Xinghai Square

What it is

Completed in 1997 to mark Hong Kong's return to China, Xinghai Square was built on reclaimed land along the southern coast of Dalian. Its name, meaning 'Star Sea', reflects the star-shaped centrepiece and the surrounding waters. The square is anchored by a 19.97-metre-high star monument, a nod to the year of its inauguration, and a massive footprint of 1.1 million square metres that includes open plazas, gardens, and a 1,000-metre seaside promenade. It quickly became a symbol of Dalian's modern ambition and a stage for public celebrations, concerts, and the annual International Beer Festival.

Beyond its size, Xinghai Square serves as a cultural and recreational hub. The surrounding area includes the Dalian Shell Museum, the Xinghai Convention and Exhibition Center, and a large amusement park. The square's design incorporates feng shui principles, with the sea to the south and hills to the north. Locals flock here for kite-flying, rollerblading, and evening strolls, while visitors come for the panoramic views of the Xinghai Bay Bridge. As part of our Dalian city tour, we often include a stop here to appreciate both the scale and the subtle details, such as the 1,000 handprints of notable figures embedded in the pavement.

Highlights

• Star Monument — A 19.97-metre-tall star-shaped sculpture at the square's centre, symbolising the year of its completion and offering a popular photo spot.
• Seaside Promenade — A 1,000-metre walkway along Xinghai Bay, perfect for sea breezes, views of the bay bridge, and watching local fishermen.
• Centennial Sculpture — A massive open book-shaped monument engraved with the history of Dalian, located at the northern end of the square.
• Xinghai Bay Bridge — A modern cable-stayed bridge spanning the bay, especially stunning when illuminated at night.
• Shell Museum — Nearby, this distinctive building houses over 5,000 shells from around the world, a hit with families and nature lovers.

How to get there

Xinghai Square is easily reached by metro Line 1 to Xinghai Square Station, or by taxi (about 20 minutes from Dalian Railway Station). Many travellers combine it with a visit to the nearby Xinghai Park or the Dalian Forest Zoo. We usually arrange a private car to drop you at the main entrance, then guide you through the highlights on foot, finishing with a seaside stroll.

Tickets & practical info

The square is free and open 24 hours. Individual attractions like the Shell Museum charge ¥30–¥50. No booking is needed for the square itself, but for museums, we recommend reserving through our guide to skip lines. Foreign cards are accepted at some ticket counters, but WeChat Pay or Alipay is more reliable; our guide can assist with payments if needed.

Best time to visit

Late afternoon to early evening is ideal: you'll catch the sunset over the bay and see the square come alive with locals. Summer (June–August) offers pleasant sea breezes, while winter can be chilly and windy. Avoid Chinese public holidays when crowds swell.

Tips from our guides

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the square is vast and you'll cover a lot of ground.
• Bring a jacket even in summer—the sea breeze can be cool in the evening.
• For the best photos, head to the promenade at sunset when the bridge lights up.
• Kite-flying is popular; you can buy a kite from vendors for ¥20–¥50.
• Public restrooms are available but can be crowded; our guide knows the quieter spots.

FAQ