Dalian Xinghai Square: A Coastal Romance Hidden in the Heart of the City

As the largest urban square in Asia, Xinghai Square is never just a simple landmark for check-ins; it is a vibrant embodiment of Dalian’s blend of “the romance of the sea” and “the warmth of the city” in everyday life. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local who often comes for a stroll, you can always find your own moment of comfort here, making it a must-visit model for coastal travel. The charm of the square begins to spread the moment you step in. It’s recommended to navigate directly to the “Century City Sculpture” instead of the main entrance of the square to avoid unnecessary detours. Passing through vast green lawns, the reddish-brown marble floor of the central star-shaped plaza stands out vividly. Carved on it are the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, the twelve zodiac animals, and nine bronze tripods, with the inscription “Long live the great unity of the Chinese nation” holding the city’s profound memories. This collision of traditional aesthetics and expansive layout makes every casual photo a masterpiece full of depth and grandeur. Walking south along the square to the seaside area is when you truly touch the soul of Xinghai. In the morning sea breeze, flocks of seagulls circle and forage. Prepare some sausages or bread slices in advance; the moment you toss them into the air, the tips of the wings brushing through the salty air create a lively scene that even a phone camera can capture beautifully. If you have children, the amusement park on the west side of the square is filled with the laughter of roller coasters and carousels, while the nearby Xinghai Bathing Beach offers waves to step into and sand to play with, fulfilling all family needs in one spot. Even more delightful is the newly built sea pier, reachable on foot from the square to Golden Beach. Along the way, leaning on the railings to gaze at the shimmering sea and distant islands forms a healing picture. By evening, Xinghai Square switches to “night mode.” After 7 PM, the lights on the Xinghai Bay Cross-Sea Bridge gradually turn on, resembling a glowing giant dragon resting on the sea. At this time, shooting upward from the west side steps or overlooking from the Forest Zoo observation deck, the 6-kilometer-long bridge blending with the sunset glow creates wallpaper-worthy scenes in every frame. Around 8 PM, the largest music fountain in Northeast China blooms on schedule, with 88-meter-high water jets dancing to the melody of “The Sea of Dalian.” The interplay of sound, light, electricity, and fire casts a dreamy reflection on the sea surface. Although the stone pavement can be slippery, it doesn’t stop visitors from lingering. The giant “book page” sculpture of the Century City Sculpture also lights up, and the hourly 3D projection echoes the sound of waves. Standing at the base of the sculpture and shooting with a wide-angle lens can create a tunnel-like effect that feels like traveling through time and space. When you’re tired from exploring, there’s no shortage of delicious food. The night market on the east side of the square hides local flavors: the smoky aroma of grilled squid, the fresh sweetness of sea urchin dumplings, and the soft glutinous texture of seafood rice cakes can all be enjoyed for about 30 yuan per person[__LINK_ICON]. For an upgraded experience, the nearby “Kappo Shimizu” Japanese restaurant offers excellent value, with fresh sashimi paired with the pleasant sea breeze, providing a double delight for taste and senses. However, be careful to avoid overpriced drinks from the square’s small stalls; bringing your own water bottle or buying from the nearby Wanda Plaza is more economical[__LINK_ICON]. Accommodation options are also very diverse. For those seeking cost-effectiveness, the Yue Shi Hai Guesthouse is just a 3-minute walk away, offering sea view rooms with projection equipment, and the owner often provides free room upgrades; couples are recommended to stay at the Dalian Grand Hyatt Hotel, where opening the curtains reveals an unbeatable sea view and top-notch facilities[__LINK_ICON]. Transportation is extremely convenient, with Xinghai Square Station on Metro Line 1 just a 5-minute walk from Exit A2, and designated parking lots available for self-driving visitors to avoid fines. From the morning calls of seagulls to the dazzling lights late at night, Xinghai Square uses its 1.76 million square meters of openness to hold Dalian’s history, romance, and vibrant life. There is no entrance fee here, yet it offers the fullest coastal experience—perhaps this is why it has become the soul landmark of Dalian, where every visit brings new surprises.