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Dalian’s king-mix of past and present, and urban and rural creates a visitor’s time dilemma of what to see and of what to experience. World-class shopping and dining options interspersed with 24 squares and 70 gardens have helped Dalian become internationally known as China’s "Hong Kong of the north." Yet, to never exit downtown would mean forfeiting the opportunity to gape at the area’s mind-wowing spread of beaches and mountains.
To ease the decision process the city offers an excellent bus tour of all the important attractions. It is the perfect choice for anyone strapped for time yet eager to experience Dalian’s full spectrum of allurements. Each tour lasts over two hours and includes People’s Square, the Century City Sculptures and scenic Yanwolin Ridge.
DOWNTOWN
If you prefer to stray on your own Shenli Square serves as a prime jump point. Located directly across from the rail station it is Dalian’s version of Tianamen Square and serves as downtown’s main landmark. Try to visit at dawn and catch hundreds of people practicing tai chi or limbering their bodies via ballroom dancing. Depending on your interests you can either venture a few blocks north and visit Dalian’s Natural History Museum and massive harbor area, or turn east down Zhingshan Lu to Zhongshan Square, the city’s predominant square. Colonial-style buildings built in the early 1900s surround the square creating a regal aura. Many of the scenes from the film "The Last Emperor" were shot here. Despite the ancient appearance, most of Dalian’s trendy shops and restaurants surround this square.
From here you can easily find Dalian’s famous Russian Street. Nineteenth century Russian architecture lines both sides of the street and Russian acrobats and musicians add to the authenticity. This is a good street to find foreign restaurants and shops selling European goods.
If a city-pause is needed huff 10 minutes south on Jiefang Lu to Tiger Beach Park. Or for a more secluded beach setting ramble four kilometers west on scenic Binhai Road to Fujiazhuang Park. In addition to sunbathing there is also hiking, fishing and golfing.
OUTSIDE DALIAN
For mountain wonder trundle north into the Jinzhou District’s Daheishan Forest Park. Coined "the wonder of the southeast corner of Liaoning" its thick forests and yawning coastal cliffs rate very high on the human awe scale. Besides hiking and camping, the park harbors the Xiangshui Temple and the Tang Wang Palace, both of which tower as ancient monuments to classic Chinese architecture.
For something less rustic, amble southwest out of Dalian on Zhongshan Lu to Xinghai Park. Here one can relax along the sandy shores of the Yellow Sea, shop, or tour Sun Asia Ocean World, which ranks as one of China's better aquariums.
From here, continue south (about 40 kilometers) to Lushun. This harbor-town is steeped in its Colonial past. Its streets display an architectural mosaic of Russian, Japanese, and European styles shedding telling insight on to Lushun’s turbulent past when nations fought over access to its ice-free harbor. The Lushun Railway Station rates as Lushun’s greatest architectural wonder. Built by Russia in 1898 as the last stop on South-Manchuria Railway, its elliptical roof is so revered that the Chinese Government now protects it as a national historical relic. For an inspiring view of Lushun hump up Baiyu Hill. Located on the north bank of Lushun Bay, you can hike, drive, or ride a tram to the top. Or for something with a more historical bent wander up Monkey Stone Hill. Its summit houses the Soviet Army Tomb, underscoring Lushun’s strategic significance during both the Sino-Japan and Russia-Japan wars.
Lushun also serves as the perfect exit point to the many islands that freckle the area’s coast. She Dao, located in the Bohai Sea, is one of the more famous islands. Towering cliffs and a snake population of over 13,000 shrouds it with mystique.
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