after running the dalian marathon where to go and eat

When you come to Dalian, you can't miss the seafood.

Dalian has many immigrants from Shandong, which makes traditional Dalian cuisine lean towards the Shandong style. During the Japanese occupation, Japanese culinary culture was introduced to Dalian, making it an excellent place to taste Japanese cuisine. Authentic Japanese sushi, eel rice, and other traditional Japanese dishes have been well preserved, and classic Japanese restaurants can be found everywhere. Compared to other northeastern cities, Dalian has a higher acceptance of Western, Korean, and Japanese cuisines.

Dalian relies on the sea for its food, and various seafood products have become common delicacies on the tables of Dalian people. Over time, Dalian residents have gradually absorbed the culinary styles of Northeast China and Shandong when cooking seafood, forming many unique seafood dishes, including seafood jelly, colorful snowflake scallops, and salted fish cakes.

The city has many dining establishments, with famous high-end seafood restaurants like Tiantian Fishing Port and Wanbao Seafood House. Traditional Dalian restaurants include Mouchuanren Dalian Old Restaurant and 68-86 Dalian Old Restaurant. Specialty snacks and affordable eateries are mainly concentrated in the commercial areas near the train station, such as the underground mall at Victory Square, the fifth floor of New Mart, Century Mall, and the food street on Bayi Road.

Seafood Jelly

Seafood jelly is a specialty snack in Dalian, made by simmering sweet potato starch to create a jelly, which is then pan-fried. After cooking, it is topped with stir-fried shrimp pieces, sea snail slices, and other seafood, and seasoned with garlic paste, sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, and other condiments. The soft jelly infused with the aroma of seafood makes it irresistible to visitors.

Seafood jelly can now be found in major restaurants and small eateries throughout Dalian. However, locals often recommend small shops, such as those near Qingniwa Bridge, where you can enjoy a bowl of delicious jelly for just a few yuan.

Stir-fried Sea Intestines

Sea intestines are soft-bodied animals with a semi-transparent body, resembling a piece of intestine, hence the name. They are abundant only at the Xiajihezi Beach in Dalian. They are highly nutritious and have a delicious taste comparable to that of eggs. Sea intestines can be eaten in various ways, including cold dishes and spicy stir-fries, all of which are very tasty.

Colorful Snowflake Scallops

Colorful snowflake scallops are a specialty seafood dish in Dalian. Unlike other cities where scallops are often paired with vermicelli, this dish uses fresh live scallops and egg whites, along with green peas, scallions, cooking wine, soy sauce, and MSG. The egg whites create a snowflake-like appearance, with scallops resembling pearls embedded in them. The dish is garnished with seasonal vegetables, carrots, and peppers, making it colorful, tender, fresh, and light, without being greasy.

Salted Fish Cakes

A traditional snack from northern China, originating from the Northeast region. It is made by cutting fresh sea fish into pieces, salting them for flavor, and then frying them in oil until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The fish is served with coarse cornmeal cakes, a favorite staple in the North, making this dish a delightful combination. The fresh sea fish in Dalian adds a special touch to this dish.

Route 2 Takoyaki

A popular takoyaki shop in Dalian, which has been adapted from Japanese octopus balls to suit the local taste, offering various flavors such as squid and cheese. Priced at around ten yuan per serving, it is considered good value for money. The shop got its name because the first store was located at the terminus of Route 2. Now, Route 2 Takoyaki has opened three or four branches in Dalian and is well-loved by local foodies.

Buerxin Baozi

A very popular baozi shop in Dalian, with long queues outside the store every day. The most famous item is the fresh meat baozi, known for its large filling and thin skin, similar to southern soup dumplings. In addition, the shrimp wontons are also very popular. The baozi have a lighter flavor, more in line with the taste preferences of southern people, rather than the heavily seasoned style favored in the North.

Must-Try Traditional Dalian Dishes

Local Dalian cuisine leans towards the Shandong style, emphasizing knife skills and the freshness of ingredients, while also incorporating the rich and flavorful characteristics of Northeast Chinese cuisine. The Dalian restaurants listed are the best representatives of the city's culinary culture.

Foodies' Favorite Snack Shops

Some snack shops in Dalian have earned a good reputation and are well-loved by locals due to their dedication to quality and excellent food. Many of these small shops have thrived and opened multiple branches in Dalian. The most famous ones are Route 2 Takoyaki and Buerxin Baozi, both of which are highly popular and attract food lovers from all over the country.

Seafood Restaurants Full of Flavor

How can you visit Dalian without enjoying a sumptuous seafood feast? In this coastal city, seafood is an essential part of the dining experience. From scallops, clams, and snails that can be eaten on their own, to local dishes like spicy stir-fried sea intestines, braised prawns, and seafood jelly, Dalian's seafood offerings are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The city is filled with seafood restaurants to choose from.

The Most Popular Food Stalls and Food Streets

Dalian's food streets and night food stalls are great places to sample local snacks. The food streets not only feature Dalian cuisine but also gather snacks from all over the country. The night food stalls in Dalian often serve seafood dishes such as crayfish, teppanyaki squid, and spicy stir-fried snails. These stalls usually stay open until late at night, becoming more lively as the night goes on. They are perfect for gatherings with friends.

Enjoying the Sea and Water, Dalian is the Place to Be

Dalian's attractions mainly fall into three categories: coastal, historical and cultural, and exotic. The city's long coastline stretches for thousands of kilometers, creating numerous scenic spots for sea views. For a distant sea view, you can visit Binhai Road, Laotieshan, or the National Geopark. For water activities, Golden Beach, Xinghai Park, and Golden Coast are ideal places to get close to the sea.

Dalian can be divided into four main areas: Zhongshan District, Shahekou District, Lushun, and Jinshitan Resort Area. Zhongshan District and Shahekou District are the main urban areas of Dalian, with many famous coastal attractions located along the southern coast. Lushun is located to the west of the main urban area, while Jinshitan Resort Area is in the northeast.

Dalian Binhai Road

Binhai Road connects the mountains and the sea, symbolizing the eternal love of mountains and seas, and is also known as 'Lovers' Road.' It is a scenic coastal road stretching over 30 kilometers, with many famous attractions along the way, making it a popular spot for hiking and photography. Most people take the city sightseeing bus to tour Binhai Road, but hiking enthusiasts can also walk part of the route.

Xinghai Square

Xinghai Square in Dalian is the largest city square in Asia, built to commemorate the return of Hong Kong. The entire square is oval-shaped and covers an area larger than two Tiananmen Squares. Scattered around the square are 999 pieces of Sichuan red marble, engraved with the heavenly stems and earthly branches, 24 solar terms, and 12 zodiac signs, highlighting traditional Chinese culture.

Laohutan Ocean Park

Located on the southern coast of Dalian, Laohutan Ocean Park is a world of marine animals and birds, as well as a scenic spot for coastal views. In the Polar Pavilion, you can watch exciting performances by beluga whales, sea lions, dolphins, and walruses. The park also features sea sightseeing yachts, a root carving art gallery, a 4D cinema, and thrilling attractions like Jurassic Rapids Adventure, pirate ships, bungee jumping, and free fall rides.

Jinshitan National Tourist Resort

Jinshitan Resort Area is located in the northeast of Dalian, surrounded by the sea on three sides with beautiful scenery, making it Dalian's backyard garden. The Jinshitan National Tourist Resort has many attractions, including Discoveryland Theme Park, Jinshi World Celebrity Wax Museum, Jinshitan Geological Museum, Jinshiyuan Park, and the Ten-Mile Golden Coast.

Russian Style Street

Russian Style Street retains 38 buildings from the Far East Belarus era, with a history of over a century. It is the first street in China with Russian architectural styles from the 19th and 20th centuries. The street is 500 meters long and now serves as a Russian-style street integrating tourism, shopping, leisure, and entertainment.

Dalian Forest Zoo

Located in the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, the Dalian Forest Zoo is nestled between the mountains and the sea. It is divided into two parts: the first phase is the caged area, and the second phase is the free-range area (wildlife park). The zoo features fun attractions like flocks of geese flying, sea lion performances, bear boxing, and humorous chimpanzee shows, which are loved by visitors. The zoo houses over 200 species of animals, totaling more than 3,000 individuals, including many nationally protected and rare animals imported from abroad.

Xinghai Park

Xinghai Park is a historic open coastal park, consisting of a land park and a beach. Xinghai Park Beach is one of the four major sea bathing beaches in Dalian. The park is named after a uniquely shaped giant rock called 'Star Rock' that protrudes from the bay's water. The most famous attraction in Xinghai Park is the sea bungee jump, which is about 55 meters high and offers an unparalleled thrill as you jump over the sea.

Bangchuidao Scenic Area

Located about 9 kilometers from the city center, Bangchuidao Scenic Area is a scenic spot featuring mountains, sea, islands, and beaches. It includes Bangchuidao Beach, a villa area, and the isolated Bangchuidao Island. The area is known for having the clearest seawater and the cleanest beaches in Dalian, with stunning coastal scenery.