I apologize for not having been to Dalian yet, so I can only gather and share as much detailed information online as possible for you.
If many people are interested, I’ll make a special trip there and later update everyone with my first-hand experience of the city.

So far, I’ve visited nearly 150 cities across China.
If there are other cities you’d like to see or learn more about, feel free to email us through the contact page, and I’ll include them in future updates.

Dalian: The Shining Coastal Pearl

Dalian—also known as Bincheng (“Harbor City”) and Kuncheng (“City of the Kun”)—is a coastal metropolis at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula in China’s Liaoning Province. Once called Qingniwa and later Dalini, this vibrant city serves as the economic, financial, trade, and shipping hub of Northeast China. It is one of China’s five nationally designated “plan-alone” cities and among fifteen sub-provincial municipalities.

Often referred to as the “Hong Kong of the North,” Dalian is celebrated for its seaside scenery, mild climate, and cosmopolitan atmosphere—earning it affectionate titles such as “The City of Romance” and “The Northern Pearl.”

Covering about 13,200 square kilometers (12,000 land and 1,200 sea), Dalian has a registered population of around 6.09 million (7.45 million by the 2020 census). In the first half of 2025, the city’s GDP reached 464.7 billion RMB, up 5.5% year-on-year—ranking first among all cities in Northeast China.

From its prehistoric fishing roots to its colonial past and modern revival, Dalian’s 7,000-year history tells the story of China’s frontier expansion, foreign encounters, and national renewal.
This overview explores Dalian’s transformation through four dimensions: geography and culture, history, economy, and modern development.

1. Geography and Culture: The Romantic City by the Sea

Dalian lies in a temperate coastal zone, surrounded on three sides by water:

• The Yellow Sea to the east,

• The Bohai Sea to the west,

• And across the Bohai Strait to the south, the Shandong Peninsula.

To the north stretch the rolling Liaodong Hills. The city’s coastline extends 1,906 kilometers—including over 1,000 islands such as Guanglu Island and Snake Island.

The terrain rises in the north and slopes southward, with an average elevation of 50 meters. The landscape follows the pattern of “six parts mountains, one part water, three parts farmland.” Dalian enjoys a monsoon-influenced climate with warm summers (23°C), mild winters (-4°C), 600–800 mm of annual rainfall, and about 2,500 hours of sunshine.
Its sea breezes keep the air fresh and temperatures pleasant—making Dalian one of China’s favorite summer retreats.

Cultural Character

A Multicultural Blend
Dalian’s culture merges Russian, Japanese, and European influences with northeastern fishing traditions. The local dialect belongs to the Jiao–Liao Mandarin branch. About 385,000 residents belong to ethnic minorities—mainly Manchu, Korean, and Hui communities.

Intangible Heritage
National-level cultural treasures include Dalian Fishing Lantern Art, Wafangdian Walnut Carving, and Zhuanghe Paper-Cutting. Local delicacies such as Dalian seafood and beer festivals continue traditions dating back to the colonial era.

City Spirit
“Romance, innovation, openness, and inclusiveness” define Dalian’s character. Its pace of life is relaxed, its air quality ranks among the best in China (AQI often below 50), and its residents value a balance between urban life and nature.

European architecture, seaside art, and modern lifestyle coexist here in a uniquely romantic rhythm.

2. Historical Timeline: From Fishing Village to International Port

From Prehistory to the Late Qing (5000 BCE – 1898 CE)

Archaeological discoveries at Xiaozhushan Site date human settlement back 7,000 years, revealing pottery and stone tools from early fishing communities. During the Shang and Zhou periods, the region connected culturally with Shandong’s Longshan civilization.

Through the Qin, Han, Tang, Liao, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Dalian’s role shifted between a fishing outpost, salt-production site, and military frontier—laying the foundation for its later maritime identity.

Modern Era (1898 – 2025)

In 1898, Russia leased Lüshun and Dalian Bay, building the Dalini Naval Base and introducing European urban planning. After Japan’s victory in 1905, Dalian entered its “Dairen” phase—hailed as the “Eastern Paris,” with booming industry and a population surpassing 500,000 by the 1930s.

Liberated by Soviet forces in 1945 and returned to China in 1950, Dalian became a model of socialist industrialization.
Since the Reform and Opening-Up in 1978, it has hosted major milestones: the Economic Development Zone (1984), sub-provincial status (1994), and 2008 Olympic sailing events.

By 2025, Dalian stands as a key Belt and Road hub, its GDP expected to exceed one trillion RMB, powered by high-tech industries, finance, and cultural tourism.

3. Economic Transformation: From Fishing Port to High-Tech Engine

Dalian’s economy mirrors China’s modernization path.

• Ancient to Qing (221 BCE–1898 CE): Fishing, salt, and agriculture formed the economic base.

• Colonial Era (1898–1945): Massive foreign investment built ports, railways, and industries. By the 1930s, port throughput reached 5 million tons.

• PRC to Cultural Revolution (1949–1976): Rapid industrialization boosted cargo and GDP but slowed during political turbulence.

• Reform to Present (1978–2025): Economic liberalization turned Dalian into a modern, export-oriented metropolis.

Today, the economy is 60% services, 25% industry, and 15% agriculture and fisheries. The port handles 500 million tons of cargo yearly (7th globally), and the High-Tech Zone exports over $10 billion in software.

Dalian integrates port, industry, and city functions in harmony—achieving growth without sacrificing environmental quality.

4. Modern Development: A Model of Coastal Vitality (1979–2025)

Since the 1980s, Dalian has transformed into a modern, livable coastal city. Its population grew from 4 million (1978) to 7.45 million (2020), with an urbanization rate of 82%. In 2025, its GDP grew over 5% under the “Dual Pioneer Zone” strategy for technology and innovation.

Preservation and Innovation

Architectural landmarks such as Zhongshan Square and the Lüshun Prison Museum are now national heritage sites.
Environmental programs like Xinghai Bay Wetland Restoration keep PM2.5 below 30 µg/m³.
In 2025, Dalian began preparing its UNESCO heritage application.

Tourism Flourishes

Cultural tourism has grown 10% annually since 2017.
By 2023, Dalian welcomed 100 million visitors, generating 100 billion RMB in revenue.

City Highlights include:

• Jinshitan National Resort: Geological wonders, known as the “Little Guilin of the North.”

• Laohutan Ocean Park: One of the world’s largest marine parks.

• Xinghai Square: The world’s largest city square, alive with music and dance.

• Lüshun Binhai Geopark: Scenic cliffs and historic war monuments.

• Bangchui Island: Pine-shaded beaches and Mao Zedong’s villa.

• Dalian Forest Zoo: Home to pandas, tigers, and 100+ species.

• Bingyu Valley: Waterfalls and ice caves—the “Jiuzhaigou of the Northeast.”

• Dalian Modern Museum: Showcasing local architecture and design.

• Baiyushan Forest Park: Famous for cherry blossoms and hiking trails.

Challenges and Outlook

Population aging (16.9% over 65) and industrial upgrading remain key issues.
According to the 2025 China Cultural Tourism Report, Dalian is expanding its “Culture + Technology” strategy—using metaverse-guided tours and smart tourism systems to reach 120 million annual visitors.

Conclusion: The Eternal Charm of Dalian

From the shell mounds of Xiaozhushan 7,000 years ago to the digital skyline of 2025, Dalian remains a luminous pearl between the Bohai and Yellow Seas. It reflects both China’s history and its modern aspirations—where ocean breezes mingle with a rhythm of romance and renewal.

UN experts praise Dalian as a “model gateway city for Northeast Asia.”
Strolling its coastline, one feels both the resilience and romance that define the city.

For travelers:

• Best time: Summer (cool breezes and seafood feasts); Winter (quiet seaside beauty and skiing).

• Stay: 3–5 days to explore.

• Tips: Visit Xinghai Square and Laohutan by day, enjoy seafood and local beer by night.