Dalian is a popular destination among domestic tourists and foreign visitors, especially from Japan, South Korea and Russia. Its mild climate and multiple beaches as well as its importance in the modern history of China have attracted tourists. Some of the most famous beaches are Jinshitan Golden Coast beach, Fujiazhuang beach, Bangchuidao beach, Xinghai Park beach, Xinghai Bay beach, and Xiajiahezi beach. In 2007, it was one of the three cities named "China's best tourist city", along with Hangzhou and Chengdu, recognized by the National Tourism Administration and the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
Four inner-city districts
Zhongshan Square
Originally designed by Russians in the 19th century, Zhongshan Square is especially noted for the several classical buildings located around the square built during the first half of the 20th century by the Japanese.
Laohutan Ocean Park
The park contains the Polar Region Marine Animals World (the only exhibition of its type in China), the Coral Aquarium, and the World of Birds (the largest manmade birdcage in China). The white whale and dolphin show is a major attraction in the Polar Region Marine Animals World. The Tigers Sculpture Square is nearby, whose tiger sculpture is the symbol of Laohutan (lit. "tiger beach"). A retired Anshan-class destroyer Taiyuan is open to visitors.
Xinghai Square
Situated at the Xinghai Bay, Xinghai Square was built at the centennial of the City of Dalian (1998) and is the largest city square in the world.
Bangchuidao Scenic Area
A well-maintained park used as a State Guesthouse since 1960, the Bangchuidao Scenic Area is now open to public with upgraded features including lavish greens, Chinese and western style villas, hot spring, tennis courts, badminton courts, a recreation center, a golf course and the Bangchuidao beach. The Bangchuidao Island can be seen from the beach. As a State Guesthouse, the scenic area has received numerous Chinese and foreign leaders and high profile officials, including Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, Henry Kissinger, Boris Yeltsin, Gerhard Schröder, Juan Antonio Samaranch and so on.
Jinzhou District and Development Zone (in the northern suburbs)
Jinshitan is composed of eastern peninsula, western peninsula, open ground between two peninsulas and the ten-mile Golden Coast beach. Major sightseeing points include, Golden Pebble Waxworks Museum, Geological Museum, Coastal National Geopark, International Vehicle Campsite, Tang Dynasty Hot Spring Resort, Golden Rock Park, Wanfuding Park, China Martial Arts Hall, Discoveryland Theme Park, Mao Zedong Badge Exhibition Hall, Model Movie & TV Art Center, Golden Pebble Hunting Club, Golden Pebble Equestrianism Base, Golden Pebble International Convention Center & Resort, Golden Pebble Golf Club, and Golden Gulf Golf Course. Several themed events, such as Dalian International Beach Carnival, International Winter Swimming Festival and Grape Festival, take place in Jinshitan annually.
The Discoveryland Theme Park was built in 2006 and covers an area of 470,000 square meters. It was designed by Romero Petrilli VanRell Associates who participated in the design of the Disney theme park.
Hot Spring and Ski Resorts
There are various hot spring hotels in Dalian. Notable ones include, Laotieshan Hot Spring Hotel in Lüshun, Tang Dynasty Hot Spring Resort in Jinshitan, Minghu Hot Spring Hotel in Wafangdian City, Chengyuan Hot Spring Villa in Ganjingzi District, and Tianmu Hot Spring Hotel in Lüshun.
Skiing has become increasingly popular in Dalian. Famous ski resorts are, Linhai Ski Resort in Ganjingzi District, Anbo Ski Resort in Pulandian City, Minghu Ski Resort & Minghu International Skiing Holiday Village in Wafangdian City, and Dalian Happy Snow World in Ganjingzi District near the airport.