Dalian Flights 2026: Asiana & Trip.com Booking Review

Exploring Dalian, China

Round-trip tickets for around ~$146?

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ⓒ Ssoejini

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Hello, fellow explorers! I'm Ssoejini, your go-to guide for all things Japan & China travel :)

Lately, have you been dreaming of an exotic getaway that's close enough for a quick trip, maybe even tagging along a weekend?

Just grab a plane ticket and in a little over an hour, you can discover China's very own 'Europe' – the vibrant city of

Dalian (大连).

But let's be honest, once you open those flight booking sites, seeing the prices jump from full-service carriers (FSC) to low-cost carriers (LCC) can be a real headache, right?

Right now, you can snag round-trip flights to Dalian, China for **around ~$146**, making it the perfect time to visit!

**Just give me 5 minutes of your attention**

**and I'll show you how to save both time and money!**

Table of Contents

1. Dalian Flight Comparison: Why Now is the Best Time to Book

2. Dalian Direct Flights: A Complete Guide & How to Plan Your Trip

3. Ssoejini's Top Picks: Places to Visit in Dalian

+ Bonus: Dalian Flight Recommendations

1. Dalian Flight Comparison: Why Now is the Best Time to Book

From Incheon, Dalian is incredibly close – just a

**1 hour and 15 minute flight away,**

as accessible as Jeju Island!

It's so close, but you might be wondering:

'Should I just grab the cheapest low-cost flight?'

or 'China Southern Airlines doesn't have many reviews, maybe

Korean Air or Asiana Airlines instead?'

**Sound familiar? Many of you are probably mulling this over, right?**

Don't worry, I'll break down a clear comparison for you!

Comparison Item	Full-Service Carriers (e.g., Asiana/Korean Air)	Low-Cost Carriers (e.g., Jeju Air)
Checked Baggage	23kg complimentary	Not included with special fares (additional ~**$36**)
In-flight Service	Meals & drinks provided complimentary	Meals extra charge (water only provided)
Cost (weekday)	**Around ~$180**	Around ~$130-160

Honestly, I often fly with China Southern Airlines when I head to China, and I find it quite comfortable and reliable. But I've noticed that as soon as the word **'China'** comes up,

people tend to get a little uneasy, don't they?

**Is it the 'Made in China' effect, perhaps? Haha.**

My friend even asked, *'What if the plane just stops mid-air?'*

And honestly, I was left utterly **bewildered** and thinking, **'What even is that question?!'** 😂

I've checked Naver Flights, and honestly,

there isn't a huge difference between Korean Air and China Southern Airlines!

But here's a thought: what if you find yourself utterly charmed by Dalian's incredibly affordable prices and go on a massive shopping spree for things like Mala sauce,

Tsingtao beer, and more at a local supermarket~?

Then opting for Korean Air or Asiana Airlines,

with their generous baggage allowance and complimentary in-flight meals,

might actually be the smarter move... right?

▶ Curious about flight prices? ◀

2. Dalian Direct Flights: A Complete Guide & How to Plan Your Trip

Among the full-service carriers, Asiana Airlines offers

daily flights on the Incheon-Dalian route, which means it's absolutely perfect for working professionals to **take just one day of annual leave** and enjoy a

**quick, refreshing 2-night, 3-day getaway!**

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**Here's my actual flight itinerary that I booked.**

**I went with Asiana Airlines!**

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I also hopped on a flight around 9 AM,

cleared the airport by about 10:40 AM,

and from then on, I heartily indulged in a delicious abundance of

Chinese food, starting with lunch on my first day!

This is truly the ultimate golden itinerary,

especially with that extra day off!

On the last day, you just check out,

grab some delicious desserts, and head straight to the airport –

it's such a smooth and convenient flow!

3. Soejini's Top Recommended Dalian Travel Spots

Dalian is truly an exotic city that feels like Europe in Asia,

blending charming European-style architecture

with the beautiful sea.

For a short trip, you absolutely *must* include

these two spots to make the most of your visit!

Of course, there are many recommended places,

but these two are the ones I personally can't wait to visit again.

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① Oriental Water City (东方水城, Dalian's Venice)

It's a massive artificial canal village that feels like

a direct transplant from Venice, Italy.

Gondolas glide between the European-style buildings,

and while it's beautiful during the day, the moment the lights come on

right after sunset is truly legendary!

When I visited, I saw a couple taking wedding photos there,

and it was just overflowing with romance...!

If locals are choosing it for their wedding photos,

well, that tells you everything, doesn't it?

Search Address on Gaode Map: 东方水城

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② Dalian Clock Tower (Dalian Zhongshan Square 中山广场)

With its elegant European-style red brick buildings and a grand clock tower,

this place makes you feel like you've been transported to Europe

the moment you snap a photo.

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It's perfect for a stroll from Zhongshan Square,

letting you really soak in the streets of Dalian!

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Apparently, retro trams run through here!

I didn't get to see them, which was such a shame. ㅠㅠ

Well, this just gives me another excuse to go back, right?

Search Address on Gaode Map: '中山广场' or 'Dalian Old Russian Street (俄罗斯风情街)'

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If long flights and hefty travel costs are a concern,

why not experience the European vibe with an overwhelming value for money

and a short, 1-hour 15-minute flight?

Even if flight prices seem high,

you can find affordable flights in the ~$146 range,

so you can travel with a light wallet and heavy shopping bags!

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Did you know that Trip.com is a China-based platform?

When booking flights or tours for travel to China,

I personally find Trip.com to be incredibly useful.

Even for round trips, you can book major airlines and Chinese airlines

together, making it super easy to compare, wouldn't you say~?

I hope today's post helps you with your travel planning,

and I wish you a wonderful trip to Dalian, China! :)