The Top 6 Dalian Tours & Experiences

Dalian stands out as a dynamic port city with a blend of modern architecture, seaside charm, and fascinating history. Its diverse landscapes—from bustling squares to tranquil beaches—make it an ideal destination for guided tours and unique experiences. We particularly love the Private 2 Day Tour of Dalian City, which offers a flexible itinerary that covers everything from Xinghai Square to the Dalian Museum, giving travelers a personalized look at the city’s highlights. Whether you’re drawn to cultural sites, seaside parks, or iconic landmarks, Dalian offers an experience tailored to your interests.

While exploring, you’ll find that many tours combine cultural insights with scenic views, like the Waves & Wharfs: Dalian’s Chill Soul 1-Day Tour, which mixes coastal drives with Russian heritage streets. For a more comprehensive day, the Dalian Highlights: Coastline, City Sights & Food Tastings offers a whirlwind of iconic sights plus delicious local eats. Whatever your style, Dalian’s tours promise great value and memorable moments.

1. PRIVATE 2 DAY TOUR OF DALIAN CITY

At number 1, the Private 2 Day Tour of Dalian City offers a personalized way to see Dalian, with the flexibility to tailor your itinerary. Over two days, you’ll explore landmarks like Xinghai Square, known for its massive open space and seaside views, and Xinghai Park, Dalian’s largest seaside park, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the coast. The tour also includes visits to the Dalian Museum, where you can learn about the city’s development, and the Venice Water Town, which adds a European flair to your trip.

What makes this tour stand out is the private guide, who can adjust the stops based on your interests, whether you want to focus on architecture, parks, or local culture. The tour’s reviews highlight the personalized attention and deep local insights, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid cookie-cutter sightseeing. The price is $1,100 per person for two days, which is a good value considering the customized experience and numerous highlights covered.

Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a flexible, in-depth look at Dalian with a private guide to customize your experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who value personal attention and comfort.

2. ALL INCLUSIVE PRIVATE LUSHUN (PORT ARTHUR) FULL-DAY TOUR

At number 2, the All Inclusive Private Lushun (Port Arthur) Full-Day Tour offers a deep dive into Dalian’s military and colonial history, combined with scenic coastal views. Starting early, your guide and private vehicle will take you to Lushun (Port Arthur), a site famous for its role in the Russo-Japanese War and the Sino-Japanese War. This tour includes key stops like the Japan-Russia Prison Site of Port Arthur, where Russian and Japanese prisoners were held, and Baiyu Hill, providing stunning views of the harbor and city.

What makes this tour special is the inclusion of historical sites that are less touristy but highly significant. You’ll walk through the prison ruins and imagine the struggles of early 20th-century conflicts, making history tangible. The $600 price covers all entrance fees, making it a good deal for history buffs and those interested in military architecture.

Guests mention the guide’s knowledge and ease of travel, describing it as a “meaningful and immersive experience.” The tour runs about 8 hours, perfect if you want an in-depth day with plenty of historical insight.

Bottom line: This tour appeals to history lovers and those eager to understand the city’s military past, combined with seaside scenery. It’s great for travelers who want a full-day, all-inclusive experience.

3. WAVES & WHARFS: Dalian’s Chill Soul 1-Day Tour

Number 3 on our list is the Waves & Wharfs: Dalian’s Chill Soul 1-Day Tour. This tour is your perfect escape for a laid-back day of coastal scenery, Russian heritage streets, and ocean views. Starting with a drive along Binhai Road, you’ll enjoy sweeping seaside vistas and fresh sea breezes. The tour then explores Russian Street, which showcases vintage architecture and colonial charm, perfect for snapping photos.

Later, you’ll visit Xinghai Square, a prime spot for panoramic pictures with the sea as a backdrop, and end your day at the Dalian Forest Zoo‘s hilltop, where you can see pandas and watch the sunset over the city. The approximately 8-hour experience offers a balanced mix of nature, history, and urban life, all at a reasonable price of $216 per person.

This tour is ideal if you want a relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of Dalian’s maritime culture. It’s less intense and more about soaking in the atmosphere than ticking off a long list of sights.

Bottom line: Great for travelers seeking a leisurely, scenic, and culturally rich day—perfect for families or couples wanting to enjoy Dalian at a relaxed pace.

4. DALIAN CITY PRIVATE DAY TOUR IN YOUR WAY

At number 4, the Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way offers an 8-hour flexible itinerary designed around your interests. You can choose to explore Xinghai Square, walk along Binhai Road, visit the Russian Style Street, or enjoy entertainment at Dalian Water World—a European-themed water park modeled after Venice that features over 200 castles and water features.

The tour doesn’t include entrance fees, giving you the freedom to pick what interests you most. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer customizing their day and combining cultural sights with entertainment options like the Dalian Discovery Kingdom or the Forest Zoo Park. The $250 price per person makes it accessible for those who want a private guide without overpaying for a fixed schedule.

While the guide’s background isn’t specified, the flexibility and range of options make this a good pick for families, groups, or travelers who like to control their pace and focus on specific attractions.

Bottom line: Ideal if you want a personalized day with the choice of cultural, entertainment, or scenic stops, all tailored to your preferences.

5. DALIAN HIGHLIGHTS: COASTLINE, CITY SIGHTS & FOOD TASTINGS

Number 5, Dalian Highlights: Coastline, City Sights & Food Tastings, packs the essence of Dalian into one 8-hour trip. You’ll start along Binhai Road for stunning coastal scenery, then visit Yinshatan Beach for some relaxing seaside time. The tour also takes you to Zhongshan Square, where European and Japanese architecture reflects early 20th-century influences, providing excellent photo opportunities.

What sets this tour apart are the two local food tastings, giving you a taste of Dalian’s culinary scene. You’ll get to try iconic dishes, making it not just sightseeing but also a culinary adventure. This option is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to see major sights and sample local flavors.

While the price isn’t listed, the combination of city sights and food makes it a good value for a compact, fully rounded experience.

Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a quick, diverse taste of Dalian’s sights and flavors—ideal for foodies or first-time visitors.

6. DALIAN PRIVATE ARRIVAL TRANSFER: AIRPORT TO HOTEL

Finally, for a stress-free start or end to your trip, the Dalian Private Arrival Transfer provides easy airport to hotel service. It’s a straightforward, economical way to avoid taxis and language barriers at Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport. The $88.04 fee covers up to three people and takes about 30 minutes.

This service is perfect if you want to start your trip smoothly or prefer to skip airport lines. Just provide your flight details and hotel info, and a driver will be waiting with a sign—simple and reliable.

Bottom line: Excellent value for peace of mind, especially if you have early or late flights and want to avoid logistical hassles.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding which tour suits you, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a personalized, in-depth experience, the Private 2 Day Tour is hard to beat. For history enthusiasts, the Lushun full-day offers a detailed look at the city’s military past.

If you’re looking for a relaxing coastal day, Waves & Wharfs fits the bill. For a flexible, customizable day, the Dalian City Private Day Tour is ideal. Meanwhile, those wanting a quick taste of sights and flavors should consider the Highlights tour.

Finally, don’t overlook practical needs—pre-book a transfer if arriving or departing by plane to make your trip smooth. Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and avoid last-minute hassles.

Final Thoughts

Dalian offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests—from private guided explorations and historical deep dives to relaxed seaside strolls and culinary adventures. For a comprehensive look at the city’s landmarks, the Private 2 Day Tour provides an excellent balance of flexibility and depth. History buffs will appreciate the Lushun full-day, while those seeking leisure can enjoy the scenic Waves & Wharfs.

No matter which experience appeals most, booking early ensures you’ll have your pick of dates and a more relaxed planning process. Dalian’s diverse tours guarantee an engaging, memorable visit—so choose what excites you most and get ready to explore this vibrant port city.