Sunday, 18 December 2011

An Intoduction to Dalian

Introduction and History

Dalian is the second largest city in North East China. As well as being an important port, it is also a major destination for Chinese tourists. Located at the Southern tip of the Liaodong peninsular, and in its own sub-peninsular, it boasts a natural coastline dotted with fine beaches. Dating from 1898, Dalian’s development stems from colonial occupation by Russia, and subsequently Japan.  China regained control in the 1950s. With less emphasis on heavy industry and a combination of parks and green hills, Dailian is considered to be a more pleasant city to visit and live in than many Chinese cities of comparable size. Dalian is divided into 4 main districts: Zhongshan (financial/commercial), Xigang (government), Shahekou (residential), and Ganjingzi (universities + airport)
Population:       6 million                                                                                Currency:    Chinese Yuan

Visa Requirements:      Multi-entry visa required if visiting more than one Chinese port           

 Likely Weather (April)    15 degrees  (High)     

Local Food: Seafood, pancakes, dumplings           

Shopping: Jade sculptures, shadow boxes, calligraphy scrolls, Peking opera masks

 Health   Currently no compulsory inoculations, consult your GP for advice

Language   Mandarin                  Distance from Port to Town: Depends on berth, but                                                                                                                    close with possible shuttle bus

Easy Transport Options Taxi/ local buses/tourist bus/tram
Link to site about tourist bus
http://www.chinatouronline.com/china-travel/dalian/dalian-transportation/dalian-bus.html


Suggested places of interest
Squares, especially Xinghai Square in Shahekou District (largest square in Asia), Russian Street, Forest Zoo (pandas),Beaches, Laodong Garden with Reach Sightseeing Tower (20 min drive from Dalian)

IMPORTANT
Expect to haggle in smaller shops and at market stalls.
When ordering seafood, you might want to avoid seaslugs and fisheads
Take great care when crossing the roads...cars will NOT stop for you. China has the greatest number of road fatalities in the WORLD 
Link to printable map
http://maps.yahoo.com/print?business=&location=Dalian%2C%201160%20Liaoning&lat=38.92115575246808&lon=121.62517547607422&width=&height=399px&zoom=14&radius=1902&start=1&count=&pm=location&highways=&tolls=&mvt=m&trf=0&conf=1&unit=m&tl=38.93447656102069%2C121.56500816345215&br=38.90783244260865%2C121.65289878845215&ml=38.94381%2C121.576523&q1=Dalian%2C%201160%20Liaoning&q2=&startLat=38.94381&startLon=121.576523

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