Dalian – A seaside city of European style, and know as the “Best Tourist City” of China.

Located about 10km northwest of the city, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport serves as an important transportation hub in the Bohai area. It is about 10km from Dalian Railway Station, 5km from the Shenyang-Dalian Freeway and 35km from Lushun.

Thirty international routes connect Dalian to over 30 cities in 14 countries. There are regular charter service between Dalian and regions in Southeast Asia, Europe, American and Russia.In addition, 69 domestic flights leave from the Zhoushuizi International Airport, roughly 10 kilometers northwest of the city center, taking passengers to most of the major Chinese cities.

As the terminus of the Harbin-Dalian Railway (Ha Da Railway), Dalian is well connected to the networks that cross the northern and eastern parts of China. Trains from the city can reach all cities in Dongbei (northeastern China) area and Beijing, Shanghai and Hankou.

The high speed air-conditioned Tourist Specials running between Dalian and Beijing, Shenyang, Harbin and Changchun make excursions convenient. From Shenyang to Dalian there are two express trains - Liaoning-Shenyang Evening Express and Jinshitan Express.

The conception of building Dalian Subway dates back to 1980s. In 1987, the plan was officially submitted for approval but failed. It was not until 2002 that its first line, line 3 was completed and operated. Currently, there are two lines - line 3 and 7 are in service. Another two, line 1 and 2 are under construction and predicted to be opened by July of 2014. In addition, line 6, 8 and 10 are also under construction. In future, the city will all together have 12 subway lines.

Dalian's spring begins in late March or early April when the warm southeast ocean winds bring the temperatures up. You need to wear jackets, sweaters, shirts and jeans to protect yourself from the last of the winter's cold.

The best time to travel is from May onwards when the Dalian Chinese Scholar Tree Blossom Affairs and Commodity Export Fair open in the city. They run through to mid-September. These mild and comfortable months welcome huge numbers of tourists from different areas in China and the world. The summer period from July to early September has an average temperature of around 20°C (68°F) .

In late September, Dalian welcomes autumn and the cold air begins to control this area. The average temperature drops down to around 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F). Whilst tourist crowds retreat from the seashores, it is a perfect time for fishing as it is the migrating season for fish.

From late November, the cold north winds become stronger and dominate the city till the following February. January is the coldest month and you need to wear an overcoat, sweater, jeans, gloves and warm shoes.

Fresh scallops are steamed with lima beans, shallots, wine and sauces - preserving the original taste of the seafood. When cooked they are served on tender egg white pieces with vegetables and diced carrot to present a pleasing appearance. It tastes light and fresh.

Shelled abalones are elaborately cut into the shape of lanterns and steamed with the seasonings of shallot, gingers and salt for seven minutes. The finished dish should keep the fresh flavor of abalone. It is usually served with simmering shellfish soup.

Located in the west of changxing island of bohai sea, the two bridge connected the island and the mainland. Changxing island resort is a sightseeing, entertainment, leisure, sports in the integration of tourism resorts.

Though a young city, Dalian's status as a former colony of both Russia and Japan offers an eclectic mix of architectural styles for history buffs. Many of the older buildings in central Dalian were demolished during periodic bouts of renovation, but pockets of history remain with Russian Street (Xigang District) offering perhaps the best concentration of old buildings.

Tips for seeing a doctor in the local hospitals.

Bring your passport, then fill in a form in the hospital which contains your name (English name or Chinese name), date of birth and contact person in China (name and contact)

Register with a doctor

Waiting at the corresponding section

Seeing the doctor

Dalian Office of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Shenyang
Add: 5F, Hongyuan Building, No.23 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian
Consular District: Dalian
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-18:00
Tel: 86-0411-8235-6288

Dalian Office of the Consulate General of Japan in Shenyang
Add: 3F, Senmao Building, 147 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian
Consular District: Dalian
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-12:00, 14:00-17:15
Tel: 86-0411-8370-4077
E-mail: dalian@ya.mofa.go.jp