Dalian is in the southernmost point of Liaodong Peninsula; with the Yellow Sea to its east and the Bohai Sea to its west, an attractive coastal city and a major Chinese Port. As China's mere northern ice-free harbor, Dalian has been a perpetual source of foreign government envy. Previously heavily influenced by Russia, Liaoning Province was part of Manchuria and possesses architecture and restaurants reflecting both it's Russian and Japanese heritage. With a population of some 5.4 million, it was named "Lion Mouth" in the early Tang Dynasty for its inaccessibility, and was settled in 1371, by troops sent by Zhu Yuanzhang - the emperor of Ming dynasty at Port of Lushun from Shandong. Well known for it's excellent sea food, the city possesses many parks and three excellent beaches at Bangchuidao, Laohutan and Fujiazhaung. It is also possible to explore the outlying islands by renting a boat from these areas. Great views too can be had from the Coastal Road (Binhai Lu). Over the last 20 years, Dalian's emphasis on its environment has highlighted the tourism industry of the city. It has turned out as a garden city rivaling Singapore.

5 kilometers east of downtown Dalian, Bangchuidao Scenic Area consists of Bangchuidao Island and Bangchuidao Guesthouse. The islet is situated 600 meters (about 2000 feet) away from the sea, covering only 0.3 square kilometers, the islet features steep cliffs, craggy stones, blossoming flowers and singing birds. Its worth getting here to view the early morning sunrise if you can get up!

Dalian is renowned for its emerald lawns blooming flowers. The best way to see these splenders in all their delights is to visit one of Dalian's squares. The urban area of Dalian has approximately 70 squares -- that forms the striking feature of its town planning, which outshines any other major city in China. The Lushun District, also known as Port Arthur, lies 47 kilometers (29 miles) southwest to the center of Dalian. It is not only a beautiful coastal town but also a museum of Chinese modern history, and was fought over by both Russian and Japanese troops. Canons built during the War are still found there. Later in the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905, the Japanese and the Russians were found battling each other here.

The Golden Pebble Beach Resort, located in the Liangshui Cove in Jinzhou District, 20 kilometers from the Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone, is a famous national resort. The best bathing beach in Dalian and the Natural Geoogical Museum are in the resort. The 4-kiloeter-long beach has clear water and calm waves. On the eastern shore, there are exotic reefs and rock formation scattered on a 7-kilometer-long coastline named "Magic Sculpture Park," a result of the earth's movements from 700 million years ago.

The Bingyu Valley, 240 kilometers (near 150 miles) north of downtown Dalian, is located in the mountain near Zhuanghe. The 110 square kilometers (42 square miles) zone is reputed as Mini Guilin of northern Liaoning province, with towering peaks, hidden in clouds, and clean rivers which constitute picturesque scenery. Its beautiful scene reflects shadows of Guilin and Mt. Huangshan, however it is marked with its own features and characteristics. Bingyu Valley has special, ragged rocks and cliffs. There are many caves, in the largest one of which a temple had once been built. The uncontaminated valley reserves itself clean and clear waters, and nice vegetation. Many precious plants and animals thrive in the seldom-interrupted park.

People in Dalian have passions in fashion and in sports. The city is hometown of many famous Chinese models, actors and actresses, as well as top-notch athletes. Dalian girls are tall, slim, handsome, and good at making themselves beautiful. One of the most famous of its kind worldwide, the Dalian Fashion Festival is held annually in Autumn, turning the city into an ocean of beauty and joy. Dalian's football team proves to be the best in China by winning most of the champion titles in the annual soccer league games.

Such is Dalian, a city full of magic. It is neither too big nor too small, and the population is not as dense as in other cities of China. There is sunshine, sea, beach and beauty. To some extent it is the most beautiful and romantic city of China

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