Dalian's small size, distinctive neighbourhoods, coastal location and unique integration of natural spaces into the urban landscape, make it one of the most beautiful walking cities in China. While a simple stroll around town might be all you need to experience Dalian's beauty, there is a range of equally stimulating outdoor activities worth a try.

Golf

Golden Pebble Beach Golf Course

Golden Pebble Beach Golf Course 金石滩高尔夫俱乐部
Golden Pebble Golf Course is not only one of the top courses in Northeast China, but also the anchor to the Golden Pebble Beach Tourist Area, which includes a number of high-end hotels, hiking venues and the picturesque Golden Pebble Bathing Beach. The course itself, which is actually a combination of two 18-hole par 72 courses, has a total length of 13,451 yards and includes standard course amenities such as a pro shop, driving range and golf cart hire. Additionally, the course offers a spa as well as a Chinese and Western restaurant. The course is about 30 miles northeast of Dalian city centre.

Dalian Golden Pebble Beach Golf CourseView In Map
Add: Jinshitan (Golden Pebble Beach) Scenic Area, Dalian
大连金石滩国家旅游度假区
Tel: 0411 8791 2343

Changxing Island Golf Course 长兴岛高尔夫球场
A favourite among Japanese businessmen working in Dalian, the 18-hole, 7,121 yard, par 72 course on Changxing Island is a suitable, albeit rustic alternative to the course at Golden Pebble Beach. The course's island location provides it’s most unique feature: every hole offers a breathtaking view of the sea. Changxing's relatively unknown status sets is as an ideal choice for crowd-free games on a pristine course. The course is about 50 miles from downtown Dalian and easily accessible by car. Course amenities include caddies and club rental, as well as a restaurant.

Dalian Changxing Island Golf CourseView In Map
Add: Lingang Industrial Zone, Changxing Island, Dalian
大连长兴岛临港工业区
Tel: 0411 8230 8022, 8527 1500

Hiking

Dalian Binhai Road

Binghai Road 滨海路
Snaking its way along the coast from Xinghai Park to Haizhiyun Square, the 22-mile-long Binghai Road offers great views of the Dalian coast, the city mountains and both the Bo and Dalian seas. Along the route you will pass through, or by, some of Dalian's most famous attractions such as Tiger Park, Fujiazhuang Beach and the Bangchuidao Scenic Area. While hiking the entire length is one option, the road is divided into four sections that provide equally stunning scenery but with shorter distances.

Tongniuling Hill 童牛岭
If you’re located in the Development Zone, one option to consider is Tongniuling Hill in the Dongshan Scene Area. The path begins on Huanghaixi Road, across from the campus of the Northeast Minorities Institute, and winds its way past the UFO Sightseeing Tower. The peak offers a 360-degree view of the Development Zone, as well as a clear view across the bay to downtown Dalian. You can return in the same way, or head on further and down to Haibin Park and White Rock Beach.

Zoos and Parks

Dalian Forest Zoo

Dalian Forest Zoo 大连森林动物园
Covering a little more than four miles of land on Baiyun Mountain, the Dalian Forest Zoo is home to over 200 animals representing 150 species, including Siberian tigers, African lions and Malaysian bears. The zoo also maintains a 10,000-meter tropical rain forest greenhouse. Its guiding principle is to allow the animals to walk free, rather than stay boxed in a cage. To that end, the zoo is composed of a number of zones where animals are allowed to move freely, while the people are restricted. Check out the zoo in three ways: (1) via the walking route, which takes you through all sections, (2) by the bus tour, which stops at the zoo's six main sections, and (3) from the cable car, which gives you a "bird's eye view” of the zoo and surrounding areas.

Dalian Forest Zoo View In Map
Add: 60 Yingchun Lu, Nanshi Dao, Xigang District, Dalian
大连市西岗区南石道街迎春路60号
Admission: RMB 120 for adults; RMB 60 for children
Tel: 0411 8249 5072

Dalian Xinghai Square

Xinghai Square 星海广场
Xinghai Square, built to commemorate the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997, is not only the largest square in Dalian but also reputed to be the largest square in Asia. In any event, Xinghai Square provides a pleasant setting to enjoy a day in the sun by the sea. The square runs from the Dalian Exhibition Centre to the shore, with a total length of 1.5 miles. Be sure to check out the cement footprints (which are apparently the imprints of a thousand pairs of Dalian residents), leading to the Century City Sculpture. At night, the buildings surrounding the square display lights of different colours. If you're looking for a little more than a quiet stroll, there are a number of nearby attractions, such as the Shell Castle Museum, Sun Asia Aquarium and Xinghai Amusement Park.

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