Transportation & More: Dalian

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps supply convenient alternatives, specifically for direct routes or when public transport is less practical. Licensed taxis in Dalian are typically colored (e.g., green, blue, yellow) and clearly display a roof light, a meter, and company information. Hailing licensed taxis on the street, at designated taxi stands, or via ride-sharing apps are all methods.

Taxi fares usually start with a flag-fall of ¥8-10 for the first few kilometers. Mobile payment via WeChat Pay or Alipay is the most common and preferred method. Many taxis have QR codes displayed for easy scanning.

Didi Chuxing 滴滴出行

Dominant App: This is the prevalent ride-sharing app in China, operating akin to Uber.
Services: Brings various services, from standard taxis to private cars (Express, Premier).
Benefits: Delivers price estimates, monitors journeys, and aids in overcoming language barriers through its in-app translation.
User-Friendly: Registering with an international phone number and linking an international credit card is often possible, making it very user-friendly.

Taxi Safety

Always use licensed taxis. Ensure the driver turns on the meter. If they refuse or quote a fixed price that seems too high, find another taxi. Having your destination written in Chinese characters is highly recommended.

Didi Safety

Didi is typically safe, as drivers are registered and trips are monitored. For added security, share your trip details with a trusted contact. Verify the car model and license plate match the app before entering.

Airport/Station Taxis

Dedicated taxi queues exist at Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport and at both Dalian Railway Stations. Follow signs to these designated areas. Avoid unofficial solicitors.

Rental Options

Car & Motorcycle Rental

Car Rental: A Chinese driving license is necessary to operate a car in China. Foreign driving licenses or IDPs hold no validity. Obtaining a temporary Chinese license stands as a bureaucratic process.
Recommendation: Car rental typically carries no suggestion for foreign tourists due to licensing, challenging traffic, and language barriers.
Motorcycle/Scooter: Not frequent or easily reachable for tourists. Safety concerns and lack of proper licensing render this an impractical option.

Bicycle Sharing & Specialty Vehicles

Bicycle Sharing: Bikes offer a pleasant way to explore Dalian. Apps like Meituan and HelloBike are popular for short-term rentals within the city. These services usually call for mobile payment.
Park Rentals: Some parks or tourist areas (Xinghai Square, Golden Pebble Beach) may present hourly bicycle rentals from kiosks.
Specialty: Some tourist attractions might hold novelty rides like golf carts or small electric vehicles for rent within their premises.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Drive Side

Operate on the right side of the road.

Drunk Driving

Severe penalties apply for drunk driving.

Traffic Norms

Driving styles may vary considerably from Western norms.

Pedestrian Caution

For pedestrians and cyclists, exercising a high degree of caution is necessary.

Walking & Cycling

Dalian’s pedestrian-friendly areas and scenic coastal routes turn walking and cycling into appealing ways to explore.

Walking Routes

Binhai Road: This scenic coastal road finds immense popularity for walking, jogging, and cycling. It brings stunning sea views, cliffs, and access to several beaches.
Squares: Xinghai Square, Zhongshan Square, and Renmin Square are vast, open spaces suitable for leisurely walks, observing local life, and admiring city architecture.
Pedestrian Streets: Russian Street and Japanese Street are pedestrianized areas ideal for exploring unique architectural styles.
Parks: Labor Park and Xinghai Park display well-maintained paths and green spaces for pleasant walks.

Walking Tours & Safety

Guided Tours: Several local tour operators provide guided walking tours focusing on Dalian’s history, architecture, or culinary scene. These tours supply local insights.
Self-Guided Tours: Using mapping apps (Baidu Maps/Gaode Maps) and offline guidebooks permits you to forge your own walking tours at your own pace.
Cycling Safety: Dalian holds some dedicated bike lanes. In many urban areas, bikes share roads with vehicles, and cycling may pose a challenge. Be highly aware of traffic.
No-go Areas: Generally no strictly "no-go" areas within tourist zones. Exercise caution in industrial areas or unlit parts at night.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Some local tourism companies provide city sightseeing bus tours that stop at major attractions.

Convenient overview of highlights.
Audio guides often exist in multiple languages.
Check with hotels or tourist info centers.

Water Transport

Sightseeing cruises are present from various points along the coast, like Xinghai Park or Tiger Beach.

Offer different perspectives of skyline.
Short coastal tours.
Long-distance ferries for inter-city travel (not within city).

Unique Local Transport

Cable cars at Laohutan Ocean Park and Dalian Forest Zoo furnish both practical transport and an unique vantage point.

Connect different sections of parks.
Offer panoramic aerial views.
Enhance park exploration.

Accessibility & Mobility Notes

Accessibility Status

While getting better, accessibility infrastructure in Dalian lacks the comprehensiveness of some Western countries.
Newer facilities (Metro, major attractions) are typically more accessible with elevators and ramps.
Older buildings, smaller shops, and some public spaces might pose challenges.

Recommendations

Planning ahead and contacting specific hotels or attractions directly about their accessibility features carries strong suggestion for travelers with mobility needs.
Prioritize well-maintained routes and newer facilities for easier navigation.
Local support or assistance may be helpful for navigating less accessible areas.

General Transportation Tips

Familiarity with Dalian's transportation refinements will greatly improve your travel experience.

Navigating the City

Stay Charged: Always keep your phone charged. It proves vital for maps, translation, and mobile payments.
Mobile Payments: Confirm your WeChat Pay and Alipay apps hold sufficient funds.
Language Barrier: Knowing your destination in Chinese characters or having it ready on a translation app will considerably smooth your journeys, especially with taxi drivers.
Offline Maps: Download offline Mandarin packs for translation apps and map services prior to your trip.

Travel Comfort & Safety

Peak Hours: If possible, avoid public transport during peak rush hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).
Vigilance: Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.
Road Safety: For pedestrians and cyclists, exercising a high degree of caution is necessary, as driving styles may vary.
Self-Driving: Generally carries no suggestion for foreign tourists.

Terrain Awareness

Dalian's hilly terrain means some areas might involve inclines. Comfortable footwear makes exploration easier.

Coastal Routes

Take advantage of coastal walks and bike rides for scenic views and a refreshing sea breeze.

Green Spaces

Explore Dalian's numerous parks and squares on foot to appreciate its "garden city" reputation.

Rental Options for Exploring

Bicycle Sharing

Apps like Meituan and HelloBike offer convenient short-term bicycle rentals.
Unlock bikes by scanning QR codes via mobile payment apps.
Park bikes in designated areas after use.

Specialty Rentals

Cable cars exist at Laohutan Ocean Park and Dalian Forest Zoo, furnishing unique views.
Some tourist attractions may hold golf carts or small electric vehicles for rent within their premises.
Renting specialized sports equipment at facilities saves luggage space.

Communication Tips

While staff at major tourist spots may have some English, local Mandarin phrases can greatly enhance daily interactions. Learning basic greetings and phrases for directions, ordering food, or asking for prices will prove beneficial.

Mobile translation apps with offline capabilities are invaluable tools for overcoming language barriers.

Dalian Transportation & More