Dalian, known as the 'Romantic City', what are the must-visit places?

All photos in this article are taken by the author of 'Black and White Touch'. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited!

Does Dalian belong to Northeast China?

Of course! Dalian is located in the Liaodong region, within Liaoning, one of the three northeastern provinces. How could it not be considered a northeastern city?

However, if you take a walk in Dalian, you always get a feeling of 'This isn't Northeast China': climatically, there is no severe winter here; in terms of dialect, the 'sea oyster flavor' has replaced the 'coarse grain flavor'; visually, the seaside Dalian appears more open and bright, exuding more fashion and romance, more like Qingdao or Yantai in Shandong.

Dalian is called the 'City of Romance' not only because it is adjacent to the sea, but also because of its romantic architecture—squares and water towns as well as streets that gather the charm of various countries, which are also widely praised calling cards of Dalian.

Today's article takes you into Dalian to experience the charm of this romantic city.

Dalian has the most squares in China, with more than fifty large and small, colorful squares: Zhongshan Music Square, Navy Square, People's Fountain Square, Youhao Square, Gangwan Square... The most famous among them is Xinghai Square, which is the largest square in Asia and a landmark of Dalian.

Xinghai Square is located in the southwestern part of Dalian and was built to commemorate the return of Hong Kong.

When entering the square, the first thing you see is a vast green lawn, surrounded by rows of high-rise buildings.

On the lawn, you can occasionally see various lively sculptures, mostly of competitive sports, full of dynamism and uplifting spirit.

In the center of the walkway on the lawn, multiple sets of musical fountains are arranged in a line. The fountains contain beautifully carved granite patterns, leading all the way to the central circular fountain. Several such pedestrian avenues crisscross the lawn, radiating more than fifty sets of musical fountains. When night falls, set off by lights and the night sky, many fountains spout water columns in time with the music—a truly spectacular scene.

Xinghai Square is a seaside square. On the side near the sea, there is a large sculpture group called the 'Dalian Centennial City Sculpture'. This cluster of colorful sculptures was built in 1999 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Dalian as a port city. Its shape resembles an open book. The 80-meter-long relief depicts 1,000 footprints of centenarians, newborns, and representatives from all walks of life, symbolizing the unyielding struggle of the Dalian people over the past century. At the end of the relief are a pair of lively children facing the sea, symbolizing Dalian's bright future as it moves toward the world and a new century.

To the south of the square lies the boundless sea. Not far offshore, you can see the magnificent Xinghai Bay Bridge. This bridge, 6 kilometers long, connects Shahekou District and Xigang District of Dalian. It is not only a major transportation route but also a scenic spot, especially at night when the lights on the bridge illuminate, creating a splendid view.

On the seaside side of the square, you can view the sea and also seagulls. Flocks of seagulls soar up and down, gathering around tourists waiting to be fed—very cute.

Speaking of bridges, there is another eye-catching bridge to the east of the square. Although not as grand as Xinghai Bay Bridge, its unique shape makes it a bright spot on Xinghai Square.

Its name is 'Tiaoyue Bridge'.

Tiaoyue Bridge spans the Malan River and is a single-column cable-stayed pedestrian bridge. The load-bearing pillar is blue, the cables are red, the bridge deck is gray, and the railings are white. Rich in color and peculiar in shape, the tower stands like a long sword by the Xinghai Bay, reaching for the bright moon—majestic and spectacular.

Standing on the bridge and looking back at Xinghai Square, you can appreciate the charm of the square's architecture from another angle. The towering skyscrapers outline the city skyline, while the iconic Shell Museum and colorful cruise ships highlight the charm of a maritime city.

Crossing Tiaoyue Bridge, you arrive at Dalian's famous Binhai Road.

This 32-kilometer scenic belt starts from Xinghai Square in the west and reaches Haiyun Square in the east, connecting forest zoo, ocean world, Yamuling, Xiuyue Peak, Shibapan, Guaipo, Bangchuidao and other attractions along the way, like a jade belt.

On one side of the road are rolling mountains with lush trees; on the other side is the sea, where water meets the sky in a vast expanse—a paradise for driving and enjoying the scenery.

Among the undulating hills and lush groves, European-style hotels are scattered, full of romantic maritime charm.

To the west of Xinghai Square lies Xinghai Park, built in 1909 by the South Manchuria Railway Company. Its original name was 'Xinggapu Amusement Park', changed to its current name in 1945. In the nearby bay, there is a 'heavenly stone' protruding from the water, called 'Xing Shi' (Star Stone), hence the area is called 'Xinghai Bay', which is also the origin of the names Xinghai Park and Xinghai Square.

Inside the park, a riot of flowers and interwoven trees, with pebble paths connecting Wanghai Pavilion, Yingchao Pavilion, Qile Pavilion, etc. Both ends have cliffs overlooking the sea, where you can gaze at the vast ocean, watch the small islands, dotted boats, sparkling waves, and the line where sea and sky meet—all refreshing and delightful.

Besides Xinghai Square, other squares in Dalian are also distinctive and captivating, such as the solemn and beautiful Renmin Square.

Renmin Square is located in Xigang District, Dalian, where the Dalian government and other administrative agencies are concentrated. Zhongshan Road passes through here, linking several other famous squares. Renmin Square has green grass, long corridors, and occasionally you can see smart female mounted police officers, smiling brightly, who will kindly take photos with tourists.

Heading east from Renmin Square, you pass through many bustling commercial areas. Among them, a large crystal ball is very eye-catching—this is another square in Dalian: Youhao Square.

Youhao Square was built during the Russian colonial period, located at the intersection of the busiest commercial street and central business district, witnessing Dalian's vigorous development. The crystal ball in the center of the square is held aloft by giant hands in five colors—yellow, black, red, white, and brown—symbolizing the wish for friendly coexistence among the five continents and the joint construction of a beautiful planet.

Further east from Youhao Square is Zhongshan Square. Around the square are buildings of various national styles built between 1908 and 1936 (during the Japanese Kwantung Leased Territory rule), including the Renaissance-style Corinthian column building—Chosen Bank; the Gothic-style building—Dalian Civil Affairs Office; the postmodernist building—British Consulate in Dalian; the eclectic-style building—Dalian City Hall... It can be called a 'World Architecture Expo Park'.

(Soviet Far Eastern Bank built from 1945 to 1955, now Bank of China Liaoning Branch)

(Dalian City Hall, now Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Dalian Branch)

(Dalian Civil Affairs Office, originally the administrative organ under the Civil Affairs Department of the Kwantung Governor-General's Office governing Dalian, now Liaoyang Bank Dalian Branch)

To appreciate Dalian's exotic architecture, the Russian Style Street not far from Zhongshan Square is also a must-see.

Dalian's Russian Style Street is China's first street with Russian architectural styles from the 19th and 20th centuries, retaining 38 original buildings from the Far Eastern White Russian period, with a history of over a hundred years.

In 1899, Dalian city was established on this street, with the city hall and administrative residences located here, making it the origin of Dalian city. The name 'Dalian' also comes from the Russian word 'Dalny', meaning 'far away'. After Dalian became a Russian leased territory, Tsar Nicholas named the place Dalny.

Today, the Russian Street is a commercial street integrating tourism, shopping, leisure, and entertainment. Along the street, there are Russian-style restaurants and bars, where you can feel the full Russian ambiance.

I happened to arrive at sunset, and the afterglow of the setting sun gave the Russian Street a special charm.

In 2007, the first Summer World Economic Forum (Davos Forum) was held in Dalian. Since then, the annual Davos Forum has been held alternately in coastal Dalian and Tianjin.

The Dalian Davos Forum Conference Center (Dalian International Conference Center) is a beautifully shaped building, like a large bird ready to take flight.

The conference center is located in Donggang, an area transformed and reclaimed from the eastern part of Dalian Port. Today, it is a comprehensive business district integrating business, leisure, and travel. To the north of Donggang, by the sea, there is a huge musical fountain. During the day, many seagulls gather here.

On the square in front of the fountain stands a uniquely shaped sculpture called 'Rong' (Integration). This sculpture was built to commemorate the 2017 Dalian Summer Davos Annual Meeting. Its intertwined arms form a Möbius loop, fitting that year's theme 'Achieving Inclusive Growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution'. The sculpture's shape resembles an ear, symbolizing that romantic and vibrant Dalian is listening to the outside world; the clasped hands imply openness and inclusiveness; the soaring seagulls foretell revitalization and development.

Donggang is a great place for Dalian citizens to stroll and relax. On one side is the sea, on the other are European-style buildings—a pleasant scene.

Following the coastal promenade further east, you arrive at the Oriental Water Town.

This water town is modeled after Venice, the European water city, combined with local culture. Seawater is channeled into a 4-kilometer-long artificial canal, creating a distinctive landscape. Strolling here feels like being in a fairy tale world.

The docks by the water town are filled with colorful boats, and the square is dotted with brightly colored buildings, set against the clear blue sky and azure sea, making a colorful picture.

In addition to modern coastal districts, Dalian also has a 'water town' with coastal village scenery—Fisherman's Wharf.

Fisherman's Wharf, full name 'Laohutan Fisherman's Wharf', is located within the Hutang fishing port on Binhai Road in Zhongshan District. To the west is Laohutan Ocean Park, with mountains on both sides—a beautiful scene where mountains meet the sea.

The culture of Fisherman's Wharf originates from Europe and America, a nostalgic European-style leisure and the unique marketplace culture of port towns, blending civilian entertainment with a touch of reminiscence. There are many famous Fisherman's Wharfs in Europe and America, such as San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Montreal's Fisherman's Wharf, and Liverpool's Fisherman's Wharf.

Dalian's Fisherman's Wharf has deep blue sea, quiet fishing boats, a bookish café, and delicious seafood restaurants. Strolling here at sunset offers a special charm.

Every evening, fishing boats return and dock at the pier. A few seagulls play leisurely in the water, while visitors sit idly chatting in European-style restaurants—a scene of leisure.

Although today Lüshun is just a district of Dalian city, in modern history it was much more famous than Dalian. Surrounded by sea on three sides, Lüshun guards the throat of the Bohai Sea and the gateway to Beijing and Tianjin. During the Qing Dynasty, it was an important naval town, experiencing the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War, when Dalian was still a wilderness.

People often say: 'A Lüshunkou, half of modern history.' War was Lüshun's fate. Buildings related to war are everywhere—Beiyang fortresses, Russian defenses, Japanese monuments and towers are scattered along Lüshun's coast and mountains.

Lüshun Station (now out of service), built in 1898, witnesses and tells the story of its vicissitudes.

Lüshun Station was designed and built by the Russians, with distinct Russian characteristics. The station building is brick-wood, delicate and elegant, with white walls and green windows full of poetic charm, yet it experienced the most turbulent times.

(Sino-Soviet Friendship Memorial Tower in front of Lüshun Museum Square)

In 1894, the Sino-Japanese War broke out. As an important base of the Beiyang Navy, Lüshunkou was one of the main battlegrounds of the land war. Nearly 20,000 innocent compatriots were brutally killed by Japanese invaders, accelerating China's descent into semi-colonial status, a major turning point in modern Chinese history.

Lüshun has a Wanzhong Tomb, which is a powerful witness to that history.

On the evening of November 21, 1894, Japanese invaders broke into Lüshunkou and carried out a four-day horrific massacre against civilians. 'Killing everyone they saw, women and children not spared'. Bodies piled like mountains, blood flowed like rivers. About 20,000 people died under Japanese swords—the shocking 'Lüshun Massacre'.

In 1895, to cover up the truth of the massacre, the invaders cremated the victims' remains and buried them. After the Sino-Japanese War, Qing official Gu Yuanxun erected a stone stele at the mass burial site, built a sacrificial hall, and inscribed 'Wanzhong Tomb' to commemorate the victims, warn the nation not to forget the national humiliation, and inspire future generations to strive for strength.

Ten years later, the Russo-Japanese War broke out. The Electric Rock Fort on Gold Mountain is a relic of that war.

Electric Rock Fort was one of the five major coastal forts in modern Chinese history, located south of Gold Mountain, east of Lüshun Port. It was the core of the Russian maritime defense system during the Russo-Japanese War. At night, seen from the sea, the searchlights on both sides of the fort made the rock appear to shine, hence the name Electric Rock Fort.

On February 8, 1904, the Russo-Japanese War began. The Russian garrison at Electric Rock Fort, relying on five of the most advanced cannons at the time and unique geographical advantages, successfully repelled multiple attacks by the Japanese Combined Fleet on Lüshun Port over 329 days, preventing the Japanese from capturing Lüshunkou from the sea.

Today, the Gold Mountain Observation Deck has been established here, where you can see the remains of the fort and ascend to overlook the vast Yellow Sea. In the distance is the Shandong Peninsula, with fishing sails dotting the sea, and the Makarov Lighthouse faintly visible.

Wars always bring prisoners, and thus the Russo-Japanese Prison came into being.

Lüshun Russo-Japanese Prison was first built by Tsarist Russia in 1902 and expanded by Japan in 1907. The prison includes body inspection rooms, torture chambers, execution chambers, etc. Outside the walls were forced labor sites such as kilns, forests, orchards, and vegetable gardens. Many Chinese, Korean, and other nationals were imprisoned and killed here, with brutality and cruelty rarely seen in the world. The Russo-Japanese Prison is ironclad evidence of imperialist aggression against China and crimes against humanity.

Each cell in the prison was only about 15 square meters, but held 8 to 10 prisoners. On the cell wall was a prison regulation in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese: 'No talking, no facing each other, no leaning against the wall, no looking outside or moving...' Violations would result in beating by guards.

An Jung-geun, the Korean patriot who assassinated Japanese politician Ito Hirobumi, was imprisoned and killed here.

An Jung-geun was a famous Korean independence activist in modern history. After the Russo-Japanese War, he actively opposed Japanese aggression and later participated in the Righteous Army movement, but failed in battles against the Japanese. On October 26, 1909, An Jung-geun successfully assassinated Ito Hirobumi, the former Japanese prime minister and chief culprit in invading Korea, at Harbin, China, and was arrested on the spot. The Kwantung Governor-General's Court sentenced An Jung-geun to death by hanging, and he was executed in Lüshun, China, on March 26, 1910.

Besides the above sites related to modern wars, Lüshun also has a museum. Although it is only a museum in one district of Dalian, it is truly a national first-class museum with stunning collections.

This Ya'iyou You (a Shang Dynasty wine vessel) has a vivid shape and exquisite decoration.

This kiln-transmutation glaze vessel with animal-head handles is a ceramic from the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty. Kiln-transmutation glaze means 'one color in the kiln, myriad colors out of the kiln', creating unpredictable artistic effects.

This gilt bronze statue of Samvara is one of the five main deities of the highest yoga tantra in Tibetan Buddhism.

This carved lacquer cloud-dragon treasure box from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty integrates painting, carving, and polishing techniques—a lacquer carving art.

This jadeite censer with beast ears and loose rings from the Qing Dynasty is crystal clear with vivid details.

After Lüshun, the Dalian trip comes to an end.

I recall the trams running among the green trees along the streets near Xinghai Square—something not commonly seen in other cities. In the early 20th century, the Japanese began planning the 'electric railway' to consolidate their rule in 'South Manchuria'. Now the trams have been running for a hundred years.

The once poor and weak wilderness a hundred years ago has developed into a modern metropolis with towering skyscrapers. Blue sky, white clouds, sea, squares—everywhere is bright and brilliant. How can such a Dalian not make one yearn to visit?