Dalian 3-Day, 2-Night Travel Guide

Budget: Under CNY 3,000 | Local Recommendations | Efficient Route | Detailed Itinerary 📅 Day 1: First Impression of Coastal Charm ⏰ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Xinghai Square + Binhai Road Xinghai Square: The largest city square in Asia, free admission! Photo spots: Centennial City Sculpture, flying seagulls.📸 Binhai Road: Free, hike or cycle, feel the sea breeze, suggested visit time: 1 hour.🚴‍♂ Transportation: Taxi approx. CNY 20 or bus (Route 16). Breakfast: Nuomi Xiang nearby (CNY 10 per person), recommended: red bean porridge, fried cake. ⏰ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch Recommended restaurant: Pin Hai Lou (CNY 60 per person), must-try: seafood platter, mackerel dumplings.🥟 ⏰ 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Laohutan Ocean Park Highlights: National 5A scenic spot, tickets CNY 220. Watch marine animal shows, photo spots: Polar Museum, Coral Museum.🐬 Suggested visit time: 3 hours. Transportation: Taxi from the restaurant approx. CNY 15. 🍽 Dinner: Zhongyuan Snack Street (CNY 50 per person), recommended: Menzi (fried starch jelly), grilled squid.🍢 🏨 Accommodation: Budget hotel in the city center (Home Inn, Hanting), double room approx. CNY 200/night. 📅 Day 2: Jinshitan Day Trip ⏰ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Jinshitan National Tourist Resort Highlights: National 5A scenic spot, tickets CNY 160 (including Geological Park). Photo spots: Dinosaur Exploring the Sea, Jinshi Garden.📸 Things to do: Geological Park: Unique rock formations, suggested visit time: 2 hours. Golden Coast: Beach stroll, suggested visit time: 1 hour.🏖 Transportation: Taxi from downtown to Jinshitan approx. CNY 100 (carpooling is more cost-effective). 🍱 Lunch: Simple meal in the scenic area (CNY 30 per person), bringing your own snacks is recommended. ⏰ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Return to downtown + Free time Activity: Donggang Music Fountain Square, beautiful night view!🌃 Transportation: Taxi approx. CNY 30. 🍽 Dinner: 68-86 Dalian Lao Cai Guan (CNY 60 per person), recommended: Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork), Sanxian Menzi (seafood fried starch jelly).🍲 🏨 Accommodation: Same as the previous night. 📅 Day 3: Artsy and Fresh Trip ⏰ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Russian Style Street + Nanshan Style Street Russian Style Street: Free, exotic architecture, photo spots: Russian shops, street scenes.📸 Nanshan Style Street: Free, Japanese-style buildings, perfect for photos.🏡 Transportation: Taxi approx. CNY 20. Breakfast: Erluchezhan Xiaowanzi nearby (CNY 15 per person), recommended: Takoyaki, Oden. ⏰ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch Recommended restaurant: Tian Tian Yu Gang (CNY 70 per person), recommended: sea urchin dumplings, garlic vermicelli scallops.🦐 ⏰ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm Bangchui Island Scenic Area Highlights: National 4A scenic spot, tickets CNY 20. Clear seawater, perfect for photos.📷 Suggested visit time: 2 hours. Transportation: Taxi from the restaurant approx. CNY 30. 🍽 Dinner: Qingniwaqiao Food Street (CNY 50 per person), recommended: Kao Leng Mian (grilled cold noodles), fried skewers. 💰 Budget Breakdown Accommodation: CNY 200/night × 2 nights = CNY 400/person Transportation: Taxi in downtown + round trip to Jinshitan ≈ CNY 200/person Food: CNY 50/meal × 6 meals = CNY 300/person Tickets: Laohutan CNY 220 + Jinshitan CNY 160 + Bangchui Island CNY 20 = CNY 400/person Other: Snacks, souvenirs ≈ CNY 100/person Total budget: Approx. CNY 1,400/person (CNY 2,800 for two people, with CNY 200 remaining for shopping or emergencies). ⚠ Important Notes Jinshitan is a large scenic area, comfortable athletic shoes are recommended.👟 Book Laohutan Ocean Park tickets in advance to avoid queues.📅 It's windy by the sea, bring a light jacket.🧥 Use Didi for taxis to avoid being overcharged.🚖 📸 Photo Spot Summary Xinghai Square: Centennial City Sculpture, flying seagulls Laohutan Ocean Park: Polar Museum, Coral Museum Jinshitan: Dinosaur Exploring the Sea, Jinshi Garden Russian Style Street: Exotic architecture Bangchui Island: Clear seawater, beautiful beach scenery