//
District in Liaoning, People's Republic of China
Photo: MR+G from Wakayama, Japan, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Zhongshan District (中山区; Zhōngshānqū), at the eastern edge of Dalian, encompasses the main business and commercial centre of Dalian and many of the most scenic parts of the southern coastline. As a result visitors to the city tend to spend most of their time here, a fact reflected in the wide range of hotels and restaurants found in the district. The downside of this popularity is that hotels, restaurants and shops tend to be more expensive than in other parts of the city. That being said for those who can afford it, or take advantage of the few lower budget options available, Zhongshan District makes for an excellent base for exploring Dalian.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
中山广场; Zhōngshān Guǎngchǎng
This square in the heart of the city's financial district is surrounded by some of the best examples of colonial-era architecture in Dalian. Though the square was laid out by the Russians, most of the buildings around the square were built between 1910 and 1920 by the Japanese, the main exception being the Dalian People’s Cultural Club, a Stalinist building that was built by the Soviet Union during their occupation of the city in 1951. The square serves as a social hub, with locals gathering during the evening to play hacky-sack or watch football games on the big screen above the Dalian Hotel. The square is under major construction.
劳动公园; Láodòng Gōngyuán
The largest park in Dalian containing a number of attractions, including a small aviary area, a few man made lakes and an amusement park (which, like the one in Xinghai Square, is overpriced and fairly uninteresting). Off season the park is free and can be a pleasant place to take a stroll, but it is probably not worth paying to get in during the holiday periods.
老虎滩海洋公园; Lǎohǔtān Hǎiyáng Gōngyuán
This tourist area is somewhat misnamed, as there really is not a beach to speak of. There are a number of tourist attractions, the most prominent of which is the Polar Aquarium. Other attractions include the Sea Creature Aquarium, the Coral Aquarium, the Bird Forest and the Happy Theatre. Though popular with tourists, the area, though pretty, is unlikely to hold the attention of more jaded overseas tourists for long and is perhaps best seen as a starting point for journeys along Binhai Road.
东海 Dōnghǎi, 海之韵公园 Hǎizhīyùn Gōngyuán
Like Tiger Beach, Donghai Beach is not as much a beach as it is a cluster of tourist sights. There is a stretch of what could be called a beach but it is shingle rather than sand. The sights here are somewhat more interesting than at Tiger Beach, with some nice modern art sculptures and mock fossils along Binhai Road a little way up from the beach. This stretch of road also includes a section of sloping road where cars appear to roll up the hill. Most taxi drivers will be happy to demonstrate the phenomenon to tourists, even if not asked. Again like Tiger Beach, Donghai Beach is a convenient place to start journeys along Binhai Road.
世纪留声世界音乐文化博物馆
中山美术馆
大连观光塔, formerly known as the Dalian Radio & Televsion Tower
A tourist attraction in its own right, with a restaurant at the top and impressive views of Dalian. Better than the tower, however, is the walk up via a little known side path, which offers both peaceful greenery in the centre of the city and spectacular views. To get to the side road either walk down the east side of Labour Park or take bus 2 or 5 from Qingniwa and get off at the Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital stop (中医院; Zhōngyīyuàn) and walk back towards the park. The road up to the tower is actually a tiny side road underneath a flyover just south of an old red bricked school next to Labour Park. Though somewhat difficult to find, the road is relatively simple to follow. The only junction is about one third of the way up, next to an artificial lake and the Dalian Circus Academy (the lake makes for a nice place to take a break). Keep going straight ahead at the junction then simply follow the road to the peak. The walk should take between half an hour to an hour. Getting back down involves either walking back the same way or taking the cable car or slide down to Labour Park.
棒棰岛, Bàngchuídǎo
It's just off the coast from Bangchui Island Beach, and is a small, uninhabited islet. It's a nice place to spend a relaxing few hours exploring or nature watching. It has been reported that you cannot get on the island and that the small speed boats and large sightseeing boats will only take you about 2 km away from the island. Others say you can get to the island by using the tourist ferries that leave from Tiger Beach and that a simple round trip costs about ¥35. Of course, the island is also clearly visible from Bangchui Island Beach (which is on the coastal strip opposite the island, not on the island itself). The beach is owned by the Bangchui Island Hotel (棒棰岛宾馆), which charges non-guests a ¥20 access fee.
人民文化俱乐部
Built in 1951 and today serves as the main concert hall of the city. A wide variety of orchestral, operatic and ballet performances are held. They are performed by local and touring companies.
大连京剧院
Offers regular performances of Peking Opera.
大连工人剧场
A theatre which specializes in local opera forms. Great for those interested in seeing the kind of opera more associated with north-eastern China.
Offers Chinese fare, some Japanese and some Korean. Mālàtàng (麻辣烫), a kind of soup served in a wide dish with various ingredients cooked inside the soup (the name literally means "hot, spicy and mouth numbing" but do not be put off by the name). Chili sauce (served in a side bowl along with sesame sauce) available. As with most mālàtàng places, to order you simply select the ingredients you wish to have (the ingredients are placed on skewers in easy reach) and hand them over to be cooked.
Curry house with roasted meat, nan, and other offerings.
The food, location and nice decor matched with a clean environment make this a popular place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink, including a few types of beer on tap, made-to-order energy drinks, coffee creations and libations. With their excellent breads and breakfast foods served Danish style, it is perhaps the city's best place for a brunch without splurging at a 5-star hotel. The cafe has outdoor seating popular for street-level people-watching and inside the owners don't skimp on the air conditioned air.
东都亭; Dōngdōutíng
Dalian's proximity to South Korea and significant Korean population means there is a large number of both northern and southern Korean restaurants. Meat, seafood, and vegetables for barbecuing (most liberally marinated in spices) can be cooked on the table or by staff.
日航飯店; Rìháng Fàndiàn
Authentic dim sum and the chef is excellent. Cantonese specialties and Dalianese seafood recipe also. 20 private rooms but better book in advance.
大清花饺子; Dàqīnghuā Jiǎozi
Dumplings are a common staple in North China, and this Shenyang-based chain does them better than most. Wide variety of dumplings but the menu lacks English (but not photos). Try the sample plate, offering four different foods from various parts of China.
中山酒店; Zhōngshān Jiǔdiàn
The usual dim sum dishes are offered and in the same dining area as the Indian restaurant. The hotel also has a Russian hot pot and vegetarian restaurant.
阿都曼日本现代创作料理; ādōumàn Rìběn Xiàndài Chuàngzuò Liàolǐ
Offers a wide range of dishes, one of the cheaper Japanese places.
Authentic recipes. 5-star quality, good selection of affordable wine and grappa.
大连天天渔港; Tiāntiān Yúgǎng
National chain seafood restaurant with good reputation.
Near-naked ladies dancing on poles and house band singing mainly pop tunes. One pool table, lots of TVs.
Live jazz sets throughout the evening offered by the house band. All the beer is imported, nearly all from Germany.
A small pub with 2 rooms. The first, which contains the bar, has TVs and a dart board. Continuing to the back is a basement-like room with booths. The pub serves a variety of drinks, including Harbin beer starting at ¥10.
玛克威酒吧; Mǎkèwēi Jiǔba
Still a popular bar (sort of the first popular Western-themed bars) but has something of a seedy air nowadays. Small dance floor with DJs playing electronica and hip-hop most nights. Cheap local beer.
Features a live band (sometimes playing jazz, other times pop songs). There is a large central area spanned by balconies and decorated in fake greenery. German draught beer is most popular.
Trio provides tunes for patrons. A variety of drinks.
Classy hotel lounge with a very good resident jazz band who usually play during happy hour and after dinner hours. Champagne cocktails, draft beer and imported wines by the glass. Afternoon high tea features the best of the classicals recipes and some yummy creations.
凯宾斯基饭店; Kǎibīnsījī Fàndiàn
One of the places to get a microbrew made on the spot. Live house band typically playing pop. Food available as well. Just outside the bar's entrance is a cigar hut.
Diverse offerings of bottled beers, with a few on tap. TVs, music, and food give it a restaurant feel but due to the large number of offerings, especially bottled beer, it's a good spot to hunker down and have a few. Happy Hour specials. Has a non-smoking section although it is not a real big establishment. Have a tradition of asking each customer, particularly non-Chinese, their first name and writing it in a pad, so don't feel awkward when they ask.
Also sell cakes and has a buffet with pizza, soups, Chinese cuisine, fruit, dessert, and Tsingtao.
欧米奇; Ōumǐqí
Menu has pizzas, sandwiches and other food. Also serves alcoholic beverages and has free wi-fi for paying customers.
Branded Jerome Chocolates, pastries, Haagen Dasz ice cream parlor and on Friday evenings, wine and pizza parties. Bakery items half-price after 18:00. Kids corner for mommies club.
Make their coffee by the cup, also serve juice drinks and beer. Has food, but drinks are what is known. This location has 2 floors, has high ceilings and a piano.
星巴克; Xīngbākè
Free wi-fi for paying customers.
海韵国际青年旅舍; Hǎiyùn Guójì Qīngnián Lǚshě; also known as Dalian Sea Rhyme Youth Hostel
This hostel boasts the fairly unique distinction of being housed inside an old Chinese warship moored at Tiger Beach. The whole hostel, from staff uniforms to rooms, is decked out in a nautical theme. Rooms vary from doubles to multi-person dorms. They claim to be part of Hostelling International, but they are not listed by them (perhaps because the hostel does not accept foreigners).
Completed in 2009, this hotel offers clean rooms and sits in the eastern side of the district. Free internet access in all rooms and 2 PCs for guest use in the lobby.
渤海明珠大酒店; Bóhǎi Míngzhū Dàjiǔdiàn
Closest hotel to the train station. Rooms are a bit outdated.
大连宾馆; Dàlián Bīnguǎn
The place to stay for anyone interested in exploring the history of Dalian. Built in 1914 by the Japanese, designed by a Frenchman, the hotel is pretty much the only place to stay in Dalian that is older than 15 years and frequently plays host to visiting dignitaries when they are not staying at Bangchuidao. Its age means its facilities (a small business center and gym) can not compete with its more modern rivals but its character is unmatched. The Japanese restaurant in the hotel is one of the best in the city.
大连心悦大; 酒店Dàlián Xīnyuè Dàjiǔdiàn
博览大酒店; Bólǎn Dàjiǔdiàn
Probably the pick of the mid-range hotels in the eastern half of the city center, offers good sized rooms, decent facilities (sauna, gym, optional broadband internet access in rooms) and a decent variety of restaurants and bars in a very central location just off Zhongshan Square. Has drawn praise for its attentive and friendly staff.
华美达饭店; Huáměidá Fàndiàn
Fantastic location for train travelers. Includes a gym, swimming pool, free internet access in rooms and English speaking staff. Lots of trinket shopping close.
丽景大酒店; Líjǐng Dàjiǔdiàn
Next to Tiger Beach, offers great views and a convenient location for exploring the southern seafront of Dalian. Amenities are decent (Chinese and Japanese restaurants, French café, gym, sauna) if nothing spectacular.
大连盛捷港湾服务公寓
Each serviced accommodation unit offers broadband Internet access, a home entertainment system and a fully-equipped kitchen.
富丽华大酒店; Fùlíhuá Dàjiǔdiàn
A Japanese chain, considered to the city's finest hotel.
海景酒店; Hǎijǐng Jiǔdiàn
Best Western-run hotel is a little older than its competitors, as is evidenced by its blue-glassed 1980s chic tower, but it still offers the usual facilities and the most convenient location for those arriving or departing from the harbor or interested in exploring the Sanba bar area.
大连日航饭店, Dàlián Rìháng Fàndiàn
A hotel that has been through almost as many name changes as Dalian itself, now run by Japan Airlines it is an impressive building to look at with a good western restaurant. Easy to get to by Tram Line 201 and several bus lines. The service level is higher than most hotels, it's also quiet and convenient. On the higher floors of the hotel, customers can enjoy the city skyline as well as the seaview. But being 20 years old, the hotel may seem to be out-dated.
大连中远海运洲际酒店, Dàlián Zhōngyuǎn Hǎiyùn Zhōujì Jiǔdiàn
A hotel operated by InterContinental. This one may be a good choice if you have a big budget. Close to bus stops and a metro station, the place is amazingly quiet. Services are good but the price is quite expensive. Features a restaurant on the top floor.
大連新世界酒店
香格里拉大饭店; Xiānggélǐlā Dàfàndiàn
Part of the Hong-Kong based chain, the decor and facilities may not always be as up to date as its competitors, and the quality of service has received mixed reviews in the past. But, generally, the hotel offers everything you would expect from a 5-star hotel.
瑞士酒店; Ruìshì Jiǔdiàn
This hotel is no longer affiliation with the Swiss-based Swissôtel as it once was. The English name and all signage was changed, but the name remains the same in Chinese Mandarin. Housed in a sleek, modern tower at the southern tip of the Qingniwa shopping area and offers splendid views over Labour Park. The food at various restaurants is not as reputable as it once was.
友谊商店; Yǒuyì Shāngdiàn
Lots of imported goods. Some may can be found elsewhere for less, but if you are looking for really exclusive products, both imported and domestically produced, this is the place to go. There is also a number of other high-end shops (Cartier, Gucci, Armani, etc.) and shopping areas east of here along Renmin Lu.
青泥洼桥; Qīngníwāqiáo
Host to a number of moderately expensive department stores, supermarkets and shopping centres. Designer clothing can be found in abundance here.
天津街; Tiānjīn Jiē
Pedestrian street with a number of department stores, supermarkets and shopping centres. It also offers a large number of stalls, selling goods ranging from underwear to swords, that operate along the length of the road.
时代广场; Shídài Guǎngchǎng
Dalian's most up-scale (international) stores are found here.
胜利广场; Shènglì Guǎngchǎng
Hidden underneath the Square, this huge mall contains a large food court, tearooms, a video arcade and a bowling alley in addition to a massive number of small stalls selling a wide variety of goods. This can be a good place to come to get decent bargains however, it is confusingly laid out and maps are nowhere to be seen while the few signs there are, are in Chinese. Allow plenty of time when visiting here as simply finding a way out can take far longer than expected.
Central Zhongshan District is very well served when it comes to transportation connections, with both the central train station and passenger ferry terminal lying within its borders.
Read in the guideMost of the attractions in central Zhongshan District lie within comfortable walking distance of each other.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dalian (Ganjingzi) · International · DLC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Zhongshan and China.
Travel tipsWho can visit China visa-free in 2026: the 30-day list (now including the UK and Canada), the 240-hour transit rule, and how to set up mobile payments.
7 min read
Travel tipsFind out how much does a trip to China cost in 2026. Compare realistic daily budgets for bullet trains, hotels, dining, mobile payments, and top sights.
9 min read
InspirationCelebrate Chinese New Year 2027 with festival dates, temple blessings, lantern displays, and top party spots across Singapore, Penang, and Taipei.
7 min read
Travel tipsCompare travel eSIMs for international trips in 2026. Review Airalo, Ubigi, Nomad, and Holafly for coverage in Europe, Japan, and China.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.