Dalian Squares & Bathing Places
Zhongshan Square
Also called 'Nicholas Square', it was originally built in the Russian colonial period. This round square is typical of the blending of western styles of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance with a variety of old European style buildings surrounding an elegant marble circle terrace. Today, government financial institutions are housed in those old buildings and the square becomes a weekend leisure place for local people. At night it is colorfully illuminated.
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to Zhongshan Square; or bus 7, 15, 16, 19, 23, 30, 40, 403, 405, 409, 506, 515, 517, 532, 533, 534, 701, 703, 707 or 708 to Zhongshan Guangchang (Zhongshan Square).
Suggested visiting time: Half an hour
Renmin Square
This is a more dynamic place with a charming music fountain in the south. Opposite the beautiful fountain are the municipal government institutions including the public security bureau, municipal court and procurator's office.
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to People's Square directly; or bus 11, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, 43, 303, 405, 406, 409, 505, 515, 517, 531, 532, 533, 534, 701, or 702 to Renmin Guangchang (Renmin Square).
Suggested visiting time: Half an hour
Youhao Square
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to Friendship Square directly; or bus 15, 16, 19, 23, 30, 405, 409, 531, 534, 701, 702, 708, 710 or 901 to Youhao Guangchang (Youhao Square).
Olympic Square
Comprised of five round squares, it was a 100 year anniversary gift project built in 1999 by the Dalian government. On the northern part of the square is the five-ring Olympic symbol and on the southern part are twelve tennis courts and a football ground. On its eastern and western flanks are music fountains, resembling a pair of hands holding the five rings. Wal-Mart has a shopping center under the square.
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to People's Square and leave from Exit A, you will see the square; or bus 4, 12, 15, 16, 22, 23, 32, 48, 406, 410, 520, 522, 531, 533, 701, 901, or 935 to Aolin Pike Guangchang (Olympic Square).
Suggested visiting time: Half an hour
Shengli (Victory) Square
It is said Dalian was the drawing room of northern China and Shengli (Victory) Square is that of Dalian. Located in front of Dalian Railway Station, it is surrounded by numerous shopping centers and department stores. The Romanesque area sunk down in its middle is a venue for dazzling commercial promotions and art performances.
Getting there: After arriving Youhao Square, walk west for 3 minutes to Shenli Square.
Haizhiyun (Melody of Sea) Square
With a group of artistic sculptures resembling soaring seagulls and a flying dragon, it is the entrance to the northeastern section of Binhai Lu, the most scenic coastal area of the city. A man-made waterfall is built in its middle with various totem sculptures that present the harmony of human and nature.
Admission: Free
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to Haizhiyun; or bus 13 to Haizhiyun, bus 201, 529, or 536 to Haizhiyun Gongyuan.
Suggested visiting time: two hours
Opening hours: Mar. - Nov.: 7:30 - 17:00; Dec. - Feb. next year: 8:30 - 16:30
As a coastal city at the tip of Liaodong Peninsular, Dalian has rich beach resources. The bathing places along the city's coastline are good choices for a beach resort holiday and paradises for water sports lovers.
Dalian borders the Yellow Sea to the south and Bohai Sea to the west and has a coastal line of nearly 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles). The southern seashore areas bordering the Yellow Sea are typically hilly with ragged cliffs and rugged hills. The famous Fujiazhuang, Bangchuidao and Jianshitan bathing places in this region feature relatively lower water temperatures, steep slopes and big waves.
The western coastal line of the city in Baohai Sea has plain seashores with smooth banks, and calm waters. The bathing places in this region are more suitable for beginners and children. A well known bathing place is at Xiajia Hezi.
Xinghai Park Bathing Place
Located in Xinghai Park, this is one of the four best bathing places in Dalian with all necessary amenities.
Getting there: Bus 22, 23, 28, 49, 406, 528 or 901 to Xinghai Yuchang.
Admission: free
Fujiazhuang Park Bathing Place
This bathing center is famous for its soft sand and limpid waters.
Getting there: Bus 5, 47, 92, 501, 541, 702, or Round Tourist Bus to Fujiazhuang.
Admission:free.
Bangchuidao Bathing Place
With scenic woods and ragged cliffs, the bathing area in Bangchuidao Scenic Area is a better choice for nature lovers.
Getting there: Bus 90 or Round Tourist Bus to Bangchuidao.
The Entrance Ticket of Bangchuidao Scenic Area: 20 yuan
Jinshatan Bathing Center
Located in the western section of Binhai Road, the bathing center is near Fujiazhuang Bathing Place. They have water-circling programs.
Getting there: Bus 1201 or 1202 to Xiajizhe Yuchang.
Admission: 2 yuan
Xiajia Hezi Bathing Place
Sixteen kilometers (9.9 miles) away from the city center, this bathing place features with mild waves and soft beaches. The waters are not very deep and suitable for learners.
Getting there: Take mini-bus from the Railway Station
Admission: free