Plan at a glance
An open square and a waterfront walk
Xinghai Square is at No. 572 Zhongshan Road, Shahekou District. This free public space is open 24 hours a day and does not require a reservation. The square covers about 1.76 million square meters. The Centennial Sculpture and seaside boardwalk are two main stops; the musical fountain and light displays operate according to seasonal and daily schedules.
Allow about 1–2 hours to see the Centennial Sculpture and waterfront. Add an evening walk, a fountain performance and a meal for a 3–4-hour visit. Check the published schedule for fountain and lighting times on the day.
Published fountain schedule for 2026
The published 2026 schedule lists two performances, at 19:30 and 20:30, mainly on Fridays through Sundays in May, June and September. In July and August, it lists one 19:30 performance Monday through Thursday and two performances Friday through Sunday; public holidays have separate arrangements. This schedule applies to 2026 and is not a permanent timetable. Festivals or other events may change the monthly schedule; check the day’s notice. Strong winds, rain or maintenance may cancel performances.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The Centennial Sculpture and coastal views
The Centennial Sculpture is near the seaward end of the north–south axis of Xinghai Square. A walkway with 1,000 pairs of bronze footprints leads toward a large, open-book-shaped sculpture. Together, they commemorate a century of Dalian history. The platform around the sculpture offers views of the square, fountain and cross-sea bridge. The seaside boardwalk also frames the bridge, while the west side of the square offers views of the fountain, bridge and sea. Some time after sunset, the sky and water may take on blue tones suited to night photography; the timing varies with season, weather and light.
Choose a walk, night views or the fountain
During the day, stop by the Centennial Sculpture and square paths, then move to the seaside boardwalk in the evening. If a fountain show is scheduled, return to the fountain area at its listed time. The square is a free place to walk and see the water. Bungee jumping and separately ticketed rides are at neighboring Xinghai Park; check that park’s operating information.
Build your day
One- to two-hour short route: sculpture and waterfront
From Exit A2 at Xinghai Square Station on Metro Line 1, walk about five minutes to the central area. Visit the Centennial Sculpture, continue to the seaside boardwalk, then leave along the same route or another square path. Allow about 1–2 hours. This route covers only the public square and waterfront walk; it does not include bungee jumping or paid rides.
Three to four hours: evening walk and fountain
Enter from Exit A2 in the afternoon or early evening. Visit the Centennial Sculpture and walk along the waterfront; if a musical fountain show is scheduled that day, return to the fountain area at the published time. Then eat nearby or take the metro back. Allow about 3–4 hours. If the fountain is cancelled, shorten your visit rather than relying on a fixed showtime.
Get there
Metro and buses
Take Metro Line 1 to Xinghai Square Station and walk about five minutes from Exit A2 to the central area. Buses 16, 22, 23, 28, 406, 531 and 901 stop at Xinghai Square; continue on foot to the sculpture and waterfront paths.
Return by public transport
Traffic around the square can be heavy in peak season, and taxis may also be delayed at busy times. Metro Line 1 is an option for the return trip; after a fountain show, allow time to walk back to the station.
Know before you go
Wind, weather and cancellations
It can be windy by the water; bring a light layer for summer evenings. Strong winds, rain or maintenance may cancel the fountain and light show. The published 2026 monthly schedule and temporary event changes apply only to their stated dates; check the day’s notice before going.
Gulls, pigeons and marine animals may not appear or be active. Do not feed them food you bring.
Nearby places outside the square
Xinghai Park and Xinghai Square are separate places along Xinghai Bay, about a 15–20-minute walk apart. Bungee jumping and separately ticketed rides belong to Xinghai Park; see its page for those activities. Free entry to the square does not include them.