 🍽️ Top Restaurants - Zhenghuangqi Seafood BBQ: grilled abalone + sea urchin steamed egg, ~80 RMB/person - Pin Hai Lou (Fisherman's Wharf): abalone rice + sea urchin tofu hot pot, ~100 RMB/person - Jiaoda Night Market: fried cold noodle roll with stinky tofu (8 RMB), fried starch jelly, grilled squid IV. Practical Tips 1. Transportation - Airport→Downtown: Metro Line 2 direct (4 RMB/30 mins), avoid unlicensed taxis - City travel: No bike-sharing! Prioritize metro + taxis (10 RMB base fare), wear anti-slip shoes for coastal hikes 2. Ticket Savings - Buy Tiger Beach/Discoveryland tickets online 1 day early to save 20 RMB, Jinshitan combo tickets offer better value 3. Accommodation - Best location: Zhongshan Square (metro hub + European architecture) - Best sea views: Xinghai Square (Grand Hyatt 1200 RMB/night, Home Inn budget option 200 RMB/night) 4. Warnings - Russian Street matryoshka dolls are mostly from Yiwu, buy cautiously; choose seafood restaurants with clear pricing - Bring windproof jackets for breezy coastlines, wear thick-soled shoes for rocky areas