Dalian Deep Pinnacle

Dalian Kelp Forest

Dalian Coastal Reef

Dalian Shore Reef

Jinshitan Wall

Lushun Historical Wall

Dalian’s seafood cuisine reflects its position at the crossroads of Shandong and northeastern Chinese culinary traditions, with cold-water species that are prized throughout China for their superior flavor. The Bohai and Yellow Seas produce exceptional sea cucumber, abalone, scallop, sea urchin, mantis shrimp, and numerous fish species that are prepared in both Shandong braising and northeastern Chinese hearty styles. Dalian is famous for its grilled squid, steamed scallops with garlic, and sea cucumber dishes that command premium prices in restaurants across China. The city’s night markets offer extraordinary seafood variety at affordable prices. The Russian and Japanese colonial heritage adds international culinary influences not found in other Chinese coastal cities.

Dalian Shangri-La Hotel

Jinshitan Resort Hotel

Dalian Xinghai Bay Hotel

Dalian Budget Inn

Comfortable water temperatures and excellent visibility.

Cold water requiring thick wetsuits or drysuits.

Good conditions with variable temperatures.

Dalian on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula is China’s northernmost major diving destination, offering a distinctive cold-water diving experience in the Bohai and Yellow Seas where temperate marine ecosystems produce surprisingly rich biodiversity along dramatic rocky coastlines. The city’s dive sites feature rocky reef habitats, seasonal kelp forests, and some of China’s most productive artificial reef programs that have transformed former fishing grounds into thriving marine sanctuaries. Jinshitan (Golden Pebble Beach) National Scenic Area provides the best diving with granite boulder reefs, kelp canopy dives, and encounters with cold-water species including Japanese spider crab, conger eel, octopus, rockfish, and commercially valuable sea cucumber and abalone. The water follows a distinctly cold temperate pattern, with summer temperatures reaching only 22-25 degrees and winter temperatures dropping to 3-5 degrees, making this primarily a summer and early autumn diving destination. Dalian’s status as a major port city provides excellent infrastructure with an international airport, modern hotels, and outstanding seafood cuisine influenced by both Shandong and northeastern Chinese traditions. The city’s Russian and Japanese colonial architecture adds unique cultural interest. For divers seeking cold-water adventure with excellent marine life and comfortable city amenities, Dalian offers a compelling northern alternative.

Liaoning – Dalian

Explore the dramatic coastal geology, beaches, and marine environments

Jinshitan National Scenic Area full day

Walk through the colonial-era architectural districts with historic buildings

Dalian Russian Street and Japanese Quarter

Visit Asia largest city square and adjacent coastal park with ocean views

Xinghai Square and coastal park

Tour the historically significant naval port with museums and war memorials

Lvshun (Port Arthur) historical tour

Experience the bustling fish market with extraordinary cold-water species variety

Dalian seafood market and dining

Ferry to the exclusive island with pristine beaches and coastal walks

Bangchui Island scenic area visit

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) has extensive domestic and some international connections. High-speed rail connects Dalian to Shenyang (1.5 hours) and Beijing via the Bohai Rail Ferry (6 hours). Dive sites are accessible within 30-60 minutes from the city center.

Where to Stay in Liaoning – Dalian

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Zhongshan District

Xinghai Bay

Jinshitan Area

Lvshun

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Dalian Shangri-La Hotel

Jinshitan Resort Hotel

Dalian Xinghai Bay Hotel

Dalian Budget Inn