The second place, I recommend you to go to the "St. Asia Polar Pavilion". There are four exhibition halls in total, with some seals, sea lions, polar bears, penguins and so on! There is also a dolphin show, which is also quite good. If you want to ask me: which is better, Shengya or Tiger Beach polar museum? I suggest you go to Shengya, because I think the environment and construction of Shengya are better!
Third, I recommend you to go to the Discovery Kingdom in Golden Stone Beach, but if you go with classmates or peers, it is very good to play there. There are pirate ships and roller coasters, all of which are exciting and fun games. If your parents take you, you should think about it. After all, I'm afraid older people can't stand it!
The rest, if you like birds and small animals, I suggest you go to the "Forest Zoo", where there are leopards, lions, tigers, wolves and monkeys, as well as some exotic plants, and you can also make a cable car!
There is the famous Tiger Beach Square in Dalian. There are six tiger statues there!
You can go to People's Square when you have time, and the famous female mounted police in Dalian will patrol there!
As for what you need to bring, you only need two. One is money, enough money. There is nothing you can't think of in Dalian, and the other is a camera or DV, because it can be used as a souvenir! And remember to bring sunscreen or an umbrella when you go to the seaside!
As for specialties, I suggest you go to the big food market at the north gate of the railway station. If the landlord has a long way to go, you can buy shredded squid and grilled fish slices.
Anyway, I hope it helps you. This is my own experience in Dalian. Have a nice trip!