Just back from Dalian, here’s some honest advice! Nanny-level travel guide

Dalian’s 9 Selected Attractions and Highlights ✅ Xinghai Square 💸 Admission: Free 🍎 Highlights: Asia’s largest city square, century-old city sculptures, cross-sea bridge light show, flocks of seagulls that can be fed, and a romantic nighttime fountain show. ✅ Laohutan Ocean Park 💸 Admission: 220 RMB/person (includes Polar Pavilion, Coral Pavilion, Sea Animal Pavilion, etc.) 🍎 Highlights: 5A-level scenic spot, dolphin shows, polar animal interactions, 4D cinema, great for families with children, cable car overlooking the bay panorama. ✅ Jinshitan National Tourist Resort 💸 Admission: Geological Park 90 RMB/person, Golden Coast free 🍎 Highlights: Geological wonders like “Dinosaur Exploring the Sea” and “Golden Turtle Facing the Sun,” soft sandy Golden Coast, seaweed gathering at low tide, perfect for family experiences. ✅ Bangchuidao Island 💸 Admission: 20 RMB/person 🍎 Highlights: 4A-level scenic spot, crescent-shaped bay with crystal-clear water, rocky beach where you can dig for small crabs, peaceful environment, top choice for summer cooling. ✅ Fisherman’s Wharf 💸 Admission: Free 🍎 Highlights: Nordic-style fishing port, white walls and red tiles with blue sea, sunset glow fills the wharf in the evening, seafood stalls with a lively atmosphere, great for photos and check-ins. ✅ Venice Water City 💸 Admission: Free (Gondola rides 60 RMB/person) 🍎 Highlights: Gothic castle canals, dazzling night lights, boat rides feel like being in Italy, European architecture reflected in the water is extremely romantic. ✅ Lvshunkou Scenic Area 💸 Admission: Combined ticket for Naval Port Pier, Russo-Japanese Prison, etc. about 150 RMB/person 🍎 Highlights: Rich historical relics, tour a decommissioned submarine to learn about naval life, Qingfeng Town showcases Northeast folk customs, suitable for family educational trips. ✅ Russian Style Street 💸 Admission: Free 🍎 Highlights: Onion dome architecture, Russian foods like kvass and canned stewed beef, vintage shops everywhere, great for photos, experience exotic vibes. ✅ Heishijiao Park 💸 Admission: Free 🍎 Highlights: Volcanic rock coastline, dark-themed film shooting location, white waves crashing against black rocks, wearing bright clothes enhances cyberpunk style. Accommodation Guide High-end Options Dalian Yifang Castle Luxury Collection Hotel: 5-star, located at Xinghai Square, overlooking Xinghai Bay, castle-style architecture, rating 4.7. Dalian Grand Hyatt Hotel: 5-star, designed by LTW Architects, combines sea views with luxury, rating 4.7. Cost-effective Choices Guesthouses around Zhongshan Square: walking distance to Times Square and Donggang Music Fountain, such as “Haizun Holiday Inn Express,” rating 4.5. Hotels near Xinghai Square: such as “Riyueming Select Hotel,” close to Sun Asia Ocean World and Forest Zoo, rating 4.6. Unique Experiences Jinshitan Luneng Hilton Resort: 5-star, facing Golden Coast, enjoy sea breeze from the balcony, ideal for vacations, rating 4.8. Lvshunkou Qingfeng Town Guesthouse: experience Northeast rural customs, participate in folk activities, suitable for families with children. June 4th Dalian 4-Day Tour Itinerary Theme: Coastal Scenery + History & Culture + Family Interaction Day 1: Xinghai Square + Binhai Road + Fisherman’s Wharf Morning: Arrive in Dalian, check into hotel, visit Xinghai Square, feed seagulls, see century-old city sculptures. Noon: Seafood stalls near Xinghai Square, try oysters and Dalian-style steamed jelly. Afternoon: Stroll along Binhai Road, pass Beida Bridge and Yanwo Ridge, enjoy mountain and sea views. Evening: Night tour at Fisherman’s Wharf, capture sunset glow, enjoy seafood barbecue. Day 2: Laohutan Ocean Park + Bangchuidao Island Morning: Laohutan Ocean Park, watch dolphin show, visit Polar Pavilion and Coral Pavilion. Noon: Dine at park restaurant, try seafood fried rice. Afternoon: Bangchuidao scenic area, beach walk, tide pooling on rocky beach, dig for small crabs. Evening: Return to city, watch light show at Donggang Music Fountain Square. Day 3: Jinshitan National Tourist Resort Morning: Jinshitan Geological Park, hike to see geological wonders like “Dinosaur Exploring the Sea” and “Golden Turtle Facing the Sun.” Noon: Dine near Jinshitan Golden Coast, try seafood hot pot. Afternoon: Dig sand and gather seaweed at Golden Coast, try small boat fishing and seaweed harvesting. Evening: Dinner with sea view at Jinshitan Luneng Hilton Resort. Day 4: Lvshunkou Scenic Area + Russian Style Street Morning: Visit Lvshunkou Scenic Area, tour Naval Port Pier, Russo-Japanese Prison, and Qingfeng Town. Noon: Farmhouse meal in Lvshunkou, try iron pot stewed fish. Afternoon: Russian Style Street, buy kvass, canned stewed beef, take photos and check in. Evening: Return or free activities, end of wonderful Dalian trip. Transportation Tips: Dalian’s attractions are spread out; renting a car or chartering a vehicle is recommended for flexible itinerary adjustments. Binhai Road attractions can be reached by bus or tourist shuttle, but expect traffic jams during peak season. Notes: June in Dalian has pleasant temperatures, average daytime 24°C, recommended to wear cotton-linen shirts, light long skirts, and other cool clothing. Popular spots like Laohutan Ocean Park and Jinshitan require advance ticket booking to avoid queues. When tide pooling, pay attention to tide times and bring tools like small buckets and shovels.