Dalian · 大连
Dalian, at the tip of the Liaoning peninsula, is the great industrial port of northern China: over a century of tradition in shipbuilding, heavy machinery and metallurgy, with more than 150 shipyards in its metropolitan area. It combines Russian and Japanese colonial architecture in the historic center with a modern waterfront.
City map
What to see
Zhongshan Square
Dalian's historic heart, surrounded by early 20th-century Russian and Japanese colonial architecture
Xinghai Square
Asia's largest urban square, next to the business district where the city's naval fair is held
Tiger Beach Ocean Park
Large marine park with an aquarium, polar world and tiger sculptures on the cliffs
Getting around
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) is just 10-12 km from downtown, with over 100 domestic routes and 43 international routes to about 15 countries (Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, Hong Kong, Singapore...). Metro Line 2 connects the airport directly to downtown (Zhongshan Square station) in 25-30 minutes. The city has two train stations: Dalian (downtown, Zhongshan District) and Dalian North (high-speed, with trains to Beijing in 4-4.5h). The metro has 6 lines; Line 1 has its own "Convention and Exhibition Center" station, very close to the Xinghai area where the city's naval fair is held.
In mainland China, Google, Gmail, WhatsApp and Instagram aren't accessible without a VPN arranged before you travel (it can't be installed once you've arrived). Hong Kong doesn't have this restriction.
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Frequently asked questions about Dalian
When is the best time to visit Dalian?
June to September for beach and coast, with mild temperatures even in summer compared to inland China. The city's naval fair is held in October, when the weather is already cool.
Do I need a visa to visit Dalian?
Always check the current visa policy for your nationality before traveling: China has expanded short-stay visa exemptions to several European nationalities in recent years, but the conditions change frequently. For longer stays or multiple entries, consider arranging a business (M) visa in advance.
Keep exploring
Dalian is part of the Liaoning cluster
Traditional heavy industry of the northeast: machinery, metallurgy and shipbuilding.
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