Dalian Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Dalian, Liaoning, China)

One of China's most modern and successful cities, Dalian stands atop the Liodong Peninsula, where it overlooks the Yellow Sea. Life in Dalian is both busy and relaxed, with a high proportion of the overall population known for enjoying their leisure pursuits and shopping.

Surrounding Dalian is a number of superb beaches, which are always popular with visiting tourists. Home to the biggest harbour in north-eastern China, Dalian also boats a prominent football club, various leading banks, a comprehensive covering of bus routes, and a relatively nearby airport, some 25 km / 16 miles to the south. Here are practical travel tips about life in Dalian.

Useful Contact Information

Those looking for access to the web will find a good selection of Internet cafes around Zhongshan Square and Friendship Square.

For tourist information and assistance with airline and train tickets, the China International Travel Service outlet on the western side of Labour Park is worth visiting.

Post and Telephone Office
Address: Yóujú, 134 Changjiang Lu, Dalian, China, CN
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00

Travel Agencies
Address: China International Travel Service (CITS), Zhongguó Guóji Luxingshè, 1 Changtong Jie, West of Labour Park, Dalian, China, CN
Tel: +86 411 8368 7843
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 17:30

Bank of China
Address: Zhongguó, Yinháng, Zhongshan Square, Dalian, China, CN
Tel: +86 411 8280 5711
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 19:00

HSBC ATM (Cashpoint)
Address: corner of Zhigong Jie and Renmin Lu, Dalian, China, CN
Accepts: Cirrus, MasterCard, Plus and all Visa cards

Language and Dialect

As with the whole of the People's Republic of China, Chinese is the main language of the land, also going by the names of 'Mandarin' and 'Putonghua'. A good way to make contact with the locals is by learning a few basic questions and phrases, which will undoubtedly enhance your stay in Dalian. The Chinese language is considerably simpler that English, although sentences are structured in the same way - subject / verb / object.

Hello - Ni hao
I'd like a double room - Wo xiang yao yijian shuangrenfang
May I see the room? - Wo neng kankan fangjian ma?
How much is it? - duoshao qian

Passport and Visa Information

A valid visa will be necessary with visiting the People's Republic of China and can be obtained from a number of different sources, namely the Chinese Embassy, your local Consulate or even some travel agencies. All visa applications will need at least one photograph and will take around five days, or a matter of weeks when applied for by post. The Dalian Public Security Bureau (PSB) will be able to assist you with any problems or questions you may have regarding your visa or passport:

Public Security Bureau (PSB)
Address: Gonganjú, 16 Yan'an Lu, Dalian, China, CN
Tel: +86 411 8363 2718
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 16:30

Drinking Tap Water

Tap water in Dalian can cause bouts of diarrhoea, sickness and other rather unpleasant symptoms, so must always be avoided. Instead, either purify the tap water by boiling, use iodine tablets or filters, or stick to bottled water, which can easily be purchased around the city centre. Bottled water is generally safe to drink, provided that the seal is intact and has not been tampered with or previously opened.