Changshan Islands & Bingyugou Mountain-Sea Route
Head east from Dalian to stay on Dachangshan and Xiaochangshan Islands, then visit Bingyugou in Zhuanghe for mountain and river views.
Connect the islands and valleys of eastern Dalian into one route. Spend the first two nights on Dachangshan Island to enjoy beaches, boardwalks, and fishing villages. After returning to the mainland, drive via the Zhuanghe coast to Bingyugou for boating, and return via Mount Tianmen. Ferry schedules are subject to wind and waves, so keep your itinerary flexible. Great for self-drive families who have visited Dalian before and want to avoid crowds. It excludes Guanglu and Zhangzi islands due to uncertain ferry schedules.
Island accommodations are tight from July to September. Ferries may be suspended during strong winds, so check in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Ferry from Pikou to Dachangshan
Changhai Islands（Dachangshan Island）
Drive or take the train from Dalian to Pikou (approx. 1.5 hours), then take a ferry to Dachangshan Island (approx. 50 minutes).
Purchase ferry tickets through official channels; schedules are subject to daily announcements.
Stay: Dachangshan Island
Day 2 · Cross the Bridge to Xiaochangshan Island
Changhai Islands（Xiaochangshan Island & Xiaoshuikou Forest Park）
Take a taxi or drive on the island, crossing the cross-sea bridge to Xiaochangshan Island (approx. 10 minutes). Short-distance travel today.
Check tide tables before clam digging. Return to Dachangshan in the evening for seafood.
Stay: Dachangshan Island
Day 3 · Return to Mainland & Drive to Zhuanghe
Zhuanghe（Heidao Tourist Resort）
Take the ferry back to Pikou (approx. 50 minutes), then drive to Zhuanghe (approx. 1.5 hours).
Choose a morning ferry. If suspended, the itinerary for the next two days will need adjustment.
Stay: Zhuanghe City Center
Day 4 · Boating in Bingyugou
Drive from downtown Zhuanghe to Bingyugou (approx. 1 hour). Explore the scenic area by boat and on foot for the full day.
Arrive at the entrance before 8:00 AM during peak season. Bring mosquito repellent for the mountains in summer.
Stay: Bingyu Valley Scenic Area Surroundings
Day 5 · Mount Tianmen & Return to Dalian
Zhuanghe（Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (Zhuanghe)） → Dalian Urban Area
Drive from Bingyugou to Mount Tianmen (approx. 30 minutes). Take the highway back to Dalian in the afternoon (approx. 3 hours).