Name: Dalian

Chinese name: 大连

Province: Liaoning

Status: Sub-Provincial City

Population: 6,690,432 inhabitants

Area: 13,237 km²

Often regarded as China's most liveable city, Dalian is a charming coastal city in Liaoning overlooking the Korea Bay.

The city, highly dynamic, reveals itself through modern and distinctly Western architecture, and boasts a major port ranking among China's top three.

History

In 1858, the British took control of Dalian (then called Qingniwa) before the Chinese reclaimed it in the 1880s.

In 1894, Japan invaded the peninsula. By 1897, Russia seized the port of Lushun, known as Port Arthur by the British, and signed a contract with the Qing government ceding the peninsula to the Russians.

Following Russia's defeat by Japan during the Russo-Japanese War, Lushun returned to Japanese control.

It wasn't until 1955 that China's government regained authority over Lushun, finally resolving the tensions that had surrounded the Dalian region.

Its past, marked by both Japanese and Russian dominance, left numerous traces visible today in the architecture of several buildings.

Today

Situated on the Liaodong Peninsula, along the Yellow Sea, Dalian ranks among the country's most prosperous cities. Its expansive beaches, contemporary museums, and pleasant pedestrian alleyways are compelling draws, as are its temperate climate and significance in modern Chinese history. Tourists increasingly arrive to experience the city's relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a few days of leisure.

Among its green spaces, several early 20th-century buildings enhance the city's charm and testify to its past under foreign occupation.

Its beaches are ideal for rest and swimming. Sandy and pebbled shores along the coastline offer respite from summer heat. Various tourist sites have been developed to welcome visitors properly. Golden Stone Beach exemplifies this, with its golf course, amusement park, and small Mao museum. Tiger Beach features a small beach and a pleasant leisure park. Its scenic landscape, shaped by cliffs carved by crashing waves, invites exploration.

Beyond its beaches, numerous green spaces throughout the city offer peaceful strolls in the shade. Labour Park, located downtown, is the most popular. This rolling park features a chairlift to the hilltop for panoramic city views. A toboggan run allows descent to the base. The park is also distinguished by its giant football monument at its center, a testament to the sport's renown in the city.

For football enthusiasts, Dalian, closely tied to its national team, is a city where football holds significant prominence. Locals love gathering on Zhongshan Square to watch their favorite team's matches broadcast on giant screens.

Dalian is an exceptionally dynamic city, so visitors often stumble upon festivals and various events.

Climate

Dalian enjoys a temperate continental climate with slight monsoon influence. This northern Chinese region records an average temperature of roughly 10°C annually. August is its warmest month at approximately 24°C, while January, the coldest, registers around -5°C. Most precipitation occurs in summer.

As a small northern beach resort, Dalian reaches peak season from late May through early September. This makes sense given its pleasantly warm temperatures.

Air

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, located just ten kilometers from the city center, offers domestic flights to Beijing, Harbin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Nanjing, Qingdao, and beyond.

International flights operate from 14 countries including Russia, France, the United States, England, Germany, Thailand, India, South Korea, and Australia.

Train

Dalian is well-served by rail. Daily trains connect Dalian to Beijing, Harbin, Shenyang, Changchun, and Tonghua.

Ferry

Ferry services connect Dalian to Incheon in South Korea.

Other vessels daily serve Yantai, Weihai, and even Tianjin and Shanghai.

Long-distance Bus

Daily buses connect Dalian to Shenyang and other provincial cities.

It's quite easy to navigate Dalian by bus. Most routes serve principal attractions.

Taxis are inexpensive and will take you wherever you need to go.

What to do in Dalian?

• Join the throngs of football supporters and watch a match on Zhongshan Square with a cold beer.
• Relax and enjoy the beach along the coastline.
• Understand the city's development and future projects at Dalian Modern Museum.
• Stroll through Labour Park and descend the hill using the toboggan.