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.

While it is a well known fact that a key battle in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 took place in Dalian, the city was spared any direct military action in the later Second World War. The city was defended by a ring of mountain fortresses against an amphibious invasion that never came. Yet Dalian, known as Dairen at the time, earned the distinction as a site of Allied bombing in the closing days of the war. This obscure and forgotten historical footnote has not been recorded in any book about Dalian but there are clear eyewitness accounts of the event.

“One day, the American bomb hit the downtown office building and half of it collapsed.” from the memoir Dalny by Tatiana Erohina.

On 26 September 1944, a squadron of American B-29s from the 40th Bombardment Group flew to Anshan, China on a mission to destroy the strategic industry of Showa steel works. Due to technical complications, two bombers were unable to follow the main group and instead headed for the secondary target of Dairen. A series of weather and mechanical problems would deliver an amazing and successful result, best summarized in the words of the men who actually participated in the action.

“I remember the mission against Anshan when we bombed the alternate target at Dairen. That mission was one of the things that helped to make Frank McKinney something of a legend as a bombardier.” Robert L. Hall, Central Fire Control Gunner.

“As I remember the Anshan/Dairen mission, we lost our formation near Anshan, and had to go to the secondary target at Dairen, Manchuria… At the last moment, the bombardier said he saw some buildings through a hole in the clouds, and that he would take over. I distinctly remember looking at a big, square building when the bombs made a direct hit on it.” John Z. Topolski, Radar Operator.

“I felt a great disappointment for not being able to bomb Anshan… As we approached the secondary target at Dairen, I had a sinking feeling that we would have to bomb by radar. Then we had another disappointment when our radar equipment malfunctioned and the radar operator couldn’t identify the target. I was frustrated, and even though we had to get rid of the bombs, I was determined to do something with them other than dropping them at random… We had no idea of the importance of this target to the Japanese… What a great satisfaction it was to me, luckily hitting the target and not having to just dump the bombs somewhere to get them off the plane.” Frank W. McKinney, Bombardier.

“A memo to my old China-based B-29 gang: Remember your two plane “accidental” raid on Dairen last September? Well chums, the Japanese are still rocking on their heels over that one. They think you must have done it with mirrors. Remember how the B-29’s raided the Anshan steel works that day, and how two Superforts dumped their bombs on the Dairen waterfront and warehouse all because they were unable to reach the Anshan targets so many miles farther north? Well, I found out when I landed here with 7th fleet units that the eight story head office building of the Anshan Steel Co., right in the heart of Dairen’s modern business district, was sliced off in that half pint raid and not a single adjacent building was hit. The Japanese are still going around talking to themselves. They think you did it on purpose but they can’t figure out how a B-29 could pick off that single Anshan company building in Dairen with such precision, while the main force wrecked the steel works so far away.” Accidental Raid Still Puzzles Dairen Japanese in Manchuria (1944) by John Grover

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

An iconic landmark of Xinghai Square since 2000, the Dalian Shell Museum was torn down in January 2010. It is scheduled to be rebuilt in a similar yet larger version of its European castle architecture. The location will then re-open as a hotel, projected in two years.

A Google Earth satellite map of the demolition zone has been created for public viewing. Images of the pre-demolition condition in May 2009 are presented as a comparison for the demolition state in January 2010.

Xinghai Square Shell Museum

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

China is a country of evolving cultural legacies and economic destinies. Weaved within this tapestry of modernization are the threads of Christianity and its fluctuating influence. One of the most unique examples of this Western religion takes place in a historic coastal city that has long been overshadowed.

The Chinese city of Dalian has gone by many names in the past one hundred years. Each title was in preference to the language used by the colonial society or occupation force that administrated the city, from Great Britain to Russia to Japan to the Soviet Union, and then finally native China. As a military port and commercial hub, Dalian was a strategic location in three foreign wars and the national civil war.

From its formal foundation in 1898, Dalian was a center for cultural exchanges. Its Christian community thrived for generations, with ties to Europe, America, and Japan. During the years of social turmoil within China, churches where closed and their congregations scattered. Yet that spiritual faith remained. These centers for worship have been restored and their congregations attract growing numbers of Chinese Christians. Dalian is also one of the few cities in China to have preserved Christian cemeteries for foreigners.

Most of these historical records and pictures have been lost, and what survives exists with little knowledge or attention. Therefore, this project will create a definitive reference source of materials that is both educational and personal.

kickstarter.com

Promotion for the photobook “A Dove From Dalian: The History of Christian Faith in the Former Capital of Manchuria” by SongLi. (Music © Torley Wong).

The city of Dalian has always held secrets. Its foreign colonization and occupation brought external cultures and languages to Northeast China. Great Britain, Russia, and Japan took turns dominating the region for nearly a century, influencing local folklore and religious superstitions. When the city was finally returned to native hands, China experienced numerous waves of political and social upheaval. These events made local ghost stories a taboo subject. This compilation is the first historic research of supernatural events and sightings in Dalian from 1858 to 1958. It also combines vintage colonial images with the modern photographic vision of SongLi.

ISBN: 1441472800 @ amazon.com

Promotion for the photobook “Dalian Ghost Stories: Based on True Events from the Qing Niwa, Dalny, Dairen, and Luda Periods of the City’s History” by SongLi. (ISBN: 978-1441472809) Music © Torley Wong.

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.

Homes in the Nanshan Street neighborhood had ranged in age from 80 to 100 years old. These colonial dwellings survived wars, a civil war, and social upheaval. In recent years they had remained immune to the frenzied modernization drive in China. However, by November 2008 this landmark and signature feature of Dalian’s past became another lost memory.

Nearly 20 acres of land, covering 80377m² is being erased and reformatted. Neither the demolition process nor the reconstruction efforts will be finished any time soon. Based on previous examples around the city, the site will not be habitable for perhaps four years. The stages of transition will be staggered, with many square blocks flattened for construction while gutted house shells remain standing in other sections.

Images of the pre-demolition condition (August and September 2008) are presented as a comparison for the initial demolition progress in January 2009.

Nanshan Road Demolition Map

One of the most well known but best kept historical secrets in Dalian is the Great Wall of Koguryŏ (Korea). Built in 631 AD when most of Manchuria and sections of Southern Russia were part of the Goguryeo Kingdom, these remains have been both celebrated and shrouded because of the historical interpretation of cultural ownership. The Jinzhou District of Dalian was once an ancient walled city with a history stretching back for centuries as the Tang and Sui Dynasties fought to expand their empire. Dalian was the last fortress along a defensive wall that stretched North for hundreds of kilometers. While the Bisa (Beisha) castle itself has been lost in time, portions of this Great Wall remain along the highest peaks of Dahei Mountain.

Note: Liaoning Province has two cities spelled Jinzhou in English. However, the Hanzi (Chinese characters) are not the same.

Jinzhou 锦州 is an ancient city in Western Liaoning.
Jinzhou 金州 is a historic district of Dalian city.

Jinzhou (Dalian) Historical Timeline

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

100 Years of History in Images and Geography. Nearly 200 historic landmarks, covered by 800 photos from 1908 to 2008.

The roadway structure of Dalian remains the basic framework that defined the city since its foundation one hundred years ago. While most of the original city buildings have been replaced over decades of modernization, many of the colonial landmark sites yet remain.

This digital map was compiled exclusively by SongLi from extensive research over several years, and remains an ongoing historical preservation project. Original Japanese geographic surveys and picture postcards have been translated and matched with current Chinese maps, satellite images, and SongLi’s own personal photography.

This combination of visual historical records and modern geographical references is the first of its kind created for Dalian. Its presentation in Japanese, Mandarin, and English is the most extensive and complete interactive historical study made for public use.

While much of this data is public record, this collection and its images remain the exclusive creative property of SongLi and may not be copied without permission.

Historical Map and Photo Index

On September 4th, 2008 the city of Dalian hosted the Parlympic torch relay. One of only a handful of “ancient” and “modern” cities in China to hold this honor, the route followed the original design of the Olympic torch relay. That had been planned to run along the Binhai coastal road was but later relocated.

This digital map features all 70 relay points, and the official Paralympic relay route path. It also shows the parallel course ran by SongLi as he followed the trek. It was an uphill run for nearly 3 km in the late summer heat, and he was able to document over half the run up-close and personal. Flame icons on the map with a yellow border indicate a snapshot SongLi took of that relay point during the course.

Paralympic Torch Relay Route Map for Dalian

The Taiwan cinema came to Dalian for production of the film: 《爱在日月潭》Love In The Sun Moon Lake (Ai Zai Ri Yue Tan).

It is a romantic drama, about two lovers who are separated by the invisible barrier between Taiwan and the Mainland. The plot background is similar to a famous Korean story. Various locations in Dalian were used, including some of the vintage Colonial areas needed to depict scenes meant to take place in Europe.

Behind-the-scenes production stills can be found on the discoverdalian.com website.

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

Promotion for the photobook “Everyday Dalian: Life In Modern Manchuria” by SongLi with foreword by Phil Borges. (Music © Torley Wong).

We proud to offer mail and package services in cooperation with our partner, Dalian Express. This is a complete turnkey solution for the receipt, collection, and forwarding of any postal items.

In addition, we can provide its private and secure language services in Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and English for all your international correspondences.

Please contact us to find out how your business can have a permanent mailing address in Dalian for a low monthly fee.

Dalian Express: Mailbox and Mail Forwarding Service from China

Everyday Dalian: Life in Modern Manchuria. A former colony briefly founded by Russia but later developed over two generations by Japan, Dalian has always been a strategic hub for control of Northeast China. SongLi’s photography collection about the city and its population has won multiple international awards. Each image captures the richness and color of the modern-day Manchurian metropolis, documenting its transition over six years.

The “slice of life” presentation, a hallmark style of SongLi, offers a new depth to the environments and people living in this historic port. These pictures also present an original artistic and realistic view of a community shaped by the turbulent legacy of its foreign occupation, and the aftermath of the bitter Chinese Civil War, to emerge as one of the leading cities in the country.

This book also comes with a foreword by Phil Borges. The humanitarian photographer is famous for his signature black and white portraits with hand tinted skin tones of endangered cultures around the world.

ISBN: 0-9763168-5-4 @ www.amazon.com / Pages: 264 / Photos: 252

The World Economic Forum (based in Geneva, Switzerland), is using the DiscoverDalian.com website as its official introduction and guide for Dalian. The city will be the first host location in China and outside of Davos. The “Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions” is from 6-8 September 2007. Photography by SongLi will also be utilized by international members attending this global conference.

The Historical Society of Dalian provides an open forum where resident and foreign historians can exchange information and contribute to the public record. The HSD promotes a scholarly view of history that enriches public understanding. The Society hosts an annual conference and quarterly seminars.

Walk around the streets or ride the vintage electric trolleys, while exploring this virtual world as an avatar – your digital self. Journey back in history to Russian or Japanese areas, or visit the modern locations that have transformed this vital seaport into a center for technology development.

Full scale construction of the city is currently underway, with extensive time spent on ensuring accurate and historic architectural details. Until completed, visitors are welcome to enter the finished locations, which function as 3D museums. Virtual travel guides, maps, brochures, and other digital gifts are also offered free to the public.

Just as Dalian is a historic venue in Real Life, Virtual Dalian is becoming an equally famous landmark in the Metaverse. The Virtual Dalian project was created exclusively by SongLi. The 3D experience provides another way to introduce the city to the world, for people unable to visit in person. Login to Second Life from your computer and enter a simulation of Dalian, all from the comfort of home.

Login: Virtual Dalian in Metaplace
Placemark: secondlife://Dalian/80/8/80
Maplink: Virtual Dalian in Second Life

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 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 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

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Russian Cemetary
- Height 203 (Erling Mountain Climb)
- Lushun Jade Museum
- World Peace Park
- Foreigner Forbidden Drive Thru
- Hengshan Buddha Shrine
- Hengshan Temple
- Longwangtang Park
- Longwangtang Dam

Tour Information:
The Lushun District (known as Dalian’s Forbidden City) is one of the most historic areas in Northeast China. A naval port under two colonial powers, the area was also where Japan destroyed the Russian Fleet at anchor, beginning the Russo-Japanese War, in a pre-Pearl Harbor tactic. Complete with fortifications from the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Czarist Russia, and Imperial Japan, the location is a time capsule of China’s struggle against foreign powers.

It is also for this reason, that foreigners are forbidden to visit many of the more sensitive areas. Even with the restrictions, this unique Forbidden Tour offers visitors a chance to stand on the hallowed ground that decided the fate of Manchuria, and eventually expanded the Second Sino-Japanese War into a direct conflict with America – which formally began the Second World War.

Tour Price (USD): $299.00

Tour Information:
The city of Dalian has always had secrets. Its colonization and occupation brought external cultures and languages to the area. British, Russian, and Japanese dominated the region for nearly a century (1854-1955). Yet supernatural tales have survived here for a century. This information was collected from oral sources, and lacks written documentation. No claims are made to the validity or authenticity of any story. It is presented here for entertainment purposes only.

Tour Price (USD): $199.00

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Golf
- Dalian Shide Soccer Camp (*)

- (*) Off-season features when Soccer Camp is closed:
- Golden Pebble Beach
- Famous Rock Spot
- Zhenzhu Zodiac Square

Tour Information:
A short ride by light rail to Dalian’s new Economic Development Zone, will whisk visitors to the famous Dalian Golden Pebble Beach National Resort. Named for its signature feature, the area offers one of the best golf courses in China. Of particular note is the 7th hole, called “Devil’s Path” because to reach the next hole players must clear a large expanse of open sea with their drive.

As the first National Resort in China, it has long been an obvious destination for foreign business executives and the political elite in Beijing. This tour is offered for any golf enthusiast. What better bragging trophy than to say you played 18 holes on a coastal green in China? And with the training camp of the number one ranked soccer team in China nearby, this tour is perfect for sports fans.

Tour Price (USD): $299.00

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Peking Opera House (former Japanese Temple)
- Old Japan Colonial Era House Walk
- Original Dairen Hospital
- Zhongshan Square Historic Buildings
- Former South Manchuria Railway Headquarters
- Dalian World Trade Center View of City
- Old Post Office Building
- Russian Street Shops
- Russian Historic Museum
- Original Russian Capital Building of Dalny
- Old Russian House Walk
- Old South Manchuria Railway Pier Office
- Original Port of Dalian

Tour Information:
By far the most popular if hidden attractions in Dalian, the Historic Tour takes visitors back in time to the city’s foundation. First colonized by Russia, then ruled by Japan for nearly half a century, Dalian has many treasured architectures from its colonial era. While the majority of the common structures have been torn down as the city modernizes, preserved links to its historic past still remain.

This all day walking tour showcases a time when Colonial Dalian was an economic and political center for Manchuria (Northeast China). The city’s signature vintage structures give a testimony of how the city evolved in the late 19th Century. It is not a complete stroll back in time, but very close to it.

Tour Price (USD): $199.00

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Chinese Martial Arts Center
- Golden Pebble Beach
- Famous Rock Spot
- Mao Pin Museum
- Wax Museum
- Zhenzhu Zodiac Square
- Kaifaqu Shops

Tour Information:
A short ride by light rail to Dalian’s new Economic Development Zone, will deliver visitors to an important cultural center in Dalian. From Martial Arts, to wax panorama scenes of Chinese life, to relics of the Red Guard. This tour offers a diverse look at Chinese culture in Dalian, appealing to fans of Kung Fu and sociologists alike.

Tour Price (USD): $299.00

Tour Information:
All of Dalian’s world-class museums are combined for this tour. Take a step back in time to the city’s colonial past, or marvel at the wonders of local sea life. Centered around the largest square in China, Xinghai (Star Ocean) Square is another main attraction of the city. Even though this tour has a slower pace, it continues to offer a diversity of experiences for the curious visitor.

Tour Price (USD): $199.00

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Fujiazhuang Scenic Spot
- Yanwoling (Bird’s Nest) Scenic Spot
- Beida Bridge View
- Bungie Jump (Optional)
- Tiger Park Sculptures
- Tiger Beach View
- Laohutan Bird Sanctuary
- Laohutan Naval Ship
- Hutan Ocean Amusement Park
- Scenic Costal Drive
- Ryhme of the Sea Square

Tour Information:
Dalian’s famous coast is home to many scenic locations and attractions. Visitors can spend their day moving from one breath-taking view to the next, with added amusement along the way. This scenic tour requires no athletic stamina, just an appreciation for Nature’s beauty.

Tour Price (USD): $199.00

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Olympic Square Electronics
- Train Station Antique Mart
- Train Station Wholesale Market
- New Mart / Itokin
- Shengli Underground Shops
- Tibetian and Buddhist Crafts
- Shangrila Antiques
- Xinhua Book Store
- Erqi Square Discount Shops

Tour Information:
With such close proximity to Japan and Korea, Dalian is the perfect shopping hub. If it can be bought, it can be found here. From electronics to Manchurian relics, the city has numerous specialty markets. The challenge for most visitors is find the right place to find what they want to buy, and to negotiate a fair price. This escorted Shopping Tour will keep visitors from being cheated, and covers a vast range of product offerings that will appeal to even the most diehard of shoppers. Remember to bring an empty steamer trunk to carry back everything you buy.

Tour Price (USD): $199.00

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Dahei Mountain Village
- Daheishan Scenic Climb
- Shigu Temple
- Dahei Mountain Top Shrines
- Dianjiang Tower Panoramic View
- Chaoyang Temple
- Xiangshui Temple
- Yaoqin Cave

Tour Information:
No visit to China is complete without a mountain climb to a spiritual temple. While Dalian is not home to the legendary fighting monks of Southwestern China, it does boast several highly enlightened locations. Dahei Mountain, with the temples at its summit and base, are among the most treasured sights in the Provence. The national park is a required visit for spiritual pilgrims.

After a light rail ride to the Dalian Economic Zone, Dahei Mountain only is a short ride from the commerce district but literally worlds away. Visitors should be prepared for a physically active day. While the mountain path is clearly step with carved stone steps, some spots are quite challenging. For example, near the top is an almost 70 degree row of 200 steps. But enduring the ascent is part of the spiritual cleansing process, as visitors arrive at the temple gates in a state of inner peace.

Tour Price (USD): $299.00

Tour Length: one (1) day
Tour Features:
- Lianhua Mountain Temple
- (formerly the Dalian Jade Museum)
- Dalian Forrest Zoo
- Zoo Mountain Skylift
- Zoo Mountain Observation
- Xinghai Bay View
- Dalian Wildlife Safari Zoo
- Dalian Botanical Gardens
- Afternoon Tea
- Xinghai Bay Shops

Tour Information:
The mountains here are hailed as containing the strongest source of spiritual energy in Northeast China, and an obvious spot for an honored worship. So from this perspective, building the area into a Zoo is not the most logical step. However, the Zoo certainly benefits from the scenic vantage and is one of the city’s favorite tourist spots for locals and visitors alike. Recently, a Jade Museum Temple complex was added in a non-religious attempt to establish a spiritual site at this special location.

Tour Price (USD): $199.00

The original English source about Dalian since 2002. You have a friend in Northeast China.™

Discover Dalian is a personalized tour and photographic service in English that introduces foreign visitors to every aspect of history and culture for this dynamic coastal city in Northeast China.

Originally established by Russia, then later occupied by Japan, Dalian has a long history as an international sea port supporting commerce and tourism from Japan, Korea, and other traditional Asian regions for over a century. However, in recent years there has been a gap in services for visitors from native English-speaking countries.

Discover Dalian was created to fill this need.

Fast Fact: Dalian is the center of foreign trade in Liaoning Province as well as the second largest international commercial harbor in China. It is one of those rare cities that has the look of a major metropolitan hub, but the mindset of an island resort. With a mountainous panoramic beauty encircled by beaches and host to year-round festivals, the many attractions of Dalian are all just a few minutes from historic downtown.

“When you visit a new town, you call a friend living there to help show you around. This was my idea and philosophy for Discover Dalian, and my goal is to be a friend you can count on in this foreign land.” – SongLi

The Discover Dalian tour collection is a revolutionary idea, offering in-depth attention and photographic services without equal from Dalian’s resident foreign expert and celebrity, SongLi. His fame as the first foreigner to host the evening television news in Northeast China from 2004, and the popularity of his detailed historical novel “Blue Sky Red Tears” which was set during Dalian’s colonial era, has brought a great deal of attention and renewed interest in the city and its role in Manchurian history.

His iconic and groundbreaking 2008 photography book “Everyday Dalian” became a hallmark representation of the city and its population, an intimate cultural look complied over six years. His 2009 photography book “Dalian Ghost Stories” remains the first and only historical documentation of supernatural events and sightings in Dalian from 1858 to 1958.

“My service is personal, catering to the needs of my clients. That is why I do not offer tours to groups larger than four people. You will see the real side of Dalian, and I will document your adventure at every step.” – SongLi

Having lived and worked in Dalian for several years, and from the extensive research needed to write his novel, SongLi has a deep affection for his adopted city. This passion can be seen in his many public and private efforts to internationally promote China’s most livable city. SongLi is also a Consular Warden for the U.S. Consulate General (Shenyang), and is responsible for contacting American citizens in the case of an emergency.

The Dalian Municipal Government recognized his personal work when they commissioned him in 2005 as the official English voice to present the city to the WTO (World Trade Organization) meeting held in Dalian, one of China’s most treasured cities. The Geneva, Switzerland based World Economic Forum also used the DiscoverDalian.com site as its official introduction and guide for the city. Dalian hosted the “Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions” from 6-8 September 2007.

DiscoverDalian.com, SongLi, and the Dalian Coast-To-Coast Trek were also featured in a series of special TV broadcasts on China’s International Network CCTV4 and the Liaoning Province Network LTV on July 19th and 20th, 2008. This adventure is featured in the 2010 SongLi photobook “A Walk Across Dalian” which uses images from his journey to share a unique perspective of the city.

“Dalian is growing at an unbelievable rate, and I witness it daily. I am outside all the time, regardless of season or weather, exploring the city on foot to record its history and on-going development. As an artist and photographer, I like to take the paths less traveled and talk with real people. I want them to understand that I am not just passing through, but belong here.” – SongLi

It is from this special perspective, using SongLi’s own personal experiences, that Discover Dalian can offer its tailored and unique tours. It is also why Discover Dalian only uses the private photography of SongLi to show featured tour locations. Other than historical images taken decades ago, no pictures seen here have been taken from any other public or governmental source.

The origin of Dalian dates back approximately 6,000 years ago when the “Sushen” people began to settle the area.

Dalian was an important port as early as the 6th century AD. In early Tang Dynasty (640 A.D), Dalian was known as Sanshan Pu and later Qingni Pu.

In 1371, the Ming Dynasty Emperor conquered the Port. Dalian was called “Qingni Wa”, which is still the name of a downtown section near the Dalian Railway Station.

It was occupied (1858) by the British and was fortified as a naval base by the Chinese in the 1880s. It was attacked and briefly held by the Japanese in 1895. Subsequently it was granted, with adjacent parts of the peninsula, to Russia as part of the Liaodong lease.

While under Russian control (1898-1905), The area south of Dalian was renamed Port Arthur. It was valued by the Russians for its year-round access to the Pacific Ocean and was extensively refortified for naval use.

Dalian was transformed during the same period from a minor fishing port into a modern commercial port and was given the Russian name Dalny (Distant), from the Dalianwan Gulf (Talienwan in historical literature).

The battle of Dairen (Dalian) took place on May 30 ,1904 , during the Russo-Japanese War. The battle was won by Japanese forces under the command of general Hikato.

The Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), transferred the Liaodong territory to the Japanese, who renamed it Kwangtung. The tactics used on the Russian Fleet, at anchor in Port Arthur during this war, would be modified and applied years later to the attack on the American Fleet at Pearl Harbor

Port Arthur, renamed Ryojun, became an important Japanese naval base and was (1905-1937) the administrative center of the territory.

Dalian, given the Japanese name Dairen (as the Kanji characters are pronounced), was enlarged and modernized. It became the capital of Kwangtung in 1937 and developed rapidly in the 1930s and early 1940s as the main port and logistical center for Japanese-controlled Manchuria.

Following the defeat of Japan in World War II, the ports of Dalian and Lushun (Port Arthur) were placed under joint Soviet-Chinese control in 1945. They were returned to full Chinese sovereignty in 1955.

Dalian and Lushun remained as two separate cities and later were combined into the City of Luda. In 1981, Dalian became the official name of the City of Luda.

Dalian became a center of heavy industry in the late 1950s and 1960s. During the 1970s it was developed as China’s leading petroleum port.

Today, Dalian is the main commercial port for Northeast China.

One Hundred Years of History:

1840 Spring
Britian warships probe the costal areas of Dalian many times during the First Opium War.

1857 Summer
A joint Fleet from Britian and France invaded Dalian Bay and established logistical positions.

1860 May
A squadron of British warships invaded Qingniwa, Heshang Island, and Dagushan Mountain and other areas around the Dalian Coast.

1860 June 21
127 Britian ships with more than 11,000 soldiers landed at Dalian Bay and made raids against Lushun Port, Yangtouwa and other strategic locations. They left on July 26.

1880 June
Qing Government establish the North Naval Fleet at Lushun Port.

1883 March 21
Fort battlements on Huangjinshan of Lushun were armed with seven heavy cannons and eight 12 inch guns.

May
The construction of Lushun Shipyard began.

1884 June
Three infantry battalions from Korea were transfered to defend Jinzhou, Dalian Bay, and Lushun Port.

October
First telegram line in China was opened from Shanhaiguan to Lushun (via Yingkou).

1885 February
First international telegram line in China was opened from Lushun to Seoul of Korea (via Fenghuang City).

February
Twelve cavalry and infantry battalions from the Ming Army arrived to re-enforce the defense of Dalian Port.

1888 November
Lushun became the first city in China to build a running water system. It was originally developed to guarantee a water supply for Lushun dock and military forces.

November
Fortress construction began at Heshang Island, Hauangshan Mountain, Laolongtou, and Xujiashan and were completed by early 1894.

November
A French contractor began to construct the big dock in Lushun, with a plan to finish the project in 30 months.

1894 August 1
Both China and Japan declared war against each other at the same time.

September 14
Ten battalions from the Ming Army were sent to defend Dalian Bay.

September 17
The “Grand Huaihai Battle” began between Japanese and Chinese Naval fleets.

September 18
Seven injured warships of China’s North Navy Fleet came to the Lushun shipyard for repairs.

October 24
The Japanese Second Army landed at Huayuankou of Zhuanghe and invaded Jinzhou and Lushun.

November 6
The Japanese Army attacked and occupied Jinzhou City.

November 7
The Japanese Army attacked and occupied all forts along Dalian Bay.

November 21
All Qing Army fortresses along the west, middle and east lines of Lushun fell into enemy hands. Japanese trooped occupied Lushun Part and killed thousands of innocent people in 4 days and 3 nights. This Lushun massacere tragedy shocked the whole world and was condemned by world opinion. For further information, see the book: On The Great Highway.

1895 January 18
The Japanese Joint Naval Fleet left Dalian Port with its troops for miltary tasks in Shandomg Province.

April 17
The Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed, which surrendered Chinese soveregnty under humiliating terms.

December 25
Under pressure from European powers to give up territory taken in the war, the Japanese Government allowed the Qing Government to reclaim Liaodong Peninsula for a price 30 million liang of silver. Japan dropped its claim to the territory and its troops withdrew from Dalian.

1896 January 13
An armored Russian ship arrived and anchored outside of Lushun Port. It claimed neutral status but was not allowed to dock at the port.

1897 December 17
Five Russian warships invaded Lushun Port and later Dalian Bay, claiming the land as a prelude to occupation.

1898 March 27
Under further threats of force by Czarist forces, a treaty was signed to lease Lushun and Dalian for 25 years to Russia.

March 28
A Russian prince led troops to formally occupy territorial positions at Huangjinshan in Lushun, Dalian Bay, and Heshang Island.

May 7
Czarist Russia forced the Qing Government into signing a new treaty to expand the time and rights of its leaes of Lushun and Dalian.

1899 July
The Russian Czar Nicholas II approved construction of Dalian Port and the city of Dalian, in the areas of East and West Qingniwa. Dalian Port was declared a “Free Port”. The city design was based on a Russian engineer’s idea to emulate Paris.

1900 May
Additional fortresses were added in Lushun to protect the harbor from Naval bombardment.

June
Russian Army and Naval troops from Lushun Port were sent to help put down the Boxer Rebellion in Tianjin and Beijing. These forces served as the vanguard of the Eight-Power Allied Forces.

1903 January 10
The railway project form Harbin to Lushun Port was completed.

1904 February 8
The joint fleet of the Japanese Navy launched a sneak attack at night against the Russian Pacific Fleet at Lushun Port. This was the prologue to the Russo-Japanese War.

February 9
Russian declared war against Japan.

Feburary 10
Japan declared war against Russia.

February 24 – May 3
Japanese troops tried to block Lushun Port.

April 12
The Russian Flagship hit Japanese mines outside Lushun Port. The commander of the Russian Fleet and 656 sailors died at sea.

May 5
The Japanese Second Army landed in the Houershi area, near Xingshutun of Jinzhou.

May 26
Japanese troopes occupied Nanshan Fortress in Jinzhou at a cost of more than 5000 soldiers. This strategic battle cut supply lines of Russian troops in Lushun. Japanese Senior General Nogi Marisuke lost his first son at this battle.

May 30
Dalian Bay fell into the hands of Japanese troops.

May 31
Russian troops in Dalian burned their own capital building and caused other destruction to cover their withdrawal to Lushun.

June 6
More Japanese troops landed at Dalian Bay. General Nogi Marisuke led 50,000 Japanese troops of the Third Army to attack Lushun.

August 10 -18
The Russian Fleet attempted to break the Japanese blockade of Lushun, along with three ships sent from Vladivostok. The Russian ships were annihilated.

August 19
General Nogi Marisuke launched the first offensive against Russian fortified positions in Lushun. The attack lasted five days but failed.

September 19
Japanese troops launched a second offensive against Russian fortified positions in Lushun.

October 25
Japanese troops launched a third and still unsuccessful offensive.

November 19
The Seventh Japanese Division landed at Dalian and joined the Third Army, increasing the troops strength around Lushun to 100,000.

November 26
Japanese troops lauched a fourth offensive against Russian fortified positions in Lushun.

December 5
Japanese troops conqured the Russian West commanding elevation, known as Height 203, along the at cost of more than 10,000 solders. Japanese Senior General Nogi Marisuke lost his second son at this battle.

December 6 – 9
Japanese troops attacked and destroyed the Russian Naval fleed blocked inside Lushun Port with heavy artillery guns.

Decmeber 15
Several senior Russian Commanders were killed by the Japanese bombardment of the North Fort headquarters in East Jiguanshan.

December 18
Japanese troops occupied the North Fort in East Jiguanshan Mountain. Other major fortresses along this defense chain fell to Japanese forces over the next two weeks.

1905 January 1
Japanese troops captured the Russian position on the East commanding elevation. Russian troops declared their surrender.

January 2
Representatives from Japan and Russia signed the surrender treaty of all Russian forces.

January 9
Japanese toops set up Fort Headquarters in Lushun.

February 11
The Japanese Provisional Authority changed the Dalian’s original Russian name of Dalny to Dairen.

September 5
Japan and Russia formally signed the Portsmouth Treaty. Russia transferred its lease rights of Lushun and Dalian, as well as other railway rights in South Manchura to Japan.

1906 September 1
The Japanese Government declared Dalian port as a “Free Port.”

September 10
The U.S. diplomatic consul was established in Dalian.

December 26
The South Manchuria Railway Company was established in Tokyo.

1907 March 5
Headquarters of the South Manchuria Railway moved form Tokyo to Dalian.

July
The Dalian Ship Plant of Kawasaki Shipyard (the predecessor of today’s Dalian shipyard) was established.

July
The Lushun prison, built in 1907 by the Russia, was expanded by 85 to 253 cells, capable of holding up to 2000 prisoners.

1909 August 9
The Trolley bus line from Dazhan Bridge (today’s Dalian Port) to the Electrical Park (the area West of New Mart downtown) was completed.

1910 November 26
The Shanhekou Railway Factory of the South Manchuria Railway (predecessor of today’s Dalian Rolling Stock Plant) was completed.

1920 May
Baixue Han was born in Dairen, Manchuria. The life of the illegitimate girl of mixed Japanese and Chinese parentage was detailed in the book: Blue Sky Red Tears.

1927 July
Zhou Shui Zi Airport was completed.

1937 June 1
The new Dalian Train station was completed.

1942 May 7
Wang Jingwei fled to Dalian and met with Pu Yi at Changchu.

1944 July 29
US B-29 bombers flew 70 sorties over Dalian and Anshan.

1945 August 22
Soviet troops entered Dalian and disarmed Japanese troops. Dalian was liberated.

November 25
Luda Municipal Government was established.

- – -

Data and research 2002 – 2008 © copyright SongLi and DiscoverDalian.com.
All Rights Reserved.

Over a millennia of ancient history remains preserved in Dalian, a little known fact to most tourists and locals.

Cheolli Jangseong, the Thousand “Li” (*1 Li = 500 meters, or half a kilometer) Long Wall, refers to two famous military structures in ancient Korean history. The 11th century defensive border wall built during the Goryeo Dynasty in modern-day North Korea is the most common reference for the name. However, the title is also used for the 7th century earthen structure built by the Koguryo (Goguryeo) Kingdom in Northeastern China.

The Great Wall of Korea in Dalian

This older wall from the 7th century stretched for 500 km from Northern Manchuria to the Bohai Bay, passing through Jilin and Liaoning Provinces. Bisa Fortress (known as Beisha in Mandarin) was constructed in the modern-day Jinzhou District of Dalian. Portions of the original ancient wall remain on and around Dahei Mountain, and can be viewed by those willing to make the extended climb.

Cheolli Jangseong was constructed by the Koguryo (Goguryeo) Kingdom to defend its Manchurian frontier territory against incursions by the Tang Dynasty from China. Ironically, the segments of the Great Wall of China were designed to protect against an invasion from the Machu (Jurchens) who inherited vast portions of the old Koguryo (Goguryeo) Kingdom in Manchuria.

A Brief Timeline:

Between 598 – 614
The Koguryo (Goguryeo)–Sui Wars were fought between the Sui Dynasty of China and the Koguryo (Goguryeo) Kingdom. Several of the most intense campaigns took place on Manchurian soil.

From 614
The Sui Dynasty of China captured Dahei Mountain in the Jinzhou District of modern Dalian.

From 618
The Sui Dynasty had lost the war and collapsed, allowing the Koguryo (Goguryeo) Kingdom to solidify its expansion. At that time its territory encompassed the Northern and Central parts of the Korean Peninsula, including Southern Manchuria (Liaoning Province) and the Southern Russian Maritime Province (Primorsky Krai).

From 631
King Yeongryu began construction of a defensive boarder wall along the Kingdom’s frontier, to defend against incursions from the Northwest by the Tang Dynasty (who replaced the Sui Dynasty) from China.

From 647
The defensive wall, known as Cheolli Jangseong (The Great Wall of Korea) was completed, with a primary fortification on top of Dahei Mountain in the Jinzhou District of modern Dalian. Bisa (Beisha) Castle is considered by historians to have been one of the possible capital cities of the Province.

From 668
The Tang Dynasty of China was able to reoccupy East Liaoning and the area of Jinzhou came under its jurisdiction from that time.

From 1117
The Jinzhou territory was upgraded from a county to a state by the Jin Dynasty.

From 1284
The Yuan Dynasty established an Imperial Office of the government in Jinzhou. A garrison was stationed there in support, which also increased the households and population for the area.

From 1419
The Ming Dynasty sent its East Liaoning Army to reinforce Jinzhou against Japanese incursions and prevented subsequent invasion attempts.

Between 1734 – 1843
The Qing Dynasty continued to develop resources in Jinzhou, which had become a strategically important location and center of trade and commerce.

From 1894
During the First Sino-Japanese War Jinzhou fell with little resistance. Because of this defeat, Japanese forces were able to quickly capture Dalian without firing a shot.

From 1895
Japan was forced to relinquish its captured territories in Liaoning Province under terms of the War Treaty.

From 1898
Russia was given a 25-year lease on Liaodoing Peninsula and established a forward naval station at Port Arthur.

From 1904
The Russo-Japanese War began with many land conflicts across the Dalian region. The Battle of Nanshan in Jinzhou was a turning point in the conflict that allowed Japan to push Russian forces all the way South to Port Arthur.

From 1905
Jinzhou became part of the territorial concessions to the Japanese, and became a colonial of Japan along with Port Arthur and Dalian.

From 1945
Jinzhou was liberated by Russian forces and was co-administered until after 1955.

From 1987
Jinzhou became the sixth administrative district of Dalian.

- – -

Data and research 2002 – 2008 © copyright SongLi and DiscoverDalian.com.
All Rights Reserved.

Japan and Russia long struggled for control of this rich, strategically important region. Japan tried to seize the Liao-tung peninsula in 1895, but was forestalled by the Triple Intervention. From 1898 to 1904 Russia was dominant. As a result of a Russo-Chinese alliance against Japan, the Russians built Harbin, the naval base at Port Arthur, the commercial center of Dalny (Dalian) and the Chinese Eastern Railroad. Japan, after victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–5), took control of Port Arthur, Dalny (renamed Dairen) and the Southern half of Manchuria, limiting Russian influence to the North. Chiefly through the South Manchurian Railroad, Japan developed the region’s economy. From 1918 to 1931 the warlords Chang Tso-lin and Chang Hsüeh-liang controlled Chinese military power in Manchuria.

Japan occupied Manchuria in 1931–32, when Chinese military resistance, sapped by civil war, was weak. The seizure of Manchuria was, in effect, an unofficial declaration of war on China. Manchuria was a base for Japanese aggression in North China and a buffer region for Japanese-controlled Korea. In 1932, Japan annexed Manchuria and formed it as Manchukuo, an independent nation that was in truth a puppet state. The Japanese developed the cities of Dairen (Dalian), Anshan, Fushun, Mukden (Shenyang), and Harbin areas into a huge industrial complex of metallurgical, coal, petroleum, and chemical industries.

A Brief Timeline:

1900 Nov 09
Russia completed its occupation of Manchuria.

1904 Feb 04
Russia offered Korea to Japan and defended its right to occupy Manchuria.

1904 Feb 06
Japan’s foreign minister severed all ties with Russia, citing delaying tactics in negotiations over Manchuria.

1905 Jan 27
Russian General Kuropatkin took the offensive in Manchuria. The Japanese under General Oyama suffered heavy casualties.

1905 Feb 27
Japanese pushed Russians back in Manchuria, and cross the Sha River.

1905 Mar 05
Russians began to retreat from Mukden in Manchuria.

1907 Mar 22
Russians troops completed the evacuation of Manchuria in the face of advancing Japanese forces.

1910 Jan 21
Japan rejected the American proposal to neutralize ownership of the Manchurian Railway.

1928 Jun 03
Manchurian warlord Chian Tso-Lin died as a result of a bomb blast set off by the Japanese, who were planning to invade and claim Manchuria.

1928
The Japanese army unilaterally instigated armed clashes in China’s Manchuria region to justify full-scale intervention.

1929 Sep 21
Fighting between China and the Soviet Union broke out along the Manchurian border.

1929 Nov 18
Stalin sent troops to Manchuria.

1929 Dec 22
Soviet troops left Manchuria after a truce was reached with the Chinese over the Eastern Railway dispute.

1931 Sep 18
The Mukden Incident was initiated by the Japanese Kwantung Army in Mukden, without its own government’s consent. It involved an explosion along the Japanese-controlled South Manchurian Railway. It was soon followed by the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and the eventual establishment of the Japanese-dominated state of Manchukuo to ensure a supply of natural resources. The neutrality of the area, and the ability of Japan to defend its colony in Korea, was threatened in the 1920s by efforts at unification of China. Within three months Japanese troops had spread out throughout Manchuria, an occupation that finally ended at the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945.

1931 Sep 18
Japan took Manchuria and renamed it Manchukuo.

1931 Sep 19
Japanese troops conquer Mukden, South Manchuria.

1931 Nov 20
Japan and China rejected the League of Council terms for Manchuria at Geneva.

1932 Jan 02
Japanese forces in Manchuria set up a puppet government known as Manchukuo.

1932 Feb 18
Manchurian independence was formally declared.

1932 Jan 31
The Soviet premier told Japan to get out of Manchuria.

1945 Aug 16
U.S. Lieutenant General Jonathan Wainwright, who was taken prisoner by the Japanese on Corregidor on May 6, 1942 was released from a POW camp in Manchuria by U.S. troops.

1948 Nov 01
Mao’s Red army conquered Mukden, Manchuria.

1952 Nov 29
A CIA spy plane with John T. Downey (22) and Richard G. Fecteau (25) was shot down over Manchuria. The 2 men were captured and spent 20 years in a Chinese prison.

- – -

Data and research 2002 – 2008 © copyright SongLi and DiscoverDalian.com.
All Rights Reserved.

When Zhang Yimou directed the 2000 art-house film Happy Times, based on the novel Shifu Yue Lai Yue Youmo by Mo Yan, the city of Dalian was used extensively for exterior locations.

The downtown area of Dalian, and the Special Economic Zone (Kaifa Qu) in the Northern district of Metro Dalian were the two primary areas featured in the film. The movie does not make a point to show these areas clearly, but they are easily to recognize even with the numerous developments since it was filmed.

The actress Dong Jie, who stars as the blind girl that the story centers on, was also born and raised in Dalian.

This link at discoverdalian.com provides a google map reference with a frame capture from the movie.