Jinshitan National Resort金石滩
Dalian's resort coast 50 minutes northeast of downtown: golden-sand beach backed by a geological park of eroded sandstone, plus Discovery Kingdom and seafood.
Dalian · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Jinshitan National Resort worth visiting?
Dalian's beach resort 50 minutes northeast: golden sand, 600-million-year-old sandstone in a geological park, Discovery Kingdom and calm shallows for swimming.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Beach free; Discovery Kingdom ¥190; geological park ¥70 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Beach 24h; attractions 08:30-17:30 |
| Recommended duration | half to full day |
| Best time to visit | Jun-Sep for swimming; May and Sep for walks |
| How to get there | Metro Line 3 (rapid rail) from Dalian, 50 min |
| English signage | moderate |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
What to expect
The geological park is the reason to come: 600-million-year-old sinian sandstone eroded into arches, cliffs and the 'dinosaur exploring the sea' formation, along a boardwalk that traces the cliffs for a couple of kilometers.
The main beach is sandy and shallow, with rentals in summer. Discovery Kingdom theme park sits between the beach and the marina, and the area's seafood restaurants are a Dalian draw in themselves.
How to get there
Dalian Metro Line 3 (the rapid rail) from Dalian railway station to Jinshitan terminal, about 50 minutes, then a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Best photo spots
- Dinosaur Exploring the Sea rock formation
- The cliff boardwalk at sunset
- Discovery Kingdom's waterfront ferris wheel
Tips
- Weekends in Jul-Aug are crowded with local families; go early
- The geological park charges separately from the beach — check the combo ticket
Frequently asked questions
Is Jinshitan good for swimming?
Yes — Jun to early Sep, with calm shallow water and lifeguard sections on the main beach.
How do I get to Jinshitan from Dalian?
Metro Line 3 from Dalian station runs directly to Jinshitan in about 50 minutes.
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Other things to do in Dalian
Xinghai Square
The largest city square in Asia at 1.76 million m², free and open 24/7, easily cleared in 1–2 hours unless you stop for the nightly musical fountain.
Jinshitan Golden Pebble Beach
A 46 sq km national tourism resort on Dalian's northern coast with a 4 km sand beach, reached by 52-minute light rail ride from downtown — plan a full day, ideally two.
Lushun Port (Port Arthur)
A 30-minute drive from downtown Dalian hides a deep-water naval port with 130 years of war memorials — expect a full 8-hour day if you try to cover the 203 Hill, Naval Museum, Prison, and Russo-.
Sunasia Ocean World
Dalian's flagship aquarium on Xinghai Square: four halls, a 118-meter undersea tunnel with sharks and rays, plus polar animals and dolphin shows — the go-to rainy day out.