Things to do in Dàlián
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Zhongshan Sq
This is Dàlián's hub, with grand buildings, mostly from the early 1900s, encircling a huge roundabout. Dàlián Bīnguǎn, a dignified hotel on the square's south side, appeared in the movie The Last Emperor.
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Dalian Modern Museum
With exhibits like 'Dalian: A City Without Traffic Jams', the gleaming Dalian Modern Museum resembles a regional public-relations campaign, but it's still a fascinating look at the city's recent (and forthcoming) urban developments.
The museum is near Xinghai Sq, in the southwest of the city. Take bus 23 to the Exhibition Centre stop, about a 20-minute ride from Zhongshan Sq.
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Bàngchuídǎo Jǐngqū beach
Five kilometres southeast of the city centre is Bàngchuídǎo Jǐngqū beach, a secluded sandy beach on the grounds of Bàngchuídǎo Bīnguǎn, a hotel complex that's a long-time favourite with top-ranking Communist Party members. Unfortunately, there's no bus service to this area; a taxi from town will cost about Y20.
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Golden Stone Beach
The coast around Golden Stone Beach, 60km north of the city, is in the process of being turned into a domestic tourist mecca with a number of theme parks, and rock formations commanding inflated entrance fees. The long pebbly beach itself is free and quite pretty, set in a wide bay with distant headlands.
To get there take the light rail, known by the locals as Line 3 (轻轨三号线; Qīngguǐ Sānhàoxiàn), from the depot on the east side of Triumph Plaza, behind the Dàlián train station (Y8, 50 minutes). From the beach station it's a 10-minute walk to the beach, or catch a tourist shuttle bus (Y20, 30 minutes) which winds round the coast first before dropping you off at the beach. T…
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Tiger Beach Park
Tiger Beach Park has a massive carved-marble tiger sculpture, a small beach and a snazzy amusement park. On either side of the park the coastal road provides excellent views of the ragged cliffs and crashing waves. Buses 30 and 712 from Zhongshan Sq travel to Tiger Beach Park (Y1, 20 to 30 minutes).
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I-55 Coffee Stop & Bakery
With a library of English-language books, a stack of games, and treats that range from quiche to fresh-squeezed orange juice to oatmeal cookies, this contemporary café is a popular expat hang-out. English menu, English-speaking staff and free wireless internet access too.
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Labour Park
In the centre of this hilly park is a giant football, a reminder of the time at the turn of the century when the local soccer team, Dàlián Shi'de, was the best in China. There are good views of the city from the TV Tower.
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New-Mart Shopping Mall
It seems as if a new mall opens in shopping-crazed Dàlián nearly every week. Qingni Jie, south of Victory Sq, is a pedestrian plaza lined with upscale department stores, including the New-Mart Shopping Mall.
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Dàbáicài Gǔtouguǎn
This home-style restaurant with a friendly and loud atmosphere serves fresh seafood and fiery northern-style fare. Look for the sign high up with a green cabbage on it. Note that the restaurant is located on a corner and you must walk up the stairs to get to it. Otherwise it's easy to pass by.
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Friendship Sqare
West of Zhongshan Sq, Friendship Sqare is a traffic circle that surrounds a Dàlián landmark - a vast spheroid that's illuminated like a giant disco ball at night.
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Fujiazhuang Beach
A good swimming spot is Fujiazhuang Beach, a deep bay with pebbly sand. Take bus 401 (Y1, 20 to 30 minutes) from the northwest corner of Jiefang Lu and Zhongshan Lu.
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Yīxīn Kǎo Róu
Make like a chef on the tabletop grills at this busy BBQ joint. In spite of the name, you can cook your own shellfish or vegetables (as well as meat).
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Tiāntiān Yúgǎng
Choose your meal from the many sea creatures swimming in the tanks at this upscale seafood restaurant. Most dishes are set out in refrigerated levels for you to choose, making this a rare easy seafood-eating experience in China.
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Bar Streets
The streets around Friendship Sq and the University of Foreign Languages, particularly Qi'qi Jie and Yan'an Lu, are lined with small bars.
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Noah's Ark
A good, long-standing place to catch some fine local musicians and grab a beer. Mix of locals and expats. Very strong wireless connection.
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Nightclubs
For a bit of a sleazy scene, head for the nightclubs on Changjiang Lu, north of Zhongshan Sq.
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Xiǎo Yāogǔ Shǎnxī Miàn Zhuāng
At the end of Zhongyuan Jie, one block past Dàbáicài Gǔtouguǎn, is this Shaanxi restaurant that serves great dishes such as lamb jiāmó (羊肉夹馍; lamb in pita bread) or pàomó (泡馍; bread stew) at a ridiculously low price. A light meal will set you back under Y10. Look for the red lanterns outside and place your order at the front desk beside the picture menu.
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Southwest Coastline
Dàlián's southwest coast is dotted with pleasant beaches that boast both a laid-back community feel and a subtly exotic distinction. At Fùjiāzhuāng Beach , a popular beach set in a deep bay, junks float just offshore, small broken islands dot the horizon, and loads of families can be seen having fun. Take bus 5 from Jiefang Lu (Y1, 20 to 30 minutes) and get off at the square across from the beach.
From Fùjiāzhuāng you can walk to Xīnghǎi Sq along a combination of sidewalks and boardwalks that runs along the contours of the coast. At Xīnghǎi Sq, which is sporting some heady architecture these days, the path crosses a pedestrian bridge, widens and continues for ano…
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Night Market
Near the Home Inn. You can sit outside and eat barbecue seafood with a beer.
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Meeting Place Bar
Sports-bar styling with a Chinese house band. Popular with locals.
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I-55 Coffee Stop & Bakery
For coffee, cakes and sandwiches, try the I-55. There's a cosy upscale atmosphere here with throw-cushion-decked lounges, jazzy music and a nice leafy outdoor patio.
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