Donggang Waterfront & Venice Water City
东港商务区
A new district built on the reclaimed old Dalian Port, with the Donggang Music Fountain at night, the Dalian International Conference Center, and a Venice-style canal district that is a popular night-walk spot for young people.
The Donggang business district lies east of Harbour Square in Zhongshan District, on land reclaimed from Dalian Port's old docks. It was built in the 2010s as a new landmark area. Highlights include the Donggang Music Fountain, a large offshore musical fountain facing Dalian Bay that runs every summer evening (usually two shows, at 19:30 and 20:30, each about 20 minutes) with lights and music. It is free to watch and is Dalian's most popular night view. Beside the fountain are the Dalian International Conference Center, shaped like a seashell and designed by an Australian architect, and Donggang Square, along with the Donggang waterfront boardwalk, where you can see the harbor lights and cruise ships across the bay. Venice Water City is a 4-km canal district modeled on Venice, with gondola rides (about RMB 100), European-style buildings, and restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is best when the lights come on at night. Gangdong Fifth Street and the Donggang yacht marina beside Venice Water City are also popular photo spots. Suggested plan: at 6 pm, walk the Donggang boardwalk to watch the sunset and the harbor; at 7:30, watch the music fountain; then stroll to Venice Water City for dinner. The seafood stalls of Zhongshan and the Renmin Road night market nearby are also worth a try. Admission is free, though boats and venues charge separately. Getting there: exit at Donggang Station on Metro Line 2; many bus routes serve the Donggang business district; a taxi from Dalian Railway Station takes about 10 minutes. Notes: the fountain show times and season follow the on-site announcements, and the fountain stops in strong winds. Summer evenings by the sea are breezy, so bring a jacket. Some shops in Venice Water City are empty, and food prices are on the high side.
Opening hours
Open all day; musical fountain shows in summer at approx. 19:30 and 20:30
Nearby sights
- Dalian Port Warehouse No.15
- Zhongshan Square
- Haizhiyun Park
- Nanshan Style Street
- Russian Style Street
- Labor Park
- Dalian Tram Line 201
- Dalian Fisherman's Wharf