China Travel Articles

Destination Dalian, China by Frank Weaver

The architecture is a mixture of old and new, in Zhogshan Square you can see modern buildings with their Renaissance architecture. Just a short distance from Zhogshan square is the first street in Dalian, Russian Street. It was constructed around 100 years ago and consists of 20 Russian and European style buildings, mostly replicas of the original buildings. The surrounding area has some of the tallest buildings in China like the Dalian World Trade Center at 242 meters (789 feet), the Features Square 1 at 243 meters (797 feet) and the Dalian Greenland Center at 518 meters (1,699 feet) due to be completed in 2016. In Addition, Dalian has been ranked the tenth best skyline in China.

Here you will find an abundance of fine restaurants serving seafood like abalone, fish, prawns, and scallops. In addition, you can find traditional Chinese food like Hot Pot, sometimes referred to as Chinese fondue. Hot Pot consist of a simmering broth usually placed at the center of the table, surrounded by meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, or seafood which are cooked in the broth until done. The cooking time varies with the type of food and can be cooked in either a bland or spicy broth. It is often said that Hot Pot has a thousand year tradition originating with the Mongols.

For sightseeing, there is the excellent Dalian Forest Zoo built on Bei Yun Mountain and known for breeding Northeast Tigers. In addition, to the Shengya Aquarium with its collection of more than 10,000 species of fish and a tunnel that extends 118 meters (387 feet) under the sea. Also, the Arctic Polar Zoo devote to arctic animal. Donâ?Tt forget a visit to Xinghai Square; built in 1998. At one time this was the largest square in East Asia, and has its own beach within the park, an excellent place to swim or take a stroll. The Jinzhou District northeast of the city is the ideal place for getting away and relaxing. Here you will find beaches, coves, rock formations, and even a golf course, along with an amusement park the Dalian Discoveryland.

Shopping can be an adventure of its own, the stores open are seven days a week. Victory Plaza has four floors of underground shopping offering everything from electronics to fast food. In addition, Olympic Square is a fun place to visit with its two story underground mall that has its own Walmart store. Getting to the shopping areas is not much of a challenge. Dalian has an excellent bus system and numerous taxis along with the Dalian Tram System. This is the second oldest Tram System in China. 

The best time to visit Dalian is in the spring and fall. The summers can be hot and humid with the winterâ?Ts cold and windy. However, the sun shines there almost all year round.

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Keywords : China, Dalian, Xinghai Square