Dalian is a breezy seaside city on the tip of the Liaodong Peninsula in northeast China — a port of palm-lined squares, sandy beaches and grand colonial-era architecture, wrapped around a dramatic rocky coastline. Cleaner, greener and more relaxed than many Chinese megacities, blessed with cool sea air and famous for its seafood, it has long been one of the country's most liveable and pleasant places to call home.
Dalian has a temperate, sea-moderated climate, with warm, comfortable summers (a welcome escape from China's inland heat), crisp, cold winters and fresh, breezy springs and autumns. It is home to a well-established international community, with English used in its universities and international schools. Mandarin is the language of daily life, but a relaxed coastal pace, a low cost of living, vintage trams and a modern metro make it an easy and enjoyable city to settle into.
Location Info
- Relaxed, clean coastal city with beaches, sea air and an established expat scene
- Very safe, with low street crime even late at night
- Vintage trams and a modern metro, plus cheap taxis and ride-hailing
Top Experiences
Xinghai Square
Stretch out on the largest city square in Asia, a vast seafront plaza ringed by beaches, fairground rides and a buzzing boardwalk — the heart of Dalian's open-air, sea-breeze lifestyle.
Binhai Road & the Coast
Walk, cycle or drive the spectacular coastal road that hugs the cliffs and coves around the peninsula, with viewpoints, beaches and the Fujiazhuang swimming spot along the way.
Zhongshan Square
Admire the grand Russian and Japanese-era buildings circling this elegant roundabout, a reminder of Dalian's layered history and the prettiest spot in town for an evening stroll.
Tiger Beach Ocean Park
A sprawling seaside park and aquarium complex with belugas, polar bears, a coral hall and clifftop walks — a favourite family day out on the eastern shore.
The Vintage Trams
Hop aboard one of the century-old trams still trundling through the city centre — a charming, dirt-cheap way to soak up old Dalian on rails.
Bangchui Island & Seafood
Take in the lighthouse and sea views at this scenic headland, then feast on Dalian's renowned seafood — sea cucumber, abalone, clams and the freshest fish in the northeast.
Getting Around
Dalian is compact, scenic and a pleasure to get around. Beyond the cheap, modern metro and light rail, the city is famous for its century-old trams that still rattle through the centre for a yuan or two. Buses cover everywhere, Didi (China's ride-hailing app) and metered taxis are inexpensive, and shared bikes sit on every corner. Almost everything is paid for by phone with WeChat Pay or Alipay, so it's worth setting these up soon after you arrive.
When to Go
Late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are the finest seasons — warm, clear and breezy, perfect for the beaches and the coast road. Summers stay pleasantly mild thanks to the sea, drawing crowds of holidaymakers, while winters are cold, dry and windy, so pack a proper coat.
Good to Know
- The Chinese yuan (CNY/RMB) is the currency, and Dalian is very affordable to live in.
- Mandarin is the official language and everyday English is limited, so a translation app is invaluable.
- Almost all payments are by phone — set up WeChat Pay or Alipay early.
- A VPN is needed for many Western sites and apps, so arrange one before you arrive.
- Dalian is extremely safe, with very low rates of street crime.
- The whole country runs on China Standard Time (GMT+8).
