Dalian is a contrasting city where one can witness a perfect balance between the old and the new, modern and the rural. From the busy downtown and beautiful mountains to buzzing public squares and serene beaches, Dalian provides travelers with a comprehensive list of attractions and sights worth exploring.

Russian Street:This exotic street, epitomizing 19th century Russia, can be explored wither on foot or a jingling carriage. Numerous supermarkets and antique stores selling European goods are thronged by both domestic and international travelers. Other attractions of the Russian Street include Russian acrobats, ballet performers and world class restaurants serving international cuisine.

Victory Square:One of the city`s most prominent landmarks, the `Shengli Square` is located in the heart of Dalian`s business district. The two gigantic towers here host fashion boutiques, departmental stores, restaurants and pubs that are forever jammed with travelers.

Xinghai Park:Largest park in the city, the Xinghai Park is spread over 45,000 square meters of area. Located near a beach, the park is adorned with Chinese vessels and features a beautiful marble statue and colorful flowers.

Sun Asia Ocean World:Get up, close and personal with the exotic sea life at the Sun Asia Ocean World. Displaying more than 200 species of fishes, the ocean world features the largest underwater tunnel system in Asia.

`Known as China`s `Hong Kong of the North`, Dalian has been undergoing serious expansion in the field of hotels and other tourism related industries. The majority of accommodation in the city falls under the four or five star range, but several cheap options are also readily available for the budget conscious travelers.

Zhongshan:Conveniently located and opulently decorated, the Furama Hotel is one of the best five star hotels in the region. An indoor golf drive and five restaurants draw dignitaries and celebrities from all around the country and the world. Located close to downtown`s shopping districts, the Swissotel Hotel is another prime luxury option. Equally popular are other five star hotels like Hotel Nikko Dalian, Dalian Hotel and Harbor View Hotel.

Xigang:Travelers who love the sea prefer to stay in numerous high ranking hotels in the Xigang area. Some of the hotels in the area that are worth checking out for their location, professional service and comfort include the Sea Horizon Hotel, Xiuyue Hotel, Wanda International Hotel and the Sunshine Hotel.

A valid passport is required by all nationals intending to visit Dalian, China. Dual nationality is not recognized by China and HIV positive travelers are not permitted inside the country.

A visa is required by all nationals traveling to destinations in China, except:

• Nationals of UK traveling to Hong Kong for stays of not more than 180 days.
• US nationals traveling to Macao for stays of up to 30 days; nationals of UK traveling to Macao for stays of up to 6 months. Australian, Canadian and nationals of other EU nations traveling to Macao for stays of up to 90 days.
• Transit passengers who do not leave the airport.

Dalian is best visited during spring time when it`s no longer cold and cherries begin to blossom on trees. With a cooler climate and less humidity, autumn too is a great season to visit Dalian.

Being a major seaport in northeast China, Dalian enjoys a humid continental climate that is characterized by humid summers and dry winters. Owing to its position on the Liaodong Peninsula, the city experiences a one-month seasonal lag. The average annual temperature in the city hovers between 3.9°C in January to 24.1°C in August. The average annual precipitation in the city is about 602 millimeters with most of it falling during the summer months

Currency:Chinese Yuan is the unit of currency used in Dalian. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks, airport and all major luxury hotels. Credit and debit cards have only lately come to be accepted at very large and expensive stores and hotels. Do carry along cash when visiting city attractions or going for shopping. Most banks in the city have ATMs and have also started accepting foreign debit and credit cards.

Language:The primary language of Dalian is Mandarin and a majority of natives speak and understand the standard version of the dialect. Most Dalianese still do not understand much of English. However, it is quite commonly spoken amongst business circles and the hospitality industry that hosts foreign nationals.