Dalian city is decorated with a series of pretty squares, many of which have an interesting tale to tell. Friendship Square is a celebration of soccer (and more specifically the Dalian team, the "Shida's" ), probably Dalian residents' most popular past-times; the aptly named Charms of the Sea Square commands an excellent view of the sea and the mountains beyond; Olympic Square is dedicated to the first Chinese person ever to participate in the Olympic Games who was a Dalian native; and Zhongshan Square is famous in the region for its open air cultural performances. Finally, there is People's Square (Renmin guanchang), the biggest and most popular of all the city squares and the formerly known as Stalin Square.
As in the People's Square in many other Chinese cities, the national flag dominates here, flying solemnly over various imposing governmental buildings and the monument to the Communist Revolution (a huge statue of a Russian soldier), built to commemorate Soviet Union soldiers who helped re-take the city from Japanese invaders in WWII.
Despite this dominant political atmosphere, recent renovations here have helped to make this a pleasant spot. The usual Chinese "Dancing Water" display emanates from the fountain, much to the delight of locals who gather here in the evenings especially to watch the water "dance" in time with the music. The developments directly behind the square is a new residential zone, with houses and apartments designed in Russo-European style.
How to get there: From Zhongshan Square, take bus No.15,708, 709, 710, 15, 16, 19, 303, 405, 409, 611 and 801.
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It
was once the only underwater tunnel aquarium in China and boasts the
longest acrylic tunnel (118 meters) throughout Asia.
A moving level passage guides tourists
through the transparent tunnel to experiences the mysterious
underwater life. Right beside you are over 200 kinds of rare fish from
around the world. It also has a warship model exhibition, a touch zone
with ocean beasties, and a doodle room for kids.
The most exciting experience involve
watching divers feeding the sharks and seeing the sharks grabbing food
in front of your eyes.
Recently penguins from the South Pole
have hatched their young there.
Opening Hours: 8am-5pm in summer,
9am-4pm in winter
Ticket: RMB70
Transportation: No. 22/23/28/202/406/711/801/K901 Bus
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It
is located by the sea, Xinghai Park and beach comprises of an
800-meter-long beach and a huge park area, filled with a nice
collection of flowers and plants, a small fair and a huge Ocean World.
You can climb up to the top of the cliffs that tower above the western
and eastern sides of the bay and there are fantastic views from up
here of the bay and sea beyond.
The beach here has fine sand, moderate
waves and a good water depth- making it ideal for swimming. Not far
from the beach stands a huge rock in the sea which, according to
local legend, marks the spot where an army of cuttle fish triumphed
against sharks in a major ancient combat. Local people
believe that the area will never again be troubled by sharks, and
consider this spot very safe for swimming- believe the local legend if
you dare!!
The park itself, is another ball-game
altogether; with a Ferris wheel, rides and restaurants. Sun
Asia Ocean World is also located here, a huge Chinese,
New Zealand and Hong Kong run venture, featuring more than 200
different types of marine life, complete with viewing platforms and
underground tunnels.
How to get there: Bus
no.22, 23, 28 and No.406 and railroad train or LRT No.202 all stop at
the beach and leave from the city center or the train station, then
get off at Xinghai Park Station.
Cost: RMB10 during the tourism midseason. (From April
to October), and RMB7 during other hours. (Free of charge before 7:00
in the morning everyday).
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Zhongshan
Square is situated in what would be the tiger's eye if we see the
entire Liaodong peninsula as resembling a tiger's head. The major
theme and activity here is music and this 22,000 sq meter square is
fitted with world class audio systems and strong powered speakers. In
the evenings, crowds gather here to dance. Opera performances, plays
and concerts are common too.
The square is surrounded by European
style architecture. Many of these buildings were built by the Russians
before the the end of the Russo-Japanese war. The skyline behind the
old buildings is dominated by modern skyscrapers, a symbol of the
future of this vibrant city.
How to get there: Take
bus No.15, 7, 16, 19, 23, 30, 405, 409, 701, 703, 706, 707, 708 to the
closest spot to the Square.
Note: 2-men bicycle is
rented in the square.
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Sightseeing
Index
