Dalian

There are a number of attractions around the city that, though technically within the Dalian administrative area, are far enough away from the centre to warrant devoting a full day to.

Golden Pebble Beach

Located in Jinzhou district northeast of Dalian about 50 km 30 mi from downtown, Golden Pebble Beach 金石滩 Jīnshítān, named after the unique rock formations of the area, is a tourist destination which has at its heart Dalian's best beach courtesy of specially imported sand. Surrounded by tourist attractions that could perhaps be best described as traps rather than attractions, it's the beach that's most likely to reward visitors. Swimming isn't too popular because of the temperature and cleanliness of the water but most just spend time on the beach grilling and walking around. Some of the other attractions include the kung fu museum, which doubles as a school for aspiring Jet Lis, and Kingdom of Discovery, Dalian's small theme park. Outside of the main tourist areas there are a lot of the beach-side shops and stalls which shut down during bad weather, so it's best to check the forecast before venturing out. The best way to get to there from downtown is to take the light rail. A single-journey trip takes about 1 hour and costs ¥8. A tourist shuttle is available to get from the Jinshitan light rail station to the beach as well as taxis.

Xiangshui Temple

+86 0411 8764 7565. 08:30-17:00. One of the few truly ancient sites in and around Dalian, the Daoist Xiangshui Temple 响水寺 Xiǎngshuǐ Sì was first constructed during the Tang Dynasty around a thousand years ago, though much of the current temple stems from renovations during the Qing Dynasty. The temple is built around a large cavern, the waterfalls inside give the temple its name "Water-sounds Temple" and is part of a wider network of temples in the Big Black Mountain 大黑山 Dàhēishān area. To get there take the light rail train or bus from the běi gǎng qiáo long distance bus station to Jinzhou then take a taxi to the temple. Taxi drivers waiting near the Dalian train station and Xi'an Lu will take passengers to Jinzhou for about ¥60-80/4 person max ¥15-20 each.

Bingyu Valley

Billed as "Dalian's Guilin" Bingyu Valley 冰峪沟 Bīngyù Gōu, this is a twisting river valley, winding though steep cliffs, in a relatively unspoiled countryside just outside Zhuanghe City and about 250 km 155 mi north of Dalian. Entry costs ¥100 but is well worth as there is hiking, boat rides which cost extra and enjoying a bit of nature. There are also a number of Buddhist and Taoist temples to explore along the river. It's theoretically possible to visit the valley in a day, but it's perhaps better to stay overnight. The local hotel costs ¥300 for a double room, or you can stay in a local farmer's house for as little as ¥10 definitely an experience worth having, provided you have someone in your party with a good level of Mandarin. To get to Bingyu Valley on weekends or holidays simply catch the direct bus that leaves from Victory Square at 07:30. Tickets cost ¥45 and the journey takes about 2 hours. The rest of the time you'll need to get a bus 2 hours, ¥34 or train to Zhuanghe City then transfer to a local bus to the valley 1 hour, ¥8.

Lvshunkou

Formerly known as Port Arthur, is a historically significant city located on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, about 40 km 25 mi south west of the city center. It's possible to visit the various sites on your own plenty of buses run from Dalian to Lvshun and a taxis near Heishijiao will also make the journey but the risk of straying into the forbidden areas typically former Soviet or current Chinese military outposts could make a guided tour is a more sensible option. Most hotels will be able to offer either tours or advice on agencies who could provide them. It is no longer difficult for toursits to visit the major sites though. Snake Island boasts a great reptile center.