West Suburbs National Forest Park

Dalian's urban green lung (Tangli Lake / Cha'an Village farmhouse restaurants), with spring apricot blossoms. This national forest park in Dalian's western suburbs is the green barrier on the city's west side; Tangli Lake, ringed by hills, lies mirror-calm amid the woods, with lakeside paths and forest trails crisscrossing — what locals call the city's "green lung." The farmhouse restaurants of Cha'an Village line the stream, where iron-pot stewed fish and country dishes are word-of-mouth favorites among city diners, and autumn mountain-produce markets offer chestnuts and apples picked straight from the source. In spring, apricot blossoms blanket the hills like clouds and snow — a hidden spring flower-viewing spot for Dalian; in summer, the forest is 3-5°C cooler than downtown, perfect for both escaping the heat and hiking. The park is free to enter, reachable by bus along Hongqi West Road or by self-drive. As the "opposite direction" option beyond Jinshitan and Binhai Road, it suits travelers who want to avoid seaside crowds and quietly enjoy the woods.

Getting there: bus / self-drive via Hongqi West Road