Dalian/Zhongshan

Central Zhongshan District is very well served when it comes to transportation connections, with both the central train station and passenger ferry terminal lying within its borders. For those arriving by plane, the airport express shuttle and public buses #701 and #702 all stop at the central train station. The main light-rail train station is located in the district, just north of the train station. Tram #201 has several stops in the district.

Most of the attractions in central Zhongshan District lie within comfortable walking distance of each other. Alternatively, tram 201 takes in much of the central area, and traveling past pretty parks and colonial houses in a 1930s tram car is one of Dalian's more unique experiences. Further afield the Tiger Beach area can be reached via bus 2, departing next to Zhongshan Hotel in Qingniwaqiao, or bus 30, which departs from Zhongshan Square. To get to Donghai Beach take bus 13 from Dalian Railway Station.

• Zhongshan SquareThis square in the heart of the city's financial district is surrounded by some of the best examples of colonial-era architecture in Dalian. Though the square was laid out by the Russians, most of the buildings around the square were built between 1910 and 1920 by the Japanese. The square serves as a social hub, with locals gathering during the evening to play hacky-sack or watch football games on the big screen above the Dalian Hotel. The square is under major construction.

• Labour ParkThe largest park in Dalian containing a number of attractions, including a small aviary area, a few man made lakes and an amusement park (which, like the one in Xinghai Square, is overpriced and fairly uninteresting). Off season the park is free and can be a pleasant place to take a stroll, but it is probably not worth paying to get in during the holiday periods.

• Tiger Beach Ocean Park

  phone: +86 411 82689356
  address: 9 Binhai Middle Road (滨海中路9号)
  This tourist area is somewhat misnamed, as there really is not a beach to speak of. There are a number of tourist attractions, the most prominent of which is the Polar Aquarium. Other attractions include the Sea Creature Aquarium, the Coral Aquarium, the Bird Forest and the Happy Theatre. Though popular with tourists, the area, though pretty, is unlikely to hold the attention of more jaded overseas tourists for long and is perhaps best seen as a starting point for journeys along Binhai Road.

• Donghai Beach/Haizhiyun Park

  phone: +86 411 82731586
  address: Binhai Road North (滨海北路)
  Like Tiger Beach, Donghai Beach is not as much a beach as it is a cluster of tourist sights. There is a stretch of what could be called a beach but it is shingle rather than sand. The sights here are somewhat more interesting than at Tiger Beach, with some nice modern art sculptures and mock fossils along Binhai Road a little way up from the beach. This stretch of road also includes a section of sloping road where cars appear to roll up the hill. Most taxi drivers will be happy to demonstrate the phenomenon to tourists, even if not asked. Again like Tiger Beach, Donghai Beach is a convenient place to start journeys along Binhai Road.

• Voice of the Century World Music Culture Museum

  phone: +86 411 39972789, +86 411 39972788
  address: 75 Gangpu Road (港浦路75号)

• Zhongshan Art Museum

  phone: +86 411 82492898, +86 411 82485222
  address: 98 Yingbin Road (迎宾路98号)

• Dalian Sightseeing Tower

  phone: +86 411 83638345
  address: (99 Lüshan Lane (绿山巷99号)
  A tourist attraction in its own right, with a restaurant at the top and impressive views of Dalian. Better than the tower, however, is the walk up via a little known side path, which offers both peaceful greenery in the centre of the city and spectacular views. To get to the side road either walk down the east side of Labour Park or take bus 2 or 5 from Qingniwa and get off at the Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital stop (中医院; Zhōngyīyuàn) and walk back towards the park. The road up to the tower is actually a tiny side road underneath a flyover just south of an old red bricked school next to Labour Park. Though somewhat difficult to find, the road is relatively simple to follow. The only junction is about one third of the way up, next to an artificial lake and the Dalian Circus Academy (the lake makes for a nice place to take a break). Keep going straight ahead at the junction then simply follow the road to the peak. The walk should take between half an hour to an hour. Getting back down involves either walking back the same way or taking the cable car or slide down to Labour Park.

• Bangchui Island

  phone: +86 411 8289 3888 (Bangchui Island Hotel)
  address: Yingbin Road (迎宾路)
  It's just off the coast from Bangchui Island Beach, and is a small, uninhabited islet. It's a nice place to spend a relaxing few hours exploring or nature watching. It has been reported that you cannot get on the island and that the small speed boats and large sightseeing boats will only take you about 2 km away from the island. Others say you can get to the island by using the tourist ferries that leave from Tiger Beach and that a simple round trip costs about ¥35. Of course, the island is also clearly visible from Bangchui Island Beach (which is on the coastal strip opposite the island, not on the island itself). The beach is owned by the Bangchui Island Hotel (棒棰岛宾馆), which charges non-guests a ¥20 access fee.

• People's Cultural Club

  phone: +86 411 82633797, +86 411 82532202
  address: No. 8 Zhongshan Square (中山广场8号)
  Built in 1951 and today serves as the main concert hall of the city. A wide variety of orchestral, operatic and ballet performances are held. They are performed by local and touring companies.

Traditional Chinese opera venues

For those interested in traditional musical performances, Dalian offers a couple of optionsː

• Dalian Peking Opera House

  phone: +86 411 82304155
  address: 59 Minsheng Street 民生街59号
  Offers regular performances of Peking Opera.

• Dalian Worker's Theatre

  phone: +86 411 82805526
  address: 41 Puzhao Street (普照街41号)
  A theatre which specializes in local opera forms. Great for those interested in seeing the kind of opera more associated with north-eastern China.

• Friendship Centre

  address: 8 Renmin Lu
  Lots of imported goods. Some may can be found elsewhere for less, but if you are looking for really exclusive products, both imported and domestically produced, this is the place to go. There is also a number of other high-end shops (Cartier, Gucci, Armani, etc.) and shopping areas east of here along Renmin Lu.

• Qingniwaqiao Shopping AreaHost to a number of moderately expensive department stores, supermarkets and shopping centres. Designer clothing can be found in abundance here.

• Tianjin StreetPedestrian street with a number of department stores, supermarkets and shopping centres. It also offers a large number of stalls, selling goods ranging from underwear to swords, that operate along the length of the road.

• Times SquareDalian's most up-scale (international) stores are found here.

• Victory Square Shopping CentreHidden underneath the Square, this huge mall contains a large food court, tearooms, a video arcade and a bowling alley in addition to a massive number of small stalls selling a wide variety of goods. This can be a good place to come to get decent bargains however, it is confusingly laid out and maps are nowhere to be seen while the few signs there are, are in Chinese. Allow plenty of time when visiting here as simply finding a way out can take far longer than expected.

Budget

Food courts and sidewalk vendors offer the cheapest fare (and the resulting quality shows, often times re-using ingredients or using artificial ingredients). When walking around shopping malls, most of the food courts are underground levels. Foreign fast food chains can be found but the city lacks the variety found in larger cities.
Over the bridge noodles (过桥米线; guòqiáo mǐxiàn) is a dish native to Yunnan province in where raw ingredients (typically a variety of meats, vegetables and quail eggs) are dropped along with rice noodles into a large bowl of boiling hot chicken stock at the table. A thin layer of oil on the top of the soup allows the ingredients to cook inside the soup (the name derives from a legend that a scholar's wife found that any food she took to her husband on the other side of a large bridge went cold before she reached him, so she invented a way of keeping it hot). A dish from the southwest may seem a strange thing to seek out in the Northeast, but guòqiáo mǐxiàn are incredibly popular, with restaurants all over town serving it. Probably the best is located on a side road off the eastern edge of Labour Park, near the Peking Opera House (head east along the road parallel to and south of the street the opera house is on until you find a small restaurant with a couple of seats out the front with a board running along the wall which acts as the restaurant's loyalty scheme, 6th bowl is free). The combination of ingredients are listed on the wall. Busy from 1PM-2PM on weekdays during the school year. ¥6-10.

• Century City Food CourtOffers Chinese fare, some Japanese and some Korean. Mālàtàng (麻辣烫), a kind of soup served in a wide dish with various ingredients cooked inside the soup (the name literally means "hot, spicy and mouth numbing" but do not be put off by the name). Chili sauce (served in a side bowl along with sesame sauce) available. As with most mālàtàng places, to order you simply select the ingredients you wish to have (the ingredients are placed on skewers in easy reach) and hand them over to be cooked.

Mid-range

• Abashi Curry

  address: Yan'an Lu
  Curry house with roasted meat, nan, and other offerings.

• Cafe Copenhagen

  phone: +86 411 82693339
  address: 125 Tianjin St
  The food, location and nice decor matched with a clean environment make this a popular place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink, including a few types of beer on tap, made-to-order energy drinks, coffee creations and libations. With their excellent breads and breakfast foods served Danish style, it is perhaps the city's best place for a brunch without splurging at a 5-star hotel. The cafe has outdoor seating popular for street-level people-watching and inside the owners don't skimp on the air conditioned air.

• Dongdouting

  address: 65 Jiefang Jie (and other)
  Dalian's proximity to South Korea and significant Korean population means there is a large number of both northern and southern Korean restaurants. Meat, seafood, and vegetables for barbecuing (most liberally marinated in spices) can be cooked on the table or by staff.

• Red Lotus Cantonese, Seafood and Dim Sum Restaurant

  phone: +86 411 8252-9999
  address: 123 Changjiang Lu
  Authentic dim sum and the chef is excellent. Cantonese specialties and Dalianese seafood recipe also. 20 private rooms but better book in advance.

• Qing Dynasty Dumplings

  address: 5 Wuwu Lu
  Dumplings are a common staple in North China, and this Shenyang-based chain does them better than most. Wide variety of dumplings but the menu lacks English (but not photos). Try the sample plate, offering four different foods from various parts of China.

• Zhongshan Hotel Dim Sum, Indian and Russian Hot Pot Restaurants

  address: Jiefang Lu
  The usual dim sum dishes are offered and in the same dining area as the Indian restaurant. The hotel also has a Russian hot pot and vegetarian restaurant.

Splurge

The most expensive restaurants in the city tend to offer seafood or Japanese cuisine. Meals vary in price, but expect to pay ¥200 or more for meals at the high quality establishments.

• Ademain

  address: 8 Wuwu Lu
  Offers a wide range of dishes, one of the cheaper Japanese places.

• Intermezzo Italian RestaurantAuthentic recipes. 5-star quality, good selection of affordable wine and grappa.

• Tian Tian Fishing Port

  phone: +86 411 8280-1118, +86 0411 8282-2278
  address: 10 Renmin Lu, 41 Yan'an Lu
  National chain seafood restaurant with good reputation.

Bars

• Alice Bar

  address: Wenlin Jie
  Near-naked ladies dancing on poles and house band singing mainly pop tunes. One pool table, lots of TVs.

• Blossom Jazz

  address: Kunming Jie
  Live jazz sets throughout the evening offered by the house band. All the beer is imported, nearly all from Germany.

• Bobo'sA small pub with 2 rooms. The first, which contains the bar, has TVs and a dart board. Continuing to the back is a basement-like room with booths. The pub serves a variety of drinks, including Harbin beer starting at ¥10.

• Dave's Bar

  phone: +86 411 8282-2345
  Still a popular bar (sort of the first popular Western-themed bars) but has something of a seedy air nowadays. Small dance floor with DJs playing electronica and hip-hop most nights. Cheap local beer.

• Jazz BarFeatures a live band (sometimes playing jazz, other times pop songs). There is a large central area spanned by balconies and decorated in fake greenery. German draught beer is most popular.

• Jazz Club

  address: Zhigong Jie
  Trio provides tunes for patrons. A variety of drinks.

• The LoungeClassy hotel lounge with a very good resident jazz band who usually play during happy hour and after dinner hours. Champagne cocktails, draft beer and imported wines by the glass. Afternoon high tea features the best of the classicals recipes and some yummy creations.

• Paulaner Brauhaus

  phone: +86 411 8259-8888
  address: 92 Jiefang Lu
  One of the places to get a microbrew made on the spot. Live house band typically playing pop. Food available as well. Just outside the bar's entrance is a cigar hut.

• Stroller'sDiverse offerings of bottled beers, with a few on tap. TVs, music, and food give it a restaurant feel but due to the large number of offerings, especially bottled beer, it's a good spot to hunker down and have a few. Happy Hour specials. Has a non-smoking section although it is not a real big establishment. Have a tradition of asking each customer, particularly non-Chinese, their first name and writing it in a pad, so don't feel awkward when they ask.

Coffee shops and teahouses

• All's Well CoffeeAlso sell cakes and has a buffet with pizza, soups, Chinese cuisine, fruit, dessert, and Tsingtao.

• Amici

  address: 1F New World Department Store Tianjin Jie, another at Renmin Lu and Yimin Jie
  Menu has pizzas, sandwiches and other food. Also serves alcoholic beverages and has free wi-fi for paying customers.

• Cafe and DeliBranded Jerome Chocolates, pastries, Haagen Dasz ice cream parlor and on Friday evenings, wine and pizza parties. Bakery items half-price after 18:00. Kids corner for mommies club.

• SPR Coffee

  phone: +86 411 8231-2317
  address: At least one in the district, including 211-1 Youhao Lu
  Make their coffee by the cup, also serve juice drinks and beer. Has food, but drinks are what is known. This location has 2 floors, has high ceilings and a piano.

• Starbucks

  phone: +86 411 8255-9607, +86 0411 8231-2658
  address: 2 locations in Zhongshan District, including New World Plaza on Tianjin Jie and Parkland Mall on Jiefeng Lu
  Free wi-fi for paying customers.

Budget

• Haiyun International Youth Hostel

  address: 104 Warship 667
  This hostel boasts the fairly unique distinction of being housed inside an old Chinese warship moored at Tiger Beach. The whole hostel, from staff uniforms to rooms, is decked out in a nautical theme. Rooms vary from doubles to multi-person dorms. They claim to be part of Hostelling International, but they are not listed by them (perhaps because the hostel does not accept foreigners).

• Hotel Ibis Dalian

  phone: +86 411 3986-5555, +86 411-39865556 (reservations)
  address: 49A Wuwu Lu
  Completed in 2009, this hotel offers clean rooms and sits in the eastern side of the district. Free internet access in all rooms and 2 PCs for guest use in the lobby.

Mid-range

• Bohai Pearl HotelClosest hotel to the train station. Rooms are a bit outdated.

• Dalian Hotel

  phone: +86 411 8263-3111
  address: 4 Zhongshan Square 辽宁省大连市中山区中原街21号
  The place to stay for anyone interested in exploring the history of Dalian. Built in 1914 by the Japanese, designed by a Frenchman, the hotel is pretty much the only place to stay in Dalian that is older than 15 years and frequently plays host to visiting dignitaries when they are not staying at Bangchuidao. Its age means its facilities (a small business center and gym) can not compete with its more modern rivals but its character is unmatched. The Japanese restaurant in the hotel is one of the best in the city.

• Delight Hotel Dalian

  phone: +86 411 8280-9000
  address: 81 Renmin Lu

• Grand Hotel

  phone: +86 411 8280-6161
  address: 1 Jiefang Jie
  Probably the pick of the mid-range hotels in the eastern half of the city center, offers good sized rooms, decent facilities (sauna, gym, optional broadband internet access in rooms) and a decent variety of restaurants and bars in a very central location just off Zhongshan Square. Has drawn praise for its attentive and friendly staff.

• Ramada

  phone: +86 411 8280-8888
  address: 18 Victory Sq
  Fantastic location for train travelers. Includes a gym, swimming pool, free internet access in rooms and English speaking staff. Lots of trinket shopping close.

• Regent

  phone: +86 411 8289-2811
  address: 12 Hutan Jie
  Next to Tiger Beach, offers great views and a convenient location for exploring the southern seafront of Dalian. Amenities are decent (Chinese and Japanese restaurants, French café, gym, sauna) if nothing spectacular.

• Somerset Harbour Court

  phone: +86 411 3991-1888
  address: 55 Renmin Rd
  Each serviced accommodation unit offers broadband Internet access, a home entertainment system and a fully-equipped kitchen.

• Super 8 Hotel

Splurge

• Furama Hotel Dalian

  phone: +86 411 8263-0888
  address: 60 Renmin Lu
  A Japanese chain, considered to the city's finest hotel.

• Harbour View Hotel

  phone: +86 411 8272-8888
  address: 2 Gangwan Jie
  Best Western-run hotel is a little older than its competitors, as is evidenced by its blue-glassed 1980s chic tower, but it still offers the usual facilities and the most convenient location for those arriving or departing from the harbor or interested in exploring the Sanba bar area.

• Hotel Nikko Dalian

  phone: +86 411 8252 9999
  address: 123 Changjiang Road, Zhongshan District (中山区长江路123号)
  A hotel that has been through almost as many name changes as Dalian itself, now run by Japan Airlines it is an impressive building to look at with a good western restaurant. Easy to get to by Tram Line 201 and several bus lines. The service level is higher than most hotels, it's also quiet and convenient. On the higher floors of the hotel, customers can enjoy the city skyline as well as the seaview. But being 20 years old, the hotel may seem to be out-dated.

• InterContinental Dalian

  address: 6 Friendship Square (Youhao Square), Zhongshan District (中山区友好广场6号)
  A hotel operated by InterContinental. This one may be a good choice if you have a big budget. Close to bus stops and a metro station, the place is amazingly quiet. Services are good but the price is quite expensive. Features a restaurant on the top floor.

• New World Dalian Hotel

  phone: +86 411 8807-8888
  address: 41 Renmin Lu

• Shangri-La Hotel Dalian

  phone: +86 411 8252-5000
  address: 66 Renmin Lu
  Part of the Hong-Kong based chain, the decor and facilities may not always be as up to date as its competitors, and the quality of service has received mixed reviews in the past. But, generally, the hotel offers everything you would expect from a 5-star hotel.

• Swishotel

  address: 21 Wuhui Lu
  This hotel is no longer affiliation with the Swiss-based Swissôtel as it once was. The English name and all signage was changed, but the name remains the same in Chinese Mandarin. Housed in a sleek, modern tower at the southern tip of the Qingniwa shopping area and offers splendid views over Labour Park. The food at various restaurants is not as reputable as it once was.