Built by the Russians in 1898 as Nikolayevskaya Square and reshaped under Japanese rule, this grand circular plaza is ringed by ten early-20th-century buildings in Art Deco, French Renaissance and other styles, now state-protected heritage sites. It is a free open-air museum of Dalian's colonial layers, and locals fill it in the evenings with dancing and music. Wandering the surrounding streets reveals more old banks and hotels.
Arts & CultureFree№ 1655
◎ Zhongshan District☾ Open 24/7 (square); building interiors vary✓ Verified Jun 2026
No lists. No scrolling. Just go.
10 hand-picked things to do in Dalian, China —
5 completely free — each with a real address, price, hours, and an insider tip.
Updated June 2026.
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Dalian FAQ
What are the best free things to do in Dalian?
Xinghai Square & Evening Musical Fountain, Binhai Road Coastal Boardwalk Walk, Zhongshan Square Historic Architecture are among the 5 completely free activities in our Dalian list. Each entry includes the address, hours, and an insider tip.
How much do things to do in Dalian cost?
Our 10 hand-picked Dalian activities range from free up to about $12 per person, with most under $25. Use the Free / Budget toggle on the deck to deal within your price range.
How does DrawTheDay pick activities in Dalian?
Every activity is a real, verified place or experience with a current price, address, and opening hours — hand-picked for travelers and locals. Last updated June 2026.
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