Dalian is located at the southernmost tip of Northeast China, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east and the Bohai Sea to the west. It has a marine warm temperate monsoon climate, with no severe cold in winter and no intense heat in summer. The annual average temperature is about 10°C, making it an ideal summer resort and tourist city.
Dalian has a long history, established as a city in 1899. It was occupied by Russia and Japan successively, and returned to China in 1945. As an important port in modern Chinese history, Dalian witnessed colonial and resistance periods, leaving behind many European-style buildings and Japanese-style neighborhoods.
Dalian's culture is diverse, blending marine culture, immigrant culture from the Chuang Guandong movement, and foreign colonial culture. Local specialties include seafood feasts, iron-plate squid, sea urchin dumplings, etc. The Dalian dialect is humorous and straightforward, and citizens love football and square dancing.
Today, Dalian is an important international shipping center and financial center in Northeast Asia, with a developed software and service outsourcing industry. The city has a beautiful environment, with landmark attractions such as Xinghai Square and Binhai Road, and has been rated as one of China's most livable cities for many years.
The best time to visit 大连 is May to October is the best travel time with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise, cherry blossoms bloom, ideal for flower viewing and outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August): Cool and pleasant, peak season for summer escapes, enjoy beaches and beer festival.
Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, seafood is abundant, perfect for food tours and mountain hiking with sea views.
The Russian Empire built a commercial port at Qingniwa, naming it 'Dalniy', later renamed Dalian.
After the Russo-Japanese War, Japan occupied Dalian and ruled for 40 years.
Japan surrendered, Dalian returned to China, becoming an important industrial city for New China.
Recommended places to visit
The largest city square in Asia, located by Xinghai Bay, featuring centennial sculpture and fountains, a landmark of Dalian.
A theme park featuring marine animal exhibits, shows, and entertainment, including Polar Region Hall and Coral Hall.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Dalian paper-cutting combines northern boldness and southern delicacy, with diverse themes, a Liaoning provincial intangible cultural heritage.
Originating from Fuzhou Town, Wafangdian, Dalian, with unique vocal style, a national intangible cultural heritage.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
About 10 km from city center, connected by Metro Line 2 and airport buses, with many domestic and international routes.
Airport bus 20 RMB
Dalian Station in city center mainly serves regular trains; Dalian North Station is for high-speed rail, connecting to Northeast and national HSR network.
HSR to Shenyang about 200 RMB
Bus routes cover the city, fare 1-2 RMB, some air-conditioned. Also tram lines 201 and 202.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Dalian is famous for fresh seafood including crab, sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, steamed or spicy stir-fried.
Street food, squid grilled on an iron plate with sauce, tender and flavorful.
Featuring a 7.5 km golden beach and unique rock formations, a national tourist resort.
A zoo combining caged and free-range exhibits, with Panda House, Rainforest Hall, and beautiful surroundings.
A 40 km coastal road with stunning mountain-sea views, a classic route for hiking and driving.
Dumplings filled with fresh sea urchin, delicious and juicy, a Dalian specialty.
A block-shaped snack made from sweet potato starch, pan-fried until golden, served with soy sauce and garlic.
Grilled salted fish served with corn cake, a combination of coarse grain and seafood.