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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
