:Sea Breeze, Squares, and Seafood — A Day in Dalian’s Coastal Charm

Dalian isn’t quite like any other city in China. It’s breezy, clean, a little European, and full of sea-salted character. I arrived in the morning and headed straight to Zhongshan Square, the heart of the city. With its European-style buildings and leafy roundabout, it feels like Paris met Tokyo and then took a walk by the sea. From there, I strolled along Russian Street, where old brick buildings now house trendy cafés and souvenir shops. The blend of history and youth culture is uniquely Dalian. By midday, I was craving the ocean — so off to Tiger Beach (Laohutan) I went. The sea breeze was fresh, and the rocky coastline made for a perfect photo backdrop. I skipped the aquarium and just enjoyed the long walk by the water, watching seagulls swoop and children play with bubble guns. For lunch, it had to be seafood. I found a busy market-style restaurant where I picked out fresh scallops, razor clams, and prawns, which were then stir-fried with garlic and chili on the spot. Simple, spicy, perfect. In the afternoon, I took the Binhai Road coastal drive — a scenic ride hugging the cliffs, offering stunning views of the Yellow Sea. I hopped off at Xinghai Square, one of Asia’s largest city squares, and joined locals flying kites and roller-skating in the sun. As the sky turned orange, I sat by the seaside with a grilled squid skewer in hand, watching the waves and the skyline. Dalian may not shout like other cities — but it speaks softly, like sea wind through pine trees. A perfect blend of ocean, openness, and a laid-back northern soul.