Eating out

Seafood. This is must in Dalian. There are so many excellent seafood restaurants that it hard to single out any one in particular. Wherever you are staying just take in the local one. Be adventurous - it's not expensive so try anything. If the restaurant is full then it will be good.

If you are out shopping try the Haiwei Seafood Restaurant (85 Zhongshan Lu). Alternatively, try any of the Fresh Everyday chain of restaurants. There is a branch on almost every street. If you are in the Xinghai Park area try eating 'al fresco' on the beachfront, above the souvenir shops. They serve giant prawns, fish and beer as you watch the windsurfers.

The Dajiale Fast Food Restaurant is convenient. Centrally located, serving excellent, cheap food.

Dalian Papa's restaurant is good as it gets where Western food is concerned. If you need your home from home food fix then this is the place.

Bars and nightspots

The International Seamen's Club, east end of Sidalin Lu, is described as the Copacabana of Dalian. It contains a bit of everything. The second floor has several dining sections where the fried dumplings are highly recommended. This is a disco and full-size theatre. The theatre has a variable schedule of Peking Opera, acrobatic shows (well worth seeing) and films.

Hotel bars in and around the city centre offer the best bars and nightspots in the centre. Around the coastal fringes, new places are springing up all the time. Ask your Chinese colleagues or the hotel concierge which is the best place to visit.

Arts & Culture

It is not easy to feel the real Chinese culture in Dalian because it has become a cosmopolitan city. Its population trebles in the holiday season whilst its local inhabitants are a mixture of Chinese, Russian and Japanese influences. The city itself has a different feel about it to most Chinese cities. The architecture differs and somehow it tends to be able to absorb the massive influx of people without being overcrowded.

Dalian has a fascinating historical history which, unfortunately, is not captured or displayed anywhere. Maybe because it remains a port of strategic military importance and those historical records lie buried in the military archives.

Natural History Museum, located on the coast, near Xinghai Park. Contains a wealth of information about various animal species in particular the vast array of sea life. Most of the information is in English as well as Chinese. Unfortunately most of the species are rather moth-eaten which detracts from their visual value.

"Scenic Spots" Which are the best places to visit, for a tourist?

Laodong Park. Close to the city centre and most enjoyable for a relaxing stroll. Particularly interesting in the early morning or evening when local inhabitants indulge in a wide range of martial arts and community activities. Also offers good city views.

Xinghai Park. A short journey from the city centre to take in the sea air. Try the tram in at least one direction. Take a very pleasant relaxing stroll around the plaza with its many interesting features. Adjacent to the plaza are more commercial aspects of a typical seaside resort. If you like Blackpool and crowds then give it a try.

Coastal Drive. If time is limited, a coastal drive will give a whistlestop tour of all the sites. Most hotel taxis are very adept at this service. If you are lucky you may get a modicum of English thrown in. Better than an organised tour and cheaper. Stop off where you fancy depending upon your time availability.

Shopping

Victory Plaza. This is central to the main shopping area. Start here and just stroll in whatever direction the crowds take, usually along Tianjin Jie (pedestrianised). Shops are open until late evening so there is always plenty of time after work. Like most places in China prices are very variable from cheaper domestic brands to relatively expensive international brands. South Korean fashion is very popular.

Crystal glassware. This is produced locally and is of high quality. Artistically it differs from European design and may not be to everyone's taste.

Seashells. Dalian is a seafood haven. Consequently every imaginable use has been made from the vast variety of shells. If one avoids the mass-produced, typical seaside souvenirs, there is a wide choice of quality, artistic ornaments and jewellery.

Other

Golf. Dalian Golden Pebble Golf Course is a must for any golfing enthusiast. It has three fairways ranking in the top 100 anywhere in the world. This, together with its cliff-hanging greens, make it both a challenge and picturesque. If you can afford time for a short break then in addition to the golf, Golden Pebble Beach offers an idyllic seaside holiday resort. One of the best in China.

Port Lushun (Port Arthur). This area has recently opened up more and more to foreign visitors. Historically it has been and still is to a great extent, of major military significance. From here the navy controls the entrance to Bohai Sea and thus Tianjin and Beijing itself.

Holiday City. Dalian is an ideal place to bring a family, especially young children. Anyone mixing business and pleasure would not be disappointed. Children should love Dalian.

Policewomen. The policewomen on traffic duty are beautifully attired and set an excellent example for other cities, not just in China but elsewhere.