Plan at a glance
A one-way coastal walk
Dalian Coastal National Geopark focuses on coastal landforms and a shoreline boardwalk. The paths include steps and slopes, so plan for a walking visit. The reference route takes about 3–4 hours: walk roughly 1.7 kilometers along the coast from the ticket entrance to the shuttle stop at Nanxiu Garden (南秀园), then take the free red shuttle to Aotan Garden (鳌滩园). After visiting Aotan Garden, take the free shuttle back to Nanxiu Garden, then use the separately paid exit vehicle (indicative fare about CNY 10 per person) or walk back to the entrance. Confirm the shuttle route, boarding points, seasonal operation and open sections of the boardwalk for your visit date; the route depends on those connections.
The route includes steps and slopes, and you will need time to look at the rocks and wait for or transfer between vehicles, in addition to the walking distance. If you mainly want to see the sea or rest, consider the free beach area in Jinshitan; arrange transport between the two areas separately. The geopark suits visitors who enjoy walking and coastal geology.
Plan for the return leg
The reference route runs from the ticket entrance along the coast to the shuttle stop at Nanxiu Garden (南秀园), then by free red shuttle to Aotan Garden and back to Nanxiu Garden. From there, a separately paid exit vehicle is listed at about CNY 10 per person; walking back to the entrance is another option. These services are separate from the resort loop shuttle between Jinshitan Station and the scenic area. Confirm the shuttle route, boarding points, seasonal operation and open boardwalk sections for your visit date.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Coastal rock formations along the route
On the reference route, the roughly 1.7-kilometer coastal walk from the entrance to the shuttle stop at Nanxiu Garden passes Dinosaur Park and rock formations such as “Dinosaur Exploring the Sea,” a sea-eroded pillar shaped like a dinosaur lowering its head to drink. “Roc Spreading Its Wings” and “General’s Rock” are other formations to look for along the way. Tides and lighting change the appearance of the surf and rocks, so a particular scene is not guaranteed.
Make time for Aotan Garden
If the red shuttle is running to Aotan Garden that day, continue to see Turtle Rock (龟背石) and Colorful Layers (层艳叠彩). Turtle Rock has a clear cracked pattern that is easier to make out up close than from a distance; Colorful Layers is known for variations in the hues of its rock strata. Follow the park’s one-way signs and check that the final section is open before deciding how long to stay.
For the wider area’s beach and resort transport options, see Jinshitan National Tourist Resort.
Build your day
Three- to four-hour reference route (shuttle connections to be confirmed)
The reference order is: walk about 1.7 kilometers along the coastal route from the ticket entrance to the Nanxiu Garden shuttle stop, passing Dinosaur Exploring the Sea, Roc Spreading Its Wings and General’s Rock. Take the free red shuttle to Aotan Garden and see Turtle Rock and Colorful Layers, then ride the free shuttle back to Nanxiu Garden. From there, take the separately paid exit vehicle (indicative fare about CNY 10 per person) or walk back to the entrance. Before setting out, confirm the shuttle route, boarding points, seasonal operation and open sections of the boardwalk. The 3–4-hour estimate applies only when the connections are operating.
If the connections are running as expected, the route involves walking, steps and an internal shuttle ride in both directions. The 3–4-hour estimate does not include travel to and from downtown Dalian. Walk at your own pace and allow additional time for photos or queues; not every boardwalk section is open year-round.
Add another resort stop after the geopark
After leaving the geopark, you can visit Jinshitan’s free beach as a separate stop. Travel between the two depends on the resort shuttle or a separately arranged vehicle. The resort shuttle’s last service is listed at around 17:00; if you plan to stay at the beach into the evening, confirm how you will return to the visitor center that day. Do not assume a shuttle will be available after sunset.
Get there
From Jinshitan Station to the entrance
Take Dalian Metro Line 3 to Jinshitan Station, then transfer near the visitor center to the resort loop shuttle. The indicative fare is CNY 20 per person, with buses listed about every 20 minutes. You can also take a taxi from the station to the geopark entrance; the indicative fare is CNY 12–18, subject to the day’s price and availability. The resort shuttle ticket does not include admission to the geopark.
Know before you go
Tickets, hours and entry
Indicative geopark admission is CNY 60 in peak season and CNY 40 in the off-season. Peak-season hours are listed as 08:30–17:00, with last entry at 16:00; off-season hours are listed as 08:30–16:00, with last entry at 15:30. Hours and entry rules may change. Check the official notice for your date and any booking requirements; confirm eligibility for discounted tickets.
Wear shoes with good grip and bring water
The main route has steps and slopes. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, and choose how much of the route to walk based on your ability. There are about four or five small shops along the way, but their locations and hours vary. Bring water and light snacks, especially during peak-season queues or longer stops for photos.
Follow closure notices on site
Maintenance may change access to the final boardwalk or bridges. At the entrance, follow the posted notices and staff directions to see which sections are open. If you encounter a barrier or temporary closure, adjust your route accordingly.