If you have a bit of spare time and you don’t mind traveling 40 miles, check out Zhong Shan. This lively place offers plenty of things to keep you entertained. Zhongshan Square, Labor Park and Dalian Botanical Garden alone justify the drive out here. The locals will also likely point you in the direction of Xi Gang, 45 miles away. If you can only find time for one thing here, let it be Dalian Forest Zoo. (But we’d also recommend Golden Sandy Beach and Dalian Sightseeing Tower.)