Dalian's Eastern Venice & Sea Urchin Dumplings: A 2026 Guide

Dalian, China Travel Destinations

Dongfang Water City + Sea Urchin Dumpling Restaurant

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© Ssoejini

Hello! I'm Ssoejini, your Japan & China travel expert.

Are you planning a trip to Dalian,

the closest European-inspired city,

just a short 1.5-hour flight from Incheon Airport?

With a unique charm distinct from Shanghai and Qingdao,

this city is brimming with unique allure.

It's a small city, perfect for a spontaneous weekend getaway!

Dalian, China feels less like China than you might expect,

with a quaint and charming vibe!

I highly recommend it for first-time visitors,

and today, I'll introduce you to Dongfang Water City,

one of Dalian's must-visit spots!

1. A Little Venice in China! Dongfang Water City Location Info (Gaode Maps)

Located on the coast of Dalian's Zhongshan District,

Haichang Dongfang Water City (海昌·东方水城)

is a large-scale waterfront themed area

inspired by Venice, Italy.

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Location and How to Get There

From Zhongshan Square in the city center,

calling a DiDi taxi takes approximately

15-20 minutes.

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Gaode Maps Search Tip

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Searching for 东方水城

or

海昌·东方水城

will bring it right up.

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The entire complex is a pedestrian-only zone,

so taxis will drop you off near the entrance.

From the entrance to the canal's center,

it's just a 2-3 minute walk.

2. The Charm of Dongfang Water City: Italy Recreated in China!

Haichang Dongfang Water City

It truly feels like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Along its approximately 4km artificial canal,

pastel-toned European-style buildings

and arched stone bridges stretch out.

Simply walking around guarantees exotic, picture-perfect moments.

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Best Photo Spots

With blue skies complementing classic European architecture,

every photo taken here is effortlessly Instagram-worthy.

Locals even come here for wedding photos – that says it all, doesn't it?

Leisurely Promenade

The entire complex is designed as a pedestrian-only zone,

allowing you to stroll leisurely along the canal without worrying about traffic,

and soak in the exotic romance.

3. Gondola Riding Tips & Day vs. Night Views

To enjoy Dongfang Water City to the fullest (200%),

choosing your visit time and checking for peak season are key!

Recommended Visiting Hours

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Daytime (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

The vibrant colors of the pastel European-style buildings

pop against the blue sky, making it ideal for photos.

Sunset & Night View (After 6:30 PM)

The dazzling lights reflect on the canal's surface,

creating a truly romantic atmosphere.

I recommend arriving in the late afternoon to experience the daytime scenery,

then staying to enjoy both the sunset and the night view.

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Gondola (Electric Boat) Ride Information

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Price: 68 Chinese Yuan per adult (approx. 13-minute ride)

The main 'St. Mark's Square Boarding Point'

can have long queues.

If you use the relatively less crowded 'Venice Pier Boarding Point,'

you can board much faster.

⚠️ Essential Check (Drawbacks/Precautions)

During the deep winter, when temperatures drop below freezing,

the canals freeze over, and the water is drained, halting gondola operations.

If you're hoping for a gondola ride and a refreshing stroll,

visiting between April and October is a must!

4. Must-Try Sea Urchin Dumplings and Guo Bao Rou Near Oriental Water City

And Dalian is famous for its sea urchin dumplings!

While Xi Ding Sea Urchin Dumplings is popular

on social media and with locals, I skipped it to avoid the long wait.

Instead, I headed to Wang Hui Jie Kai Kou Shui Jiao (王慧洁 开口水饺)

which is also quite famous!

This restaurant specializes in 'Kai Kou (开口)' dumplings,

which are shaped with slightly open ends, and

Northeastern Chinese cuisine (like Guo Bao Rou).

The dish with the flag on top in the picture is

Northeastern-style Guo Bao Rou (锅包肉).

It's truly delicious, so I highly recommend you try it!

From Oriental Water City,

the Yintai City (银泰城)

branch is the closest one!

Search for 王慧洁开口水饺(银泰城店) on Gaode Maps

to find your way there!

How about a light trip to Dalian, China, where you can enjoy a distinct European vibe

after just a 1.5-hour flight?

Don't forget to prepare your China eSIM as well!

If you're curious about direct flights to Dalian and other must-visit tourist spots,

check out the post below :)

China Dalian Flight Booking Trip.com Asiana Dalian Boarding Reviewblog.naver.com

Additional China Travel Discount Information

Currently, Klook is offering discounts on various China travel-related services,

including accommodation, tours, and more for major destinations

like Qingdao, Chongqing, Dalian, and Shanghai.

Everything is on sale, so if you're planning a trip to China,

be sure to check it out :)

Chongqing & Qingdao BEST Destinations!3ha.in