During a recent Sino-Japanese conference in the ancient city of Kamakura, Japan, SongLi presented his book “A Walk Across Dalian” and his years of extensive historical research about the former colony. It was interesting to see that many past connections to Dalian, when it was known as Dairen, still remain within the population of Kanagawa Prefecture.
It was also amazing to discover that the historical photography and data archive of SongLi was more extensive by far than the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History in nearby Yokohama. The museum was originally the Yokohama Bank building, the very same financial institution that established a branch in Dairen. The Yokohama Bank building in Yokohama, Japan was also used as the image on the first colonial paper currency issued for Dairen.
Dairen’s branch of the Yokohama Bank was an extension of the beautiful art deco style constructed at that time, and was one of the earliest buildings in the new city in 1908. And even though it was not of indigenous Chinese architectural design, after more than a century the bank remains an iconic symbol that still identifies the modern day Dalian, much in the same way the onion-roofed buildings of Harbin still represent that city’s colonial past.
When “A Walk Across Dalian” was published in January 2010, it was understood that city of Dalian would continue to change. Never was there an expectation that when SongLi went to visit the ocean it would no longer be there. But that is what happened just six months later in July 2010.
Buildings are torn down and new ones take their place (see the Shell Museum). A massive body of water? It should remain where it always was. Unless that area of sea is reclaimed as land.
While the book was in production, a vast part of the Northern coast was being renovated and this was noted. The plan was to turn former warehouse and shipping space into commercial and residential areas. It was a smart move to make better use of Dalian’s land and coastal view.
The early stages of development for this location involved a great deal of landfill to extend the coastline. But it had been restricted to the former warehouse area. Apparently the expansion was more vast than imagined, as the entire Donghai Park was erased. Satellite maps from April 2009 confirm that the landfill stopped short of the Park, and it remained untouched.
Donghai Park and the Haizhiyun Square (Rhythm of the Sea) sculpture was the original spot where SongLi ended the Coast-to-Coast Trek in March 2008. The location nearly doubled the distance SongLi had to walk, so it could end in a public access area along the coast.
Now that spot is at least a kilometer inland (see the Location Map).
Not only is the ocean gone but the mountains too. They have been stripped down and used as the new land foundation. The construction effort will continue for years yet. This situation is being noted for travelers who wish to follow SongLi’s adventure or just spend a day at the beach.
While it is a well known fact that a key battle in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 took place in Dalian, the city was spared any direct military action in the later Second World War. The city was defended by a ring of mountain fortresses against an amphibious invasion that never came. Yet Dalian, known as Dairen at the time, earned the distinction as a site of Allied bombing in the closing days of the war. This obscure and forgotten historical footnote has not been recorded in any book about Dalian but there are clear eyewitness accounts of the event.
“One day, the American bomb hit the downtown office building and half of it collapsed.” from the memoir Dalny by Tatiana Erohina.
On 26 September 1944, a squadron of American B-29s from the 40th Bombardment Group flew to Anshan, China on a mission to destroy the strategic industry of Showa steel works. Due to technical complications, two bombers were unable to follow the main group and instead headed for the secondary target of Dairen. A series of weather and mechanical problems would deliver an amazing and successful result, best summarized in the words of the men who actually participated in the action.
“I remember the mission against Anshan when we bombed the alternate target at Dairen. That mission was one of the things that helped to make Frank McKinney something of a legend as a bombardier.” Robert L. Hall, Central Fire Control Gunner.
“As I remember the Anshan/Dairen mission, we lost our formation near Anshan, and had to go to the secondary target at Dairen, Manchuria… At the last moment, the bombardier said he saw some buildings through a hole in the clouds, and that he would take over. I distinctly remember looking at a big, square building when the bombs made a direct hit on it.” John Z. Topolski, Radar Operator.
“I felt a great disappointment for not being able to bomb Anshan… As we approached the secondary target at Dairen, I had a sinking feeling that we would have to bomb by radar. Then we had another disappointment when our radar equipment malfunctioned and the radar operator couldn’t identify the target. I was frustrated, and even though we had to get rid of the bombs, I was determined to do something with them other than dropping them at random… We had no idea of the importance of this target to the Japanese… What a great satisfaction it was to me, luckily hitting the target and not having to just dump the bombs somewhere to get them off the plane.” Frank W. McKinney, Bombardier.
“A memo to my old China-based B-29 gang: Remember your two plane “accidental” raid on Dairen last September? Well chums, the Japanese are still rocking on their heels over that one. They think you must have done it with mirrors. Remember how the B-29’s raided the Anshan steel works that day, and how two Superforts dumped their bombs on the Dairen waterfront and warehouse all because they were unable to reach the Anshan targets so many miles farther north? Well, I found out when I landed here with 7th fleet units that the eight story head office building of the Anshan Steel Co., right in the heart of Dairen’s modern business district, was sliced off in that half pint raid and not a single adjacent building was hit. The Japanese are still going around talking to themselves. They think you did it on purpose but they can’t figure out how a B-29 could pick off that single Anshan company building in Dairen with such precision, while the main force wrecked the steel works so far away.” Accidental Raid Still Puzzles Dairen Japanese in Manchuria (1944) by John Grover
An authoritative and detailed travel guide for Dalian to assist travelers in their exploration and navigation of the Chinese city. Includes historic timelines for the former colonial port, social information about the modern culture, and tips on where to eat, shop, sleep, and visit. This comprehensive reference guide has been condensed into a portable ebook for easy use by any seasoned or first-time visitor. Developed by Historical Society of Dalian as a mobile and inexpensive reference.
An iconic landmark of Xinghai Square since 2000, the Dalian Shell Museum was torn down in January 2010. It is scheduled to be rebuilt in a similar yet larger version of its European castle architecture. The location will then re-open as a hotel, projected in two years.
A Google Earth satellite map of the demolition zone has been created for public viewing. Images of the pre-demolition condition in May 2009 are presented as a comparison for the demolition state in January 2010.
In the tradition of his “Everyday Dalian” photobook, the Municipal Government of Dalian originally commissioned SongLi to produce his second photography book about the city. The intended purpose was as an international promotion for the 2009 Davos World Economic Summit.
However, SongLi evolved that inspirational vision into a new and unique visual expression with the timeless book, “A Walk Across Dalian.” This rare artistic perspective offers a photographic guide to the city unlike anything done before. Based on his 2008 Coast-To-Coast Trek across the city of Dalian, this journey of images shows the city through the eyes of a resident foreign expert. It also offers a personal introduction to the history and culture of the famous and historical seaport.
China is a country of evolving cultural legacies and economic destinies. Weaved within this tapestry of modernization are the threads of Christianity and its fluctuating influence. One of the most unique examples of this Western religion takes place in a historic coastal city that has long been overshadowed.
The Chinese city of Dalian has gone by many names in the past one hundred years. Each title was in preference to the language used by the colonial society or occupation force that administrated the city, from Great Britain to Russia to Japan to the Soviet Union, and then finally native China. As a military port and commercial hub, Dalian was a strategic location in three foreign wars and the national civil war.
From its formal foundation in 1898, Dalian was a center for cultural exchanges. Its Christian community thrived for generations, with ties to Europe, America, and Japan. During the years of social turmoil within China, churches where closed and their congregations scattered. Yet that spiritual faith remained. These centers for worship have been restored and their congregations attract growing numbers of Chinese Christians. Dalian is also one of the few cities in China to have preserved Christian cemeteries for foreigners.
Most of these historical records and pictures have been lost, and what survives exists with little knowledge or attention. Therefore, this project will create a definitive reference source of materials that is both educational and personal.
The city of Dalian has always held secrets. Its foreign colonization and occupation brought external cultures and languages to Northeast China. Great Britain, Russia, and Japan took turns dominating the region for nearly a century, influencing local folklore and religious superstitions. When the city was finally returned to native hands, China experienced numerous waves of political and social upheaval. These events made local ghost stories a taboo subject. This compilation is the first historic research of supernatural events and sightings in Dalian from 1858 to 1958. It also combines vintage colonial images with the modern photographic vision of SongLi.
The original Russian settlers of Dalian were Orthodox Christians. They established their cemetery at the furthest boundaries of the city in 1989. In later years a chapel was built and expanded on the grounds. Buried at the location are the early citizens of the colonial community. During the Russian occupation after the war, this site was used for Soviet soldiers, in addition to another forgotten cemetery North of downtown. Lushun hosts the oldest known historical Russian cemetery and it is designated as the only one in the region, which is not completely true. Any foreign cemetery on Chinese soil is rare. However, SongLi discovered two other century-old cemetery locations that have been preserved yet forgotten by the public. SongLi also has been able to guide foreign families to visit the final resting place of loved ones buried at these locations during the 1920s and 30s. This service is extended to anyone looking to rediscover the grave of a family member. Otherwise, in the interest of privacy and preservation, these sites will not be disclosed for any non-family visit requests.
The mountains surrounding the Dalian peninsula offer a commanding view of the harbor and sea. From a defensive perspective, these vantages are a natural site for fortifications. From the military bases to the South in Lushun, the entire coast towards Jinzhou was lined with artillery bases to protect against invasion in the early 1930s. After the war, these locations were abandoned and destroyed. Only the historic forts in Lushun were preserved. However, through extensive research and exploration, SongLi discovered two sites within the central Dalian area. One old fort in the Northern Bay only retains its bunker foundations and underground tunnels, having been converted into an oil refinery base. The second within the Dalian city limits has its original stone fortress and barrack complex. The view from this location is inspiring, but its location very difficult to reach. While the older population who live in the area know of these ruins, they remain a secret to the younger generation and forgotten to the world.
Homes in the Nanshan Street neighborhood had ranged in age from 80 to 100 years old. These colonial dwellings survived wars, a civil war, and social upheaval. In recent years they had remained immune to the frenzied modernization drive in China. However, by November 2008 this landmark and signature feature of Dalian’s past became another lost memory.
Nearly 20 acres of land, covering 80377m² is being erased and reformatted. Neither the demolition process nor the reconstruction efforts will be finished any time soon. Based on previous examples around the city, the site will not be habitable for perhaps four years. The stages of transition will be staggered, with many square blocks flattened for construction while gutted house shells remain standing in other sections.
Images of the pre-demolition condition (August and September 2008) are presented as a comparison for the initial demolition progress in January 2009.
One of the most well known but best kept historical secrets in Dalian is the Great Wall of Koguryŏ (Korea). Built in 631 AD when most of Manchuria and sections of Southern Russia were part of the Goguryeo Kingdom, these remains have been both celebrated and shrouded because of the historical interpretation of cultural ownership. The Jinzhou District of Dalian was once an ancient walled city with a history stretching back for centuries as the Tang and Sui Dynasties fought to expand their empire. Dalian was the last fortress along a defensive wall that stretched North for hundreds of kilometers. While the Bisa (Beisha) castle itself has been lost in time, portions of this Great Wall remain along the highest peaks of Dahei Mountain.
Note: Liaoning Province has two cities spelled Jinzhou in English. However, the Hanzi (Chinese characters) are not the same.
Jinzhou 锦州 is an ancient city in Western Liaoning.
Jinzhou 金州 is a historic district of Dalian city.
Because of the overwhelming popularity and demand for Discover Dalian tours, SongLi has created a selection of self-guided and self-service tour packages. A perfect option for anyone who has a spirit of independent adventure but does not know how to get around in Dalian.
These highly detailed packages offer interactive map-based, step-by-step travel instructions for seeing the city with a personal virtual guide, but without SongLi actually at your guide.
100 Years of History in Images and Geography. Nearly 200 historic landmarks, covered by 800 photos from 1908 to 2008.
The roadway structure of Dalian remains the basic framework that defined the city since its foundation one hundred years ago. While most of the original city buildings have been replaced over decades of modernization, many of the colonial landmark sites yet remain.
This digital map was compiled exclusively by SongLi from extensive research over several years, and remains an ongoing historical preservation project. Original Japanese geographic surveys and picture postcards have been translated and matched with current Chinese maps, satellite images, and SongLi’s own personal photography.
This combination of visual historical records and modern geographical references is the first of its kind created for Dalian. Its presentation in Japanese, Mandarin, and English is the most extensive and complete interactive historical study made for public use.
While much of this data is public record, this collection and its images remain the exclusive creative property of SongLi and may not be copied without permission.
On September 4th, 2008 the city of Dalian hosted the Parlympic torch relay. One of only a handful of “ancient” and “modern” cities in China to hold this honor, the route followed the original design of the Olympic torch relay. That had been planned to run along the Binhai coastal road was but later relocated.
This digital map features all 70 relay points, and the official Paralympic relay route path. It also shows the parallel course ran by SongLi as he followed the trek. It was an uphill run for nearly 3 km in the late summer heat, and he was able to document over half the run up-close and personal. Flame icons on the map with a yellow border indicate a snapshot SongLi took of that relay point during the course.
The Taiwan cinema came to Dalian for production of the film: 《爱在日月潭》Love In The Sun Moon Lake (Ai Zai Ri Yue Tan).
It is a romantic drama, about two lovers who are separated by the invisible barrier between Taiwan and the Mainland. The plot background is similar to a famous Korean story. Various locations in Dalian were used, including some of the vintage Colonial areas needed to depict scenes meant to take place in Europe.
Behind-the-scenes production stills can be found on the discoverdalian.com website.
Monday, March 17, 2008: SongLi became the first person to walk from the Southern Bay of Dalian (Xinghai Square) to the Northern Bay (Haizhiyun Park).
A total journey of 22.5 km (14 miles), SongLi walked it in one complete effort in 5 hours. The path was documented in still photography, with a snapshot taken every ten steps (first person POV). The 3000+ images were then made into a 2 minute “Walkthrough of Dalian” movie.
The course is presented here for free as a guide for other interested travelers to follow: from ocean to mountain to historic colonial city to ocean.
We proud to offer mail and package services in cooperation with our partner, Dalian Express. This is a complete turnkey solution for the receipt, collection, and forwarding of any postal items.
In addition, we can provide its private and secure language services in Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and English for all your international correspondences.
Please contact us to find out how your business can have a permanent mailing address in Dalian for a low monthly fee.
Everyday Dalian: Life in Modern Manchuria. A former colony briefly founded by Russia but later developed over two generations by Japan, Dalian has always been a strategic hub for control of Northeast China. SongLi’s photography collection about the city and its population has won multiple international awards. Each image captures the richness and color of the modern-day Manchurian metropolis, documenting its transition over six years.
The “slice of life” presentation, a hallmark style of SongLi, offers a new depth to the environments and people living in this historic port. These pictures also present an original artistic and realistic view of a community shaped by the turbulent legacy of its foreign occupation, and the aftermath of the bitter Chinese Civil War, to emerge as one of the leading cities in the country.
This book also comes with a foreword by Phil Borges. The humanitarian photographer is famous for his signature black and white portraits with hand tinted skin tones of endangered cultures around the world.
The World Economic Forum (based in Geneva, Switzerland), is using the DiscoverDalian.com website as its official introduction and guide for Dalian. The city will be the first host location in China and outside of Davos. The “Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions” is from 6-8 September 2007. Photography by SongLi will also be utilized by international members attending this global conference.
The Historical Society of Dalian provides an open forum where resident and foreign historians can exchange information and contribute to the public record. The HSD promotes a scholarly view of history that enriches public understanding. The Society hosts an annual conference and quarterly seminars.
Walk around the streets or ride the vintage electric trolleys, while exploring this virtual world as an avatar – your digital self. Journey back in history to Russian or Japanese areas, or visit the modern locations that have transformed this vital seaport into a center for technology development.
Full scale construction of the city is currently underway, with extensive time spent on ensuring accurate and historic architectural details. Until completed, visitors are welcome to enter the finished locations, which function as 3D museums. Virtual travel guides, maps, brochures, and other digital gifts are also offered free to the public.
Just as Dalian is a historic venue in Real Life, Virtual Dalian is becoming an equally famous landmark in the Metaverse. The Virtual Dalian project was created exclusively by SongLi. The 3D experience provides another way to introduce the city to the world, for people unable to visit in person. Login to Second Life from your computer and enter a simulation of Dalian, all from the comfort of home.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Hero Memorial Park
- Statue Park of Heros
- Martyr Mountain (Light Climb)
- Starburst (Blood Drip) Sculpture
- Cemetery of Fallen Heros
- White Cloud Mountain (Moderate Climb)
- People’s Square View
- Everlasting Love Square
- Pledge Square
- China Netcom View
- Bird’s Nest Scenic Spot View
- Yaowoling Pagoda Peak Climb
- Yaowoling Cliff View
- Ocean Wall Decent and Climb (Vigorous Climb)
Tour Information:
This is the perfect tour for nature lovers, and a chance to see Dalian’s scenic beauty up close. By far the most physically challenging tour offered by Discover Dalian, visitors will have an athletic day of climbing from mountain top to coastal sea side. The geographic splendor of Dalian offers these wonderful panoramic views. There is no better way than to view them than on foot, and perhaps no other way to get to these special vantage points. Although these hikes and descents follow private paths and require no special equipment, visitors should be in good physical condition to take this tour.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Field of Buddha Statues
- Largest Bronze Buddha Statue in China
- Daheishi Museum
- Daheishi Temple
- Daheishi Shrine
Tour Information:
Located in the countryside town outside of Metro Dalian, Daheishi is famous for its hundreds of white Buddha statues. The coastal resort town is an out of the way spot for the average foreign traveler, but well worth the trip to make a connection among this field of amazing spiritual sentinels. Plus, visitors will have an opportunity to see life in rural Dalian, which is not like stepping back in time but a contrast to the bustling city life. Even at the heart of a resort community, it is a chance to see a simpler side of China and its strong Buddhist influences.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Songshan Buddhist Temple
- Labor Park
- Green Mountain Cable Car Ride
- Green Mountain View
- Dalian TV Tower View
- People’s Square
- Dalian TV Station Area Antique Mall
- Hua Temple and Shrines
- Sun Yat-Sen Park
- Zhongshan Park Pavilion
Tour Information:
Whereas the Historic Tour takes visitors through Dalian’s past, the Cultural Tour is a path to the city’s present. While still rooted on its colonial foundations, Central Dalian has developed its own identity. Visitors will experience a mix of culture and tradition as they see the different sides of this coastal metropolis. It is the perfect blend of viewing grand scenic wonder to being up close and personal with bustling daily life.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Russian Cemetary
- Height 203 (Erling Mountain Climb)
- Lushun Jade Museum
- World Peace Park
- Foreigner Forbidden Drive Thru
- Hengshan Buddha Shrine
- Hengshan Temple
- Longwangtang Park
- Longwangtang Dam
Tour Information:
The Lushun District (known as Dalian’s Forbidden City) is one of the most historic areas in Northeast China. A naval port under two colonial powers, the area was also where Japan destroyed the Russian Fleet at anchor, beginning the Russo-Japanese War, in a pre-Pearl Harbor tactic. Complete with fortifications from the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Czarist Russia, and Imperial Japan, the location is a time capsule of China’s struggle against foreign powers.
It is also for this reason, that foreigners are forbidden to visit many of the more sensitive areas. Even with the restrictions, this unique Forbidden Tour offers visitors a chance to stand on the hallowed ground that decided the fate of Manchuria, and eventually expanded the Second Sino-Japanese War into a direct conflict with America – which formally began the Second World War.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Winter Park Ghost Child
- Cries from the Bridge
- Merchant Lost at Sea
- Mysterious Railway Accident
- British Criminal Punishment
- War Sorrow
- Russian Fire
- Prostitute Suicide
- Thin Ice Tragedy
- Bath Drowning
- Haunted Hospital by German
- Coolie Graveyard
- Shinto Shrine Ghost
- Buried Treasure in Graveyard
Tour Information: The city of Dalian has always had secrets. Its colonization and occupation brought external cultures and languages to the area. British, Russian, and Japanese dominated the region for nearly a century (1854-1955). Yet supernatural tales have survived here for a century. This information was collected from oral sources, and lacks written documentation. No claims are made to the validity or authenticity of any story. It is presented here for entertainment purposes only.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Golf
- Dalian Shide Soccer Camp (*)
- (*) Off-season features when Soccer Camp is closed:
- Golden Pebble Beach
- Famous Rock Spot
- Zhenzhu Zodiac Square
Tour Information:
A short ride by light rail to Dalian’s new Economic Development Zone, will whisk visitors to the famous Dalian Golden Pebble Beach National Resort. Named for its signature feature, the area offers one of the best golf courses in China. Of particular note is the 7th hole, called “Devil’s Path” because to reach the next hole players must clear a large expanse of open sea with their drive.
As the first National Resort in China, it has long been an obvious destination for foreign business executives and the political elite in Beijing. This tour is offered for any golf enthusiast. What better bragging trophy than to say you played 18 holes on a coastal green in China? And with the training camp of the number one ranked soccer team in China nearby, this tour is perfect for sports fans.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Peking Opera House (former Japanese Temple)
- Old Japan Colonial Era House Walk
- Original Dairen Hospital
- Zhongshan Square Historic Buildings
- Former South Manchuria Railway Headquarters
- Dalian World Trade Center View of City
- Old Post Office Building
- Russian Street Shops
- Russian Historic Museum
- Original Russian Capital Building of Dalny
- Old Russian House Walk
- Old South Manchuria Railway Pier Office
- Original Port of Dalian
Tour Information:
By far the most popular if hidden attractions in Dalian, the Historic Tour takes visitors back in time to the city’s foundation. First colonized by Russia, then ruled by Japan for nearly half a century, Dalian has many treasured architectures from its colonial era. While the majority of the common structures have been torn down as the city modernizes, preserved links to its historic past still remain.
This all day walking tour showcases a time when Colonial Dalian was an economic and political center for Manchuria (Northeast China). The city’s signature vintage structures give a testimony of how the city evolved in the late 19th Century. It is not a complete stroll back in time, but very close to it.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Chinese Martial Arts Center
- Golden Pebble Beach
- Famous Rock Spot
- Mao Pin Museum
- Wax Museum
- Zhenzhu Zodiac Square
- Kaifaqu Shops
Tour Information:
A short ride by light rail to Dalian’s new Economic Development Zone, will deliver visitors to an important cultural center in Dalian. From Martial Arts, to wax panorama scenes of Chinese life, to relics of the Red Guard. This tour offers a diverse look at Chinese culture in Dalian, appealing to fans of Kung Fu and sociologists alike.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Binhai Street Ocean Drive
- Water Buddha Shrine
- Shell Museum
- Xinghai Square Zodiac Marker
- Modern Museum
- Trolley Ride
- Sun Asia Ocean World (option 1)
- Natural History Musuem (option 2)
- Xinghai Ocean Park
- Heizhou Street Shopping
Tour Information:
All of Dalian’s world-class museums are combined for this tour. Take a step back in time to the city’s colonial past, or marvel at the wonders of local sea life. Centered around the largest square in China, Xinghai (Star Ocean) Square is another main attraction of the city. Even though this tour has a slower pace, it continues to offer a diversity of experiences for the curious visitor.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Fujiazhuang Scenic Spot
- Yanwoling (Bird’s Nest) Scenic Spot
- Beida Bridge View
- Bungie Jump (Optional)
- Tiger Park Sculptures
- Tiger Beach View
- Laohutan Bird Sanctuary
- Laohutan Naval Ship
- Hutan Ocean Amusement Park
- Scenic Costal Drive
- Ryhme of the Sea Square
Tour Information:
Dalian’s famous coast is home to many scenic locations and attractions. Visitors can spend their day moving from one breath-taking view to the next, with added amusement along the way. This scenic tour requires no athletic stamina, just an appreciation for Nature’s beauty.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Olympic Square Electronics
- Train Station Antique Mart
- Train Station Wholesale Market
- New Mart / Itokin
- Shengli Underground Shops
- Tibetian and Buddhist Crafts
- Shangrila Antiques
- Xinhua Book Store
- Erqi Square Discount Shops
Tour Information:
With such close proximity to Japan and Korea, Dalian is the perfect shopping hub. If it can be bought, it can be found here. From electronics to Manchurian relics, the city has numerous specialty markets. The challenge for most visitors is find the right place to find what they want to buy, and to negotiate a fair price. This escorted Shopping Tour will keep visitors from being cheated, and covers a vast range of product offerings that will appeal to even the most diehard of shoppers. Remember to bring an empty steamer trunk to carry back everything you buy.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Dahei Mountain Village
- Daheishan Scenic Climb
- Shigu Temple
- Dahei Mountain Top Shrines
- Dianjiang Tower Panoramic View
- Chaoyang Temple
- Xiangshui Temple
- Yaoqin Cave
Tour Information:
No visit to China is complete without a mountain climb to a spiritual temple. While Dalian is not home to the legendary fighting monks of Southwestern China, it does boast several highly enlightened locations. Dahei Mountain, with the temples at its summit and base, are among the most treasured sights in the Provence. The national park is a required visit for spiritual pilgrims.
After a light rail ride to the Dalian Economic Zone, Dahei Mountain only is a short ride from the commerce district but literally worlds away. Visitors should be prepared for a physically active day. While the mountain path is clearly step with carved stone steps, some spots are quite challenging. For example, near the top is an almost 70 degree row of 200 steps. But enduring the ascent is part of the spiritual cleansing process, as visitors arrive at the temple gates in a state of inner peace.
Tour Length: one (1) day Tour Features:
- Lianhua Mountain Temple
- (formerly the Dalian Jade Museum)
- Dalian Forrest Zoo
- Zoo Mountain Skylift
- Zoo Mountain Observation
- Xinghai Bay View
- Dalian Wildlife Safari Zoo
- Dalian Botanical Gardens
- Afternoon Tea
- Xinghai Bay Shops
Tour Information:
The mountains here are hailed as containing the strongest source of spiritual energy in Northeast China, and an obvious spot for an honored worship. So from this perspective, building the area into a Zoo is not the most logical step. However, the Zoo certainly benefits from the scenic vantage and is one of the city’s favorite tourist spots for locals and visitors alike. Recently, a Jade Museum Temple complex was added in a non-religious attempt to establish a spiritual site at this special location.
The original English source about Dalian since 2002. You have a friend in Northeast China.™
Discover Dalian is a personalized tour and photographic service in English that introduces foreign visitors to every aspect of history and culture for this dynamic coastal city in Northeast China.
Originally established by Russia, then later occupied by Japan, Dalian has a long history as an international sea port supporting commerce and tourism from Japan, Korea, and other traditional Asian regions for over a century. However, in recent years there has been a gap in services for visitors from native English-speaking countries.
Discover Dalian was created to fill this need.
Fast Fact: Dalian is the center of foreign trade in Liaoning Province as well as the second largest international commercial harbor in China. It is one of those rare cities that has the look of a major metropolitan hub, but the mindset of an island resort. With a mountainous panoramic beauty encircled by beaches and host to year-round festivals, the many attractions of Dalian are all just a few minutes from historic downtown.
“When you visit a new town, you call a friend living there to help show you around. This was my idea and philosophy for Discover Dalian, and my goal is to be a friend you can count on in this foreign land.” – SongLi
The Discover Dalian tour collection is a revolutionary idea, offering in-depth attention and photographic services without equal from Dalian’s resident foreign expert and celebrity, SongLi. His fame as the first foreigner to host the evening television news in Northeast China from 2004, and the popularity of his detailed historical novel “Blue Sky Red Tears” which was set during Dalian’s colonial era, has brought a great deal of attention and renewed interest in the city and its role in Manchurian history.
His iconic and groundbreaking 2008 photography book “Everyday Dalian” became a hallmark representation of the city and its population, an intimate cultural look complied over six years. His 2009 photography book “Dalian Ghost Stories” remains the first and only historical documentation of supernatural events and sightings in Dalian from 1858 to 1958.
“My service is personal, catering to the needs of my clients. That is why I do not offer tours to groups larger than four people. You will see the real side of Dalian, and I will document your adventure at every step.” – SongLi
Having lived and worked in Dalian for several years, and from the extensive research needed to write his novel, SongLi has a deep affection for his adopted city. This passion can be seen in his many public and private efforts to internationally promote China’s most livable city. SongLi is also a Consular Warden for the U.S. Consulate General (Shenyang), and is responsible for contacting American citizens in the case of an emergency.
The Dalian Municipal Government recognized his personal work when they commissioned him in 2005 as the official English voice to present the city to the WTO (World Trade Organization) meeting held in Dalian, one of China’s most treasured cities. The Geneva, Switzerland based World Economic Forum also used the DiscoverDalian.com site as its official introduction and guide for the city. Dalian hosted the “Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions” from 6-8 September 2007.
DiscoverDalian.com, SongLi, and the Dalian Coast-To-Coast Trek were also featured in a series of special TV broadcasts on China’s International Network CCTV4 and the Liaoning Province Network LTV on July 19th and 20th, 2008. This adventure is featured in the 2010 SongLi photobook “A Walk Across Dalian” which uses images from his journey to share a unique perspective of the city.
“Dalian is growing at an unbelievable rate, and I witness it daily. I am outside all the time, regardless of season or weather, exploring the city on foot to record its history and on-going development. As an artist and photographer, I like to take the paths less traveled and talk with real people. I want them to understand that I am not just passing through, but belong here.” – SongLi
It is from this special perspective, using SongLi’s own personal experiences, that Discover Dalian can offer its tailored and unique tours. It is also why Discover Dalian only uses the private photography of SongLi to show featured tour locations. Other than historical images taken decades ago, no pictures seen here have been taken from any other public or governmental source.
