Understanding Xigang
"Xigang" is a name that appears in several places across China and Taiwan, so the first practical step for a visitor is to confirm which Xigang you are heading to. The best-documented destination is Xigang District in Dalian, Liaoning, which sits within the city centre and is well served by Dalian's public transport. Other places sharing the name include Xigang Road Subdistrict and Xigang town in Haigang District, Qinhuangdao, Hebei; Xigang town in Xiushui County, Jiangxi; Xigang town in Tengzhou, Shandong; Xigang Township in Fusong County, Jilin; and Sigang District (also written Xigang) in Tainan, Taiwan. The guidance below focuses on Xigang District, Dalian, where the transport options are most clearly documented.
Getting Around the City
Dalian's public transport network is extensive and varied, combining buses, trams, light rail, taxis and ride-hailing services. For a visitor based in Xigang, this means most trips around the city centre can be made without a car. Because Xigang District contains the main train station area and two long-distance bus stations, it also works well as a base for onward travel.
Rail, Metro, Trams and Light Rail
Dalian's rail-based city transport includes a tram line and several light rail lines, alongside the national rail network. The city's main train station, originally built in 1935 and rebuilt in 2003, is located near Shengli Square in the city centre, within easy reach of Xigang. A second major rail hub, Dalian North Train Station, sits in Nanguanling, some distance from the centre and closer to the airport. For a visitor, the practical takeaway is that the main station puts you right in the heart of the city, while the North station is better suited to travellers connecting to or from the airport or to high-speed services.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Dalian operates a large network of over 100 bus lines, making buses the most widespread way to move around the city. Most city buses use self-service ticketing, with fares of 1 or 2 yuan, so keeping small change or a local payment method handy is useful. In the high season from April to October, tourist buses also run, stopping at the main tourist sites — a convenient option if you are sightseeing rather than commuting.
Xigang District itself contains two long-distance bus stations for travel beyond the city:
- Jianshejie Station (No. 36 Jianshe Street), just outside the northern entrance of the main train station — the city's main bus station, serving most nearby destinations.
- Beigangqiao Station (No. 20 Anshan Road), with buses to Lvshun and other cities in Liaoning.
For travel by sea, Xigang also contains Dalian Xianglujiao Port (No. 12 Haiyun Street), which has ships to Yantai.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis in Dalian are operated either by the state or by private companies. Fares are metered: the daytime flagfall is 8 yuan, covering the first 3 kilometres, after which the rate is 2 yuan per kilometre. Between 22:00 and 05:00, the flagfall rises to 10.4 yuan and the per-kilometre rate to 2.8 yuan. One helpful local detail: taxis carry a numbered mini animal doll so passengers can identify the car if they leave belongings behind. Ride-hailing is not covered in the available source material, so visitors should rely on metered taxis or arrange rides through whatever app works locally.
Walkability
Because Xigang District sits in the city centre and includes the area around the main train station and Shengli Square, it is a practical district to explore on foot. The clustering of the main train station, Jianshejie bus station and central streets means many connections can be made without a vehicle. That said, the source material does not provide detailed pedestrian guidance, so plan to combine walking with buses, trams or taxis for longer hops.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport lies about 18 kilometres northwest of the downtown area. Several options connect it to the city:
- Public buses: routes 516, 532, 610, 701 and 710 run between the airport and the city centre, taking roughly 40 minutes, with fares of 1–2 yuan.
- Airport shuttle: a shuttle service to Youhao Square costs 10 yuan.
- Taxi: a taxi to downtown takes about 20 minutes and costs around 25 yuan.
If you are arriving by train instead, note that Dalian North Train Station is closer to the airport than the city centre is, which can make it a convenient interchange depending on your onward plans.
Practical Tips
- Confirm which Xigang you are visiting before booking — the name is shared by several towns, districts and subdistricts across China and Taiwan.
- Carry small change for buses, since most use self-service ticketing at 1 or 2 yuan.
- Use the main train station area as your orientation point in central Dalian; it is near Shengli Square and the Jianshejie long-distance bus station.
- Remember the night taxi surcharge if you are travelling between 22:00 and 05:00.
- Check the numbered animal doll in your taxi — it helps identify the vehicle if you leave something behind.