Dalian Jinhushan: A Hidden Mountain and Sea Secret in Jinshitan, Easy for Beginners to Unlock the Full Romantic Panorama

Next to the Golden Coast of Jinshitan lies a treasure hill that offers a panoramic view of the mountain and sea—Jinhushan. It may not have the towering grandeur of famous mountains and rivers, but with its "easy summit to see mountain and sea" feature, it has become a favorite hiking and sightseeing spot secretly cherished by Trip.com users. Whether chasing a sunrise over the sea or enjoying a stroll through the forest, this place holds the most pleasant way to experience autumn in Dalian. The charm of Jinhushan begins with its "zero-threshold" hiking experience. As an open mountain park, its trails are incredibly friendly to all visitors. The most recommended route is to navigate to the "Jinhushan South Gate," starting from the entrance opposite the Lazy Camping Ground. Climb up along the well-maintained stone steps, with rest pavilions like Qulan Pavilion and Fengbo Pavilion spaced not far apart along the way. Even with elderly or children, or beginners who rarely exercise, you can reach the summit in about 20 minutes. The entire route has almost no steep sections, making it a "beginner’s paradise for hiking." For those wanting a longer challenge, there is a loop trail starting from the Jinshitan Hunting Ground, passing through forest areas and valleys to experience a composite landscape of four different terrains. The circular viewing platform at the summit is the "essence" of Jinhushan. Standing here and looking southeast, the winding curve of the Golden Coast stretches like a golden ribbon along the Yellow Sea, with the Jinshitan Bridge sketching a neat skyline in the distance. Looking north, the city’s buildings and the Tang-style hot spring courtyards create a charming contrast, where the collision of forest and urban sea is especially soothing. On clear days, sunlight sparkles on the sea surface, and every snapshot is a "blockbuster" without filters. No wonder this spot is a favorite check-in place for young people. Sunrises and sunsets add a romantic filter to Jinhushan. To catch the sunrise, it’s recommended to start from the foot of the mountain at 3 a.m., reaching the summit in 15 minutes to secure the best viewing spot. When the orange-red sun rises from the horizon, dyeing the sky and sea in warm gradient tones, and the sea breeze carries fresh scents, the moment’s awe is enough to heal all fatigue. The sunset scene is even gentler, with the afterglow gilding the forest edges, and a light rail train passing in the distance, composing a dynamic yet peaceful autumn painting. Beyond hiking, surprises hide in the details of Jinhushan. The vegetation changes its look with the seasons; in autumn, the ground is covered with acorns and golden fallen leaves, offering a touch of wild charm to pick up along the way. Occasionally, abandoned bunker ruins appear in the mountains, adding a sense of exploration to the hike. The summit viewing platform, though small, is enough to accommodate a few friends chatting or to sit quietly alone. For a deeper experience, you can pitch a tent at the camping site near the Acacia Pavilion and fall asleep to the sounds of the mountain and sea (but be aware that the summit can be windy, so take precautions). Transportation is very convenient. You can drive and navigate to the "Jinhushan South Gate," where parking is free and ample at dawn; public transport options include taking Light Rail Line 3 to Jinshitan Station, then transferring to Bus Route 4 to Hunting Ground Station, followed by a short walk to the east entrance. The entire area is free of admission fees, making it highly cost-effective. For visitors to Jinshitan, Jinhushan may not be a must-visit "internet-famous landmark," but it is a secret place to slow down and appreciate the beauty of mountain and sea. With its easy hiking experience, expansive viewing perspectives, and captivating natural light and shadow, it leaves warm memories for every visitor. If you want to steal half a day of leisure during your trip, why not climb this small mountain, see the sea, and have a date with autumn?