Zhongshan District

Getting there

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.

Getting around

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.

See

1 Zhongshan Square (中山广场; Zhōngshān Guǎngchǎng). This 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 main exception being the Dalian People’s Cultural Club, a Stalinist building that was built by the Soviet Union during their occupation of the city in 1951. 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. 2 Labour Park (劳动公园; Láodòng Gōngyuán) (South of Qingniwa shopping area). 06:30-18:30. The 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. ¥10-15 during holidays, free the rest of the time. 3 Tiger Beach Ocean Park (老虎滩海洋公园; Lǎohǔtān Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán), 9 Binhai Middle Road (滨海中路9号) (south of the city centre; take bus routes 2, 4, 47, 403 or 404 and get off at the Jiefang Road bus stop), ☏ +86 411 82689356. 08:00-17:00. 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. Apr 10-Oct 31: ¥198, Nov 1-Apr 9: ¥180 (includes all major attractions but

Do

1 Dalian Sightseeing Tower (大连观光塔, formerly known as the Dalian Radio & Televsion Tower), (99 Lüshan Lane (绿山巷99号) (On top of a hill south of Labour Park. Bus route 27), ☏ +86 411 83638345, [email protected]. Oct-Apr: daily 09ː00-18ː00, May-Sep: daily 09ː00-21ː00. 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. Tower admission ¥50, cable car and slide ¥50 each, ¥25 for children. Combo tickets available at the ticket booth in the park's amusement area (lower end of ropeway). 2 Bangchui Island (棒棰岛, Bàngchuídǎo), Yingbin Road (迎宾路) (Take bus no.90 from Shanping St (山屏街) where can be reached from Qingniwaqiao by taking bus no.703; no bus services in winter between 31st Oct and 1st May.), ☏ +86 411 8289 3888 (Bangchui Island Hotel). 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 ge

Buy

Friendship Centre (友谊商店; Yǒuyì Shāngdiàn), 8 Renmin Lu. 09:30-21:00. 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 Area (青泥洼桥; Qīngní​wā​qiáo​) (between Victory Sq and Labour Pk on Youhao Jie). Host to a number of moderately expensive department stores, supermarkets and shopping centres. Designer clothing can be found in abundance here. Tianjin Street (天津街; Tiānjīn Jiē) (from Victory Sq to near Zhongshan Sq). Pedestrian 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 Square (时代广场; Shí​dài​ Guǎngchǎng) (E of Furama Hotel along Renmin Lu). Dalian's most up-scale (international) stores are found here. Victory Square Shopping Centre (胜利广场; Shènglì Guǎngchǎng). Hidden 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.

Eat

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