Xinghai Square

This place deserves all the hype. I've been to many squares around the world, and Xinghai Square is a monster. It feels like a mix of a city plaza, a seaside promenade, and a giant playground. The views of the sea and the Century Wheel are stunning, especially at dusk. There are plenty of benches and lawns, but the best part is just wandering and soaking in the energy. Even with lots of tourists, it never felt too crowded. Don't skip this if you're in Dalian!

What a beautiful open space! Xinghai Square blew me away with its sheer scale—it’s one of the biggest city squares I’ve ever seen. There are tons of photo ops: the bronze centurion, the huge wheels, the sea fountain. We even stumbled on a night fountain show with lights and music. Surrounded by restaurants, bubble tea shops, and ice cream stands, so it's perfect for an evening wander. One of my favorite memories from Dalian. A must-visit!

Absolutely loved Xinghai Square! We came early morning to avoid crowds and had the whole place to ourselves. The coastal breeze was refreshing, and the view across the bay toward the city skyline is stunning. The granite walkways are spotless, and the decorative pillars and giant turtle statues are really impressive. I could easily see why this is Dalian's most famous public space. Highly recommend taking the light rail and arriving before sunrise.

Nice spot to kick back after exploring Dalian. The square is massive—you can see the fountains and sculptures, but the real highlight for us was watching locals fly kites at sunset. There's a little beach nearby and plenty of open space for kids to run around. It's not jaw-dropping, but it's a solid way to spend an afternoon. Grab a bubble tea from the mall side and walk toward the sea.

Xinghai Square is huge, almost too huge. The central monument is cool for ten minutes, but honestly the square feels empty and windswept, with nowhere to sit in the shade. We went on a weekend and there were kite flyers and a few food carts, but it lacked the charm I expected. The sea views are nice though, and we grabbed an ice cream by the Century Wheel. Good for a stroll, but I wouldn't go out of my way again.

As a photographer, Xinghai Square is a treasure. Between the centennial monument, the statues along the walkway, and the constant movement of seagulls over the bay, I filled my whole memory card in two hours. Golden hour made everything pop, and even the crowds didn’t bother me—there’s this lively energy that feels like a small festival. If you love street photography or people-watching, don’t skip this place.

Came here early on a weekday morning and basically had the place to myself. The light on the sea was soft and pink, and a few locals were flying kites and doing tai chi in the distance. It’s perfect for a long walk or just sitting on the low wall with a coffee. Clean restrooms near the main entrance too. I can see why locals are so proud of it.

Xinghai Square blew me away at night. The cool sea air, the glowing white monument, and the reflection of the lights on the wet pavement after a little rain—it felt like a scene from a movie. I sat on the steps near the big sculpture, just listening to the waves and the faint music from somewhere in the plaza. Absolutely magical.

Great spot to catch sunset over the bay. The open plaza gets packed with families and locals doing exercise, which is fun to watch, but there aren’t enough benches and you’ll be dodging bikes and scooters. Still, the view of the bridge from the promenade is worth it, especially when the lights start to glow.

I wanted to like Xinghai Square more than I did. It’s undeniably big, and the sea breeze feels great as you walk toward the shore, but the whole area has a slightly run-down vibe. Some of the sculptures and fountains look like they need maintenance, and vendors kept trying to sell me selfie sticks every few minutes. Fine for a quick stroll if you’re nearby, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.

What a place! I came for the morning jog and ended up staying for two hours. The paved path along the sea is perfect for running, and the view of Xinghai Bay is breathtaking. Also noticed a lot of people practicing tai chi and dancing — such a vibrant local vibe. Definitely the heart of Dalian. Highly recommended.

Visited with my family and we spent the whole evening here. Kids loved running around the open space and watching the fountains. The light show at night is fantastic — colorful and lively. We grabbed some street food nearby, everything was delicious and affordable. Perfect spot for a relaxing evening out.

Honestly a bit underwhelming. The square itself is massive but feels empty and lacks interesting features beyond the central statue. There are a few food stalls but overpriced. The sea view is nice, but you can get that elsewhere in Dalian. I expected more after all the hype. Just okay for a quick visit.

Came here on a weekday morning and it was peaceful. The square is huge, almost too huge — lots of walking but great views of the coastline. The giant book sculpture is quirky. Not much shade though, so bring water on a sunny day. Still, a solid 4-star experience for the atmosphere and cleanliness.

Strolled through Xinghai Square during sunset and it was absolutely stunning. The sea breeze, the enormous circular plaza, and the iconic sculptures make this place truly memorable. I loved how locals gather here for kite flying and casual walks. One of the best free attractions I've ever visited. A must-see in Dalian!

Absolutely phenomenal! Walked from one end to the other as the sun set, and the golden light hitting the modern sculptures was dreamy. The energy of people dancing in groups, the smell of grilled seafood from street vendors—it felt so alive. Easily the best urban square I’ve visited in China. Can’t recommend it enough!

Came here with my family during the National Day holiday—huge crowds but still enjoyable. The square itself is well-maintained and the views of the coast are lovely. We rented a family quad bike which was fun but a bit expensive. Overall a solid 4-star experience; clean restrooms nearby would have made it perfect.

Xinghai Square is impressive—one of the biggest city squares I’ve ever seen! The sea breeze really adds to the atmosphere. I loved watching the kids zoom around on rental bikes and the evening lights made everything magical. Great place to bring a picnic and just unwind. A must-visit in Dalian.

Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed. The square is huge, almost intimidatingly so, and there’s not much shade on a hot day. The fountain show was okay but didn’t wow me. Also, the nearby food stalls were overpriced for what you get. Fine for a quick photo stop, but I wouldn’t plan a whole afternoon here.

Visited Xinghai Square on a crisp autumn evening and the sunset view over the sea was absolutely stunning. The square is massive, perfect for a long walk. The only downside was the lack of benches—my legs were aching after an hour. Still, a great spot to relax and watch locals fly kites.

One of the most impressive urban squares I've ever seen. Clean, well-lit, and full of life even on a weekday. I especially loved the mosaic pavement showing 100 years of Dalian history. The sunset over the bay from the square is pure magic. Bring a jacket — it gets windy! Five stars easy.

Absolutely epic scale! You can feel the history and modern ambition of Dalian here. I jogged from one end to the other early morning — the fresh air off the Yellow Sea is invigorating. The central book-shaped sculpture is a masterpiece. Perfect for photographers and city explorers. 10/10 recommend.

Honestly a bit disappointed. The square itself is massive and well-maintained, but there's not much to actually do besides walk around. Most of the nearby food stalls were closed when I visited in the afternoon. The giant white sculpture is cool but feels like it’s just there for photo ops. Maybe better at night?

A lovely spot for an evening walk! The fountain show around 7pm was beautiful, and the view of the coastline from the square is stunning. However, I found the souvenir shops near the square a bit overpriced and pushy. Still, the atmosphere made up for it. Would come back again.

Loved the open space and sea breeze at Xinghai Square! Spent a lazy afternoon watching kids fly kites and couples strolling along the promenade. The huge statue of the centennial city monument is impressive. Only wish there were more shaded benches to escape the midday sun. Definitely a must-see in Dalian!

Absolutely love this place! Visited during the week and had the whole square almost to myself. The bronze sculptures and the huge book-shaped building are fascinating. Watched the sun set right behind the horizon – magical. Already planning my next trip back. If you’re in the area, don’t miss it!

Impressive scale and nice landscaping, but I found it a bit sterile. It feels more like a giant plaza than a lively square. The architecture is modern and photogenic, but lacks character. If you're into minimalism and open spaces you'll like it, but I prefer places with more history and street life. Good for a short photo stop though.

Came here mainly for the seaside promenade and was not disappointed. The waves crashing against the rocks, the scent of salt in the air – pure bliss. Plenty of benches to sit and people-watch. Only downside is that there aren’t many food stalls nearby, so bring your own snacks. Still, an easy 5 stars for the vibe!

Decent square, very spacious and clean. Had a nice stroll in the evening with my family, kids enjoyed the fountain show. But honestly it felt a bit too crowded and touristy for my taste. Also the parking situation was a nightmare. Worth a quick visit but I wouldn't go out of my way again.

Stumbled upon Xinghai Square after a long walk along the coast and was blown away by the sheer size of it. The sea breeze felt amazing, and the sunset reflecting off the marble was just stunning. Love how locals gather here for kite flying and dancing in the evenings. Definitely a must-visit for anyone exploring the city!

Massive square that lives up to its reputation. I was amazed by the crowds even on a weekday — this is clearly a local favorite. The view of the Xinghai Bay Bridge from the square is postcard-perfect. I spent an hour just sitting on the steps watching ferries go by. The light show at dusk was magical. My only small complaint: the loud music from nearby karaoke corners can be a bit overwhelming if you're looking for peace. But for atmosphere and grandeur, it's a solid 5-star destination.

Absolutely fell in love with this place! I came here three times during my week in Dalian. The morning jog along the seafront is invigorating, with locals practicing tai chi and dancing. The centennial monument and huge book-shaped sculptures are perfect photo ops. Best of all, it's free — no ticket needed. I also appreciated the clean public bins and friendly security guards who helped with directions. If you visit Dalian, DON'T skip Xinghai Square. It's the heart of the city.

Great place for a relaxed afternoon stroll. Xinghai Square has a lovely open feel with the sea on one side and the city skyline on the other. We rented a little electric cart for the kids — affordable and fun. The skate rental nearby was a bonus. Only downside: the food stalls were a bit pricey and nothing exceptional (think overpriced ice cream and grilled corn). Still, the atmosphere was lively and families were having a good time. A solid 4/5 experience.

Decent square but honestly a bit overhyped. It's huge, yes, and the sea breeze is nice, but there's nothing really special about it besides the size. The grass areas were patchy and some of the sculptures looked worn. The public restrooms were hard to find and not very clean. I spent about 40 minutes walking around and felt like I'd seen it all. If you're in Dalian, it's worth a quick stop, but I wouldn't go out of my way again.

Stunning city square! The sheer size of Xinghai Square is breathtaking, especially at night when the lights reflect off the surrounding buildings. I loved walking along the coastline promenade and watching kids fly kites. The fountain show was a highlight — synchronized music and water jets that kids adored. Only wish there were more shaded benches for resting, but overall a perfect evening spot. Highly recommend visiting just before sunset to see the sky change colors.

I absolutely loved the vibe here! It's a perfect blend of urban energy and seaside calm. In the evening, the square comes alive with families flying kites, couples dancing, and kids running around the fountain. The sea breeze is refreshing, and the view of the Dalian skyline lit up at night is stunning. I also appreciated the free public restrooms and plenty of benches to rest. Took a rented bike and cycled along the promenade—such a joyful experience. This is exactly the kind of public space every city needs. Don't miss it!

Wow! This has got to be one of the most photogenic squares in China. I spent almost two hours just walking from the tall landmark pillar down to the coast, taking shots of the skyline and the sea. The giant book sculpture is iconic, and the paths lined with sculptures and palm trees make for great compositions. Came at golden hour and got some amazing shots. Also loved the row of little kiosks selling local snacks—tried some grilled squid and it was delicious. Highly recommend for any photographer or Instagram lover!

Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed. The square is massive, yes, but it felt like a giant empty concrete space with very little shade. The fountain was not working when I went (maybe off-season?) and many of the surrounding shops were closed or under renovation. The sea view is decent but nothing special compared to other coastal cities. It's a good place for a quick photo stop if you're in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. Expected more given the hype.

Xinghai Square is huge and impressive, especially the massive marble book sculpture at the entrance. Very clean and well-maintained. I visited on a weekday morning so it wasn't too crowded. The sea views are lovely, though the wind can be quite strong. My only minor complaint is that some of the nearby food stalls were overpriced for what they offered. Overall a nice spot for photos and a relaxing walk, but not much else to do unless you go to the amusement park next door. Still worth a visit!

This place is absolutely breathtaking! I came here at sunset and the way the golden light reflected off the sea and the modern buildings was pure magic. The music fountain show in the evening was spectacular, with synchronized lights and water jets dancing to classical tunes. Definitely a must-see in Dalian—perfect for a relaxing stroll with friends or family. I could spend hours just sitting on the steps people-watching and listening to live music nearby. 10/10 would come again!

Decent place to kill an afternoon but nothing extraordinary. The square is huge and you can see the sea, but most of the attractions (like the giant book sculpture) are just for photos. I wish there were more benches and shade. A bit too commercialised for my taste, but okay for a short visit.

Xinghai Square is a must-see in Dalian. The architecture around the square is modern and photogenic, and you can rent a bike to explore the whole area. I especially liked the museum nearby. Just be aware that it gets very windy near the sea, so bring a jacket even in summer.

I came here expecting a quiet sea view, but it was packed with tourists and local vendors. The square itself is impressive in size, but the constant noise from music and advertisements ruined the vibe for me. Also the public toilets were not very clean. A bit overhyped if you ask me.

Great spot for families! We spent an entire afternoon here. The kids loved the playground and the little train ride. There are plenty of food stalls nearby and the sea breeze kept it cool even in summer. The only downside is parking can be a nightmare on weekends, but it's worth it.

Absolutely stunning! Xinghai Square is massive and the view of the sea is breathtaking. I went in the evening and the fountain show with lights and music was magical. Perfect for a long walk or just sitting on the steps people-watching. Highly recommend visiting at sunset!