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.

The beach is no longer there.

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.

ASIN: B00361EO3Y @ amazon.com

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.

ISBN: 1442114088 @amazon.com

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.

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.

http://www.discoverdalian.com/itour

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.

View Larger Trek Map | Download Google Map Placemark Set

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 Price (USD): $199.00

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 Price (USD): $299.00

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 Price (USD): $199.00