Dalian is a major city in the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning. It is especially popular with Chinese visitors, boasts the largest port in northern China, and has a good nightlife.
Dalian is a beautiful city by day and night, with its positioning at the southern tip of Liaodong Peninsula adding to its appeal. The port lies in the north while numerous beaches are in the south and east of downtown Dalian.
The city is split four ways: Zhongshan Square, the main CBD and host to many old Japanese buildings; Xigang District, with its many old Russian buildings along Russian Street; Renmin Square (Xigang District), the political heart; and Shahekou District boasting the largest square in Asia, Xinghai Square. Most of Dalian’s tourist attractions are here.
The good thing is that Dalian is not big into industry and there are great swathes of parks and many beaches nearby. It is kept spotlessly clean and looks more akin to a fancy Japanese metropolis. This has a lot to do with Dalian’s past, being a former colonial outpost of both Russia and Japan. As a consequence, there is a mixture of architectural styles.
There are many beaches to check out on the south and east of the Liaodong Peninsula, with Xinghai Beach being the main one. It gets pretty crowded in the summer but has the best facilities. Fujiazhuang and Bangchuidao beaches are also popular; the latter is more exclusive and expensive.
Getting There#
Dalian International Airport is the only sensible way in as Dalian is quite far from anywhere. Direct flights are available from Beijing (1 hour, 15 minutes), Shanghai (4 hours, 25 minutes) and Changchun, as well as from Tokyo (7 hours, 25 minutes), Hong Kong, and Pyongyang. Long distance trains serve from Beijing and express trains from Shenyang, the Liaoning provincial capital. You can also get to Dalian by ferry from Incheon in South Korea]]. Beijing is a day’s drive away by expressway.
Things to Do#
Dalian Attractions
- Xinghai Square
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Boasting the largest square in asia in shahekou district, it has lots of green areas and fountains and is beautifully lit at night.
- Dalian beaches
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The main attraction for many; there are numerous beaches here, with xinghai, fujiazhuang, and bangchuidao beaches being the most visited.
- Russian Street
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Best seen by day, russian street is a district of monumental buildings and squares.
- Laodong Garden
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Located just outside town, this huge park features a semi-demanding footpath and offers panoramic views over dalian.
Side trips from Dalian
- Dalian cherry blossoms
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If you are here in late april, be sure to see long wangtang village for its 3,000-plus cherry trees in bloom.
- Binhai Road
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A pretty coastal road running along the south edge of the peninsula with a similar look to the french riviera.
Events
- Dalian International Beer Festival
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A fun time to be in dalian, with much drinking and merriment during two weeks in july.
Shades of grey from the steel features of Dalian’s busy port complement the greens of its pleasant lawns and gardens, representative of the city’s balance between development and natural beauty. Located in the eastern Liaoning Province of northeast China, Dalian is architecturally distinct with evidence of Russian handiwork. The city’s international ambience is reinforced by its role as a high profile soccer venue and as host to events such as the Dalian International Fashion Festival.
For lively environment, visitors should check out the Zhongshan district which was originally a residential area for colonial Russians. Zhongshan square in the middle of the district is the ideal place for a spot of people watching. With 10 avenues sprawling out from the square, there are some good opportunities for exploring. Xinghai square meanwhile is the biggest of all the city’s squares and is a relatively new addition, having been constructed as recently as 1997.
Dalian’s seaside location affords it some pleasant beaches which can be found along the 25-mile stretch of coastline running northeast to southwest. In high season, the beaches are understandably popular, attracting both water sport enthusiasts and those looking to relax amid the fine scenery.
Highlights
Zhongshan square: a popular meeting place and good location at which to view fine Russian colonial architecture.
Xinghai square: built to celebrate the returning of Hong Kong to China in 1997, this is the city’s biggest square.
Friendship square: somewhat smaller than nearby Zhongshan square, Friendship square is home to the International Friendship Monument plus a selection of shops and restaurants.
Beaches: relax amid the fine coastal scenery or enjoy some water sports at any of the many beach areas located along the 25 miles of coastline near the city.
Forest Zoo: anything but a tourist trap, this zoo is up to international standards and boasts both red and giant pandas.