Dalian
District Guide

add to Travel Bag (NEW)  

Wedged between the Yellow and Bohai Seas on the southern cusp of the Liaodong Peninsula, Dalian enjoys five-star status as one of China’s premiere cities. Known as the "Hong Kong of the North," it is one of China’s few "open door cities" that allows foreign investors. As a result, Dalian glows with a cosmopolitan swagger full of vacationer-happy charisma. Trendy dance clubs, ultramodern shopping centers, refurbished four-star hotels and internationally acclaimed restaurants are the norm rather than the exception. Plus, a surrounding geographic wealth of beaches and mountains, all with just-minutes-from-downtown-accessibility, lend it the kind of outdoor options normally only associated with Hawaii. Over the last 20 years, Dalian’s emphasis on amplifying its tourism industry has helped elevate it into "Must Visit" status, ranking it with other such China heavies as Shanghai and Beijing.

As China’s lone northern ice-free harbor Dalian has been a perpetual source of foreign government envy. From 1895 to 1955, Russia and Japan alternated as Dalian’s landlord four separate times. During this flux, both nations used it as a major shipping port with Europe. Consequently, by the time China finally reclaimed it back into the fold, the city, much like Hong Kong, was infused with Russian, Japanese, and European architectural influences. These former "symbols" of foreign repression are now fully embraced as part of Dalian’s worldly charm.

Dalian comprised of with six separate districts. Though diverse in both economic and geographic identity, all are linked by the common bond of progress and development.

Xigang District
Ranked as one of China’s "Top 50 Districts," Xigang serves as Dalian’s centerpiece. Its central, downtown location makes it the main muscle of the area for both business and government. As a result, it has become a hot spot with foreign investors and with tourists. Within its streets lieRennin Square (People's Square) and Olympic Square, which features a large screen TV for watching soccer games. The Dalian Art Exhibition Hall also resides here. Shopping, including a Wal-Mart, is internationally diverse. And there are also numerous dining options ranging from tradition and regional Chinese fare to Western ventures and chain shops.

Zhongshan District
Located southeast of Dalian it harbors some of the area’s most popular attractions. Tiger Beach is immensely popular with both locals and tourists. Besides beaches, it also offers enough attractions to satisfy three rolls of film. Underwater World, China’s largest aquarium, the Naval Ships Exhibition Center, and a kid-happy amusement park all add to its appeal.

Lushun District
Blessed with geographic wonder, this district serves as Dalian’s outdoor recreation hub. Golden Pebble Beach, provides swimming, boating, fishing and convenient access to some of the 705 islands that sprinkle the peninsula’s coast, including She Dao (Isle of the Snake), the remote island home of more than 13,000 snakes. And Baiyu Hill, with its pine jammed slopes is perfect for hiking and camping.

Ganjingzi District
Located on the Liadong Peninsula’s southern tip, this district over the last 20 years has experienced a major growth boom. The Dalian Xijiao Resort enjoys major attraction status. Highlighted by 13 minority villages this resort glows with culture. Recreation options abound too including the hiking-happy Jinlongsi Forest Park and the championship caliber Xiali Golf Course.

Shanhekou district
Brimming with 600,000 people on Dalian’s western edge, this district bustles with industry, yet still has enough shopping centers and outdoor parks to satisfy a vacationer’s itinerary. The He Ping Commercial Plaza bursts with dining and shopping options including clothing and electronics. And
Jinzhou District
The most foreign of Dalian’s six districts, it is best known as the area’s main economic site. Yet, despite its briefcase-toting image, it still blossoms with tourist options. The Dalian Yingchengzi Folk Customs Museum and the Xiang Shui Temple are rich in Chinese history. Moreover, the Daheishan Mountain Forestry Park, which features the peninsula’s highest peak at 633 meters above sea level, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.