Dalian/Xigang

• Russian Street

  address: Across Shengli Bridge, NE of train station
  One of the few places it's still possible to get a glimpse of Dalian's colonial past. Most of the old Russian and Japanese buildings were razed in the many bursts of redevelopment the city has seen over the years, but the old architecture is "preserved" in the sense many of the buildings along the road are actually modern facsimiles of old Russian buildings rather than the genuine article. The old buildings that do remain are worth examining, however, and more genuine examples lie along the side roads to the east of the main street. Stalls and shops along the road sell various trinkets and souvenirs (no affiliation with Russia other than some wooden dolls) but the same items can generally be found for much less elsewhere in the city. A similar Japanese Street exists in the south of the city center, near the Children's Park, but it is almost wholly fake, with empty shells of buildings lining the road. Those interested in real examples of Japanese houses would be better served exploring the area around Gaoerji Lu to the south of People's Square, although much of what exists is in shambles.

• Dalian Art Museum

  phone: +86 411 8254-0584
  address: 35 Shengli Street (胜利街35号)
  In a spectacular old Russian building dating from 1902, the museum contains a varied and changing selection of works from local artists, ranging from traditional Chinese styles to works of modern art. The museum also periodically hosts touring shows from prominent artists both Chinese and foreign.

• Dalian central market – North of the train station, this is the best place to go for bargains. There are many different halls offering pretty much everything under the sun, but the main hall is the most useful to visitors, with foodstuffs on the ground floor, clothes and bags on the next couple of floors and trinkets and souvenirs on the next floor up. If you are willing to haggle hard, goods can be purchased here for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere.

Splurge

• Zihang Fan DianFresh seafood, arguably Dalian's finest.

Bars

• Brooklyn Bar and Restaurant

  address: 184 Bulao Jie (不老街184号)
  2F is the main bar area with five tables and 3F has a larger seating area with table tennis table (1F is kitchen). Feature a movie night (Th) and quiz night (Su). Owner/manager is Western and has brought his bartending and kitchen skills for locals and expats to enjoy, featuring pizza and hamburgers with homemade buns. Clean spot with free WiFi.

• Noah's Ark Bar

  address: Wusi Lu
  Good place to go for a relaxing drink, especially in summer when the patio in front is open. The main bar is downstairs, where there's live music and eclectic themed décor with about 10 tables/booths. Owner can not get gruff with customers at times and English level is minimal with staff. Place is perhaps more known for their pizza although more so before Dalian had many places serving it.

• Santiago

  address: Bulao Jie
  Popular with the locals and those who enjoy live music, mainly vocals with keyboard accompaniment. Very comfortable seats fill up the two floors. Clean.

Coffee shops/teahouses

• All's Well

  phone: +86 411 8464-1419
  address: 13 Wuyi Lu (and others)
  Slightly cheaper coffee (including free refills of the coffee of the day) and all you can eat buffets at dinner time. Sell a lot of baked goods, namely cakes.

• Starbucks

  address: 291 Zhongshan Lu, Tower A Wanda Commercial Sq
  The only location in the district, with free wi-fi for paying customers. To the dismay of customers, no restroom available but plenty within the attached shopping mall.

Budget

• Huayue Business Hotel

  phone: +86 411 8258-8666
  address: 1 Yingchun Lu
  Near the north entrance of the Forest Zoo, you can reach the hotel by taking bus 706 from Zhongshan Lu close to Qingniwa Shopping Area and Victory Square. Rates start from ¥118 for a room in high season.

• Merry Inn International Youth Hostel

  phone: +86 411 8247-0837
  address: A Summer Garden, 133 Bayi Lu 大连市西岗区八一路133号仲夏花园8A号
  A short ride out of the center, this is one of the only 'hostel' options in Dalian, and can be a good place to meet other travelers.

Mid-range

• All Seasons Dalian Qingniwaqiao

  phone: +86 411 8363 3131
  address: 2-143 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District (西岗区中山路143-2号)
  Close to the major roads and a metro station, this hotel is in a convenient location in central Dalian. Across Wuhui Road, about 200m away is Labour Park which is a quiet place in the noisy area. Wi-fi is avaliable and most staff can communicate in English.

• Hanting Hotel Dalian Railway Station Branch

  phone: +86 411 66662888
  address: 31 Yunyang Street, Xigang District (西岗区云阳街31号)
  A low-cost choice near the railway station, with easy access to public transport..However, the construction site of Metro line 5 which is close to the hotel may make some noise. And also, sometimes the hotel is NOT avaliable for foreign passport holders.

• Homeinn Dalian Railway Station & Russian Street Branch

  phone: +86 411 8254 1818
  address: 14 Tuanjie Street, Xigang District (西岗区团结街14-1号)
  A economical hotel inside the Russian street, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Dalian. Easy access to buses but a little distant (800m) to both metro or high-speed stations. The street is quite popular, which also means it's a little noisy.

• Sea Horizon

  phone: +86 411 8240-3399
  address: 81 Binhai Lu
  The best thing about the Sea Horizon is undoubtedly its location, on the coast very close to Fujiazhuang Beach and within walking distance of Xinghai Square with some excellent views. Its facilities, lobby bar, seedy nightclub and a few run down tennis courts are nothing to write home about. The hotel does boast a very good restaurant.

• Sweetland Hotel

  address: 171 Changchun Lu
  Rooms are very clean. Very large hotel with a buffet featuring multiple food varieties (food quality is mediocre).

• Wanda International Hotel

  address: 539 Changjiang Lu
  This four star hotel offers excellent facilities for both business and pleasure. It has 350 air-conditioned rooms equipped with a cable TV, mini-bar, IDD telephone, refrigerator, and safe.