Discover Dalian, China: A Guide to the City’s Must-See Attractions

Sunday, August 09, 2026

SAEDNEWS: Dalian is another major city in China, located in Liaoning Province in the northwestern part of the country. Administratively, however, it is classified as a sub-provincial city with independent status. Compared with Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, Dalian enjoys greater international recognition and prominence.

Discover Dalian, China: A Guide to the City’s Must-See Attractions

According to Saednews, Dalian is a major port city in China. First developed under Russian influence in the 19th century, the city still retains traces of its Russian architectural heritage. With its coastal location, Dalian offers visitors impressive panoramic views of the Yellow Sea.

Here are some of the city's most interesting attractions.

Binhai Road

Binhai Road is an excellent place for sightseeing and photography. This long coastal route offers a variety of landscapes that change as you travel along it. Open sea views, beautiful rocky areas, lush vegetation, paved roads, and old windmills create plenty of scenic spots to explore.

If possible, renting a car and driving along the entire route is a great way to experience Dalian's coastal scenery and discover how the landscape changes along the way.

Russian Street

During the 1890s, Russia established a strong presence in Dalian, leaving behind a distinctive collection of architectural landmarks. The buildings along Russian Street feature elements that can make visitors feel as though they have stepped into a historic Russian neighborhood.

Sloping tiled roofs, distinctive windows, decorative towers, and traditional architectural details can be seen throughout the area. The city's historic squares and building colors have also been preserved, adding to the area's European character.

While exploring the street, take a closer look at the architecture and see if you can distinguish the original historic buildings from newer constructions.

Food in Dalian

Located beside the sea, Dalian is well known for its seafood. Oysters, shrimp, steamed fish, scallops, and abalone are among the seafood dishes commonly found in the city.

Dalian is often regarded as an important seafood center in northeastern China. Seaweed is another local ingredient, commonly dried, boiled, and combined with herbs and other ingredients.

One of the advantages of visiting Dalian is the wide variety of dining options, ranging from simple street food to more sophisticated restaurants.

Dalian Forest Zoo

The Dalian Forest Zoo is one of the city's popular attractions, particularly for visitors interested in wildlife. The panda area is one of its highlights, where visitors can observe these distinctive black-and-white animals.

The zoo is also home to lions, bears, zebras, tigers, and numerous species of birds. With its diverse collection of animals and spacious setting, the zoo can be an enjoyable destination for a full day of sightseeing.

Laohutan Park

Laohutan Park is another interesting place to explore in Dalian. The park features extensive green spaces, ponds, flowers, and a variety of recreational activities.

Spring can be an especially pleasant time to visit, when the flowers are in bloom and the park takes on a colorful atmosphere. Visitors can also find a variety of attractions and entertainment facilities throughout the area, making it a lively destination for families and travelers.

Exploring Dalian

From its Russian-influenced architecture and scenic coastal roads to its seafood, wildlife attractions, and green parks, Dalian offers a combination of history, nature, culture, and urban sightseeing. Its location along the Yellow Sea makes it particularly appealing to travelers looking to experience one of China's distinctive coastal cities.