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.
On local networks in mainland China, some international services may be restricted or unavailable. If you rely on them for work, prepare a connectivity solution that complies with current rules before travelling and do not depend on a single app. Hong Kong operates under a different internet regime.
Most used apps
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?
As of this review (August 2026), ordinary-passport holders from Spain and Portugal may enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visits to family or friends, exchange or transit. The exemption for these countries is announced through 31 December 2026. Always check the official policy before booking because it can change.
Sources and practical-data review
Reviewed on 2026-08-23
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