Dalian Old Town, Lushun & Jinshitan
Explore Dalian's four major areas using public transport: the Old Town, Binhai Road, Lushun, and Jinshitan.
The most common four-day itinerary for Dalian, focusing on one area per day while staying at the transport hub of Zhongshan Square to avoid changing hotels. The old town and coastline are relaxing, Lushun offers historical depth, and Jinshitan is directly accessible by metro. Fully doable without driving. Ideal for a summer getaway; families can swap Lushun for a marine park or Discoveryland.
July and August are crowded with tight hotel availability; September still offers warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds.
Day by day
Day 1 · Tram Ride & Old Town Half-Day
Dalian Urban Area（Zhongshan Square、Dalian Tram Line 201、Nanshan Style Street、Russian Style Street、Donggang Waterfront & Venice Water City）
Walk and ride the historic Route 201 tram. Sights in the old town are close to each other, so taxis are unnecessary.
Stay: Zhongshan Square · Qingniwa Bridge
Day 2 · Xinghai Square to Laohutan
Dalian Urban Area（Xinghai Square、Fujiazhuang Beach、Binhai Road Coastal Walk、Laohutan Ocean Park）
Take the metro to Xinghai Square, then take a taxi or bus along the coast to Laohutan. Expect about three transfers today.
The wooden boardwalk along Binhai Road has many ups and downs; wear comfortable shoes.
Stay: Zhongshan Square · Qingniwa Bridge
Day 3 · Lushun Port & Historic Sites
Dalian Urban Area（Lüshun Japanese-Russian Prison Site、Lushunkou & Baiyu Hill、Taiyanggou Historic District、Lüshun Museum）
Take the metro and transfer to a taxi, or join a day tour to Lushun (approx. 1 hour one way). Use taxis between sights.
Some sights in Lushun require booking one day in advance.
Stay: Zhongshan Square · Qingniwa Bridge
Day 4 · Jinshitan Coast & Departure
Dalian Urban Area（Jinshitan (Golden Pebble Beach)、Discoveryland Dalian）
Take Metro Line 3 to Jinshitan (approx. 1 hour). Take a taxi to the airport in the evening (approx. 1 hour).
Choose either the National Geopark or Discoveryland for a more relaxed pace. Leave enough time for your return journey.