Jinshitan Scenic Area

Jinshitan Scenic Area, also known as the Golden Pebble Beach National Resort, is situated in the Liaodong Peninsula and facing the Huanghai River. It is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from the northeast of Dalian City. It comprises two peninsulas with a spacious beach in-between, with a land area of 62 square kilometers (15,321 acres) and a water surface of 58 square kilometers (14,322 acres). Encircled by sea all around, the beach enjoys a coastline of 30 kilometers (19 miles). The region has an oceanic monsoon climate, with mild temperature and a distinct four seasons. Environment here is among the best throughout the country. Fresh air, clean sea water and spacious beach that extended four kilometers (2.5 miles) along the coast line attract tourists, especially swimmers, from home and abroad every year. It is also the location of the marine sports centre where various trainings are carried out. The most splendid view is focused on the eastern peninsula, where geological wonders that formed 600,000 to 300,000 years ago extended along the 8-kilometers-long coast line. The vast structure came into shape as early as the Sinian and Cambrian Periods. One can see hundreds of grotesque rocks in various shapes and postures. Some resemble rocks spreading their wings or monkeys watching the sea. Others resemble camels, turtles, dinosaurs, tigers, etc. No wonder it is called the solidified animal world. The Longevous Rock found in it is the biggest sediment rock with the clearest structure in the world, formed 600,000 years ago. One just cannot help marveling the power of nature. Jinshitan Scenic Area also provides top-ranking recreational infrastructures. The golf course covers large greens of 17,500 square kilometers (4,324,344 acres) with 36 fairways, taking good advantage of the seashore. A hunting ground in the western peninsula, equipped with modern facilities, covers an area of 2,000,000 square kilometers (494,210,763 acres). A flower exhibition hall can be found in it where flowers from worldwide are in blossom all year round. You would never be bored in Jinshitan Scenic Area for there are so many scenic sports to explore. You should not miss other attractions such as the house of wax that exhibits lifelike celebrities, the exhibition hall displaying badges with Chairman Mao on them, China Martial Arts Museum, Movie and TV Art Center and so on. Jinshitan Scenic Area aims to become an all-round resort that integrates tourism with entertainment. Many projects are still under constructions, such as Theme Parks, Hi-tech Agriculture Sightseeing and Demonstration Park and Golden Pebble Valley Country, etc. Jinshitan Scenic Area was recognized as the National Resort by the State Council in 1992 and graded as a 4As Tourist Attraction in 2000.

Bingyu Valley Scenic Area

The Bingyu Valley Scenic Area, covering an area of 110 square kilometers (27,182 acres), is located in northern Zhuanghe City, 240 kilometers (149 miles) distant from Dalian City. This spectacular resort is renowned as 'Oriental Miniature Switzerland'. It is also acclaimed as 'Little Guilin' which is internationally known for its extraordinary landscapes. These vistas present rugged cliffs, astonishing peaks, and clear rivers wending their way through luxuriant virgin forests. This fascinating area, full of ecological significance, truly deserves its reputation as one of best-kept secrets of China. The Bingyu Valley Scenic Area consists of the Longhua Mountain, the Xiaoyu (small) Valley and the Yingna River. The mountain gives visitors a sense of both loftiness and elegance, imbuing the visitor with both boldness and tranquility. Amongst the numerous scattered peaks you can discern many phantasms and figures, such as a gnarling tiger, a tiercel spreading its wings, or a long sharp sword. The Yingna River, dances along the valley like a white silk ribbon. It is very calm in some sections of the valley, later becomes agitated, and even then changes into a picturesque lake. Its tributaries, looking like threads, twist around small isolated peaks. At the Shuanglong Dam, the scenery is suggestive of the captivating scenery of Guilin and the Three Gorges which is a most marvelous section of the Yangtze River. A lot of activities such as, skating (winter only), boating and fishing can only be enjoyed here. The green virgin forests of the mountain here are able to eclipse the sky as this natural arboretum bewitches the onlooker. There are thousands of plants that provide an oxygen-rich environment. This is also a habitat for hundreds of animals, such as: otters, roe deer, badgers, foxes, squirrels, and birds, especially indigenous robins. As the Circle of Life completes, the years unwind: the flowers bloom in spring; it offers a cooler place in summer; during autumn the gorgeous mountain is covered with red leaves; in winter the mountain suddenly changes into crystalline icebergs.

Dalian Forest Zoo

The DaLian Forest Zoo was moved from the downtown center into the top south part of Dalian city-a scenic place named white cloud mountain landscape on October 15, 1995 with hills at the back and the sea in the front. It covers an area of 7.2 square kilometers; the planning area is 80 hectare. More than 150 species and more than 200 animals in numbers are shown here. The zoo formally opened to the public on May 24, 1997. The animal showing can be divided into several zones, such as functional zone, grazer zone, lion & tiger hill, primate zone, bear hill, Asian elephant zone, comprehensive nature protection zone, all of which are connected by three overpass bridges straight into the north and the south. Sitting in the 1-kilometer-long elevated sightseeing car, you can overlook the whole view of the 20-hectare-sized a park within a park, you can also see a falling music square with a decoration of 12 earthly branches, a laminated waterfall, YanShui lake, Birds heaven, peacock garden, apricot flower garden, silver river square, etc. This elevated sightseeing car takes you to an elevation of 259.6 meters, from which you can enjoy the full view of the zoo and also the whole Dalian city. Some services are available in the zoo, such as the barrier-free pass, special cars for babies and disabled people, public phone booths, restaurants, entertainment facilities for children, etc. all of which provide much convenience for the tourists. If you have enough time, we suggest you to walk in the zoo. Firstly, you should have a close look at the guide map. Walking through the entrance, pass ?"the park within a park" (silver river square, birds heaven, music square, YanShui lake), walking into the pigeon square, then taking an elevator to enter into ?comprehensive zone(equatorial rain forest show room, pandas room, small animals room, seal performance room, amphibious animals room, animal specimen show room) 1、Elephant room 2、Orangutan Room 3、Bear hill 4、Lions & tigers hills 5、Grazer zone. After finish seeing these animals, you can return from the main road. This route can be the way closest to the nature, from which you can smell the nature, sense the nature and feel the nature. If your time is tight, we suggest you have a relaxing bus tour. Read your guide map, pass the entrance, then take the elevated sightseeing car, come to "the park within a park " and transfer to another tour bus at the pigeon square. The tour bus has six stops: 1、pigeon square 2、Equatorial rain forest show room 3、orangutan room and elephant room 4、bear hill 5、Lions & tiger hill 6、Grazer animals rooms, then return to 7、pigeon square. You can get off at any stop to have a look at your favorite animals.

Dalian World Peace Park

Dalian World Peace Park (short for Dalian World Peace Park Co. Ltd.) is a sub-project under the Sun-Century Group (Hong Kong). It covers an area of 300,000 square meters and it is a theme park with "Forests of Steles in which verses for peace by the heads of many states " as its key content. In May, 1998, the World Poets Meeting was held in United States. The catastrophe caused by the two World Wars and other local wars was reviewed. So everyone realized that praying for peace and against wars was the common hope for the entire world. At the meeting, a famous Chinese poet Yanyi, Vice-chairman of the conference, together with Rosemary, a famous American poet, Chairman of the World Poets Meeting, sent invitations to the heads of many states through the diplomatic missions which were stationed in the United Nations. They were asked to write a verse or admonition for peace with the new millenium drawing near. The heads of many states responded the activity warmly. President Jiang Zhemin of PRC. and President Clinton of the U.S.A. and other more than 120 heads of countries composed poems or wrote articles to chant and pray for peace. In commemoration of this unprecedented project, declaring the holy belief in peace, these peace verses would be carved on steles in order to be visited by people forever. Through our efforts, "The Forests of Steles in which verses for peace by the heads of many states " will be stationed in Lusunkou, Dalian. And '' World Peace Park" will be built with peace as its key content. In the park there will be a hundred-metre peace scroll with signatures of 129 ambassadors to China, bronze statues of 106 heads of states and regions, souvenirs with peace as the key content from many countries, 631 stamp collections with peace as the key content and a host of large-scale sculptures, "Long Live Peace", with 100,000 peace pigeons and so on. World Peace Park lies at Yueliangwan bay, Lusun Economy Development Zone, which is located at the juncture between the Huanghai Sea and the Bohai Sea. The length of the coastline is 2.5 km, with mountains and water surrounding it. The natural view is picturesque. The theme of peace forms a striking contrast with the humiliated history of Lushun, which lasted for almost half a century. With its beautiful natural view, pronounced culture of history and lofty peace belief, the World Peace Park will not only be a new scenic spot in Dalian but also the symbol of maintaining peace. And it will become a magnificent landscape of the world culture.

Daheishan Mountain

Daheishan Mountain, which was also called Daheshan Mountain or Tiger Mountain, is 5 kilometers away from the east of Jinzhou City and is 25 kilometers away from the center of Dalian. The mountain covers an area of 23.79 square kilometers. Its peak elevation is 663.1 meters, which is the highest in the suburb areas of Dalian. On the mountain, you can find more than 120 kinds of plants, including red pine and locust. In addition, you can see various animals and minerals too. What's more, the places of historical interest on the mountain, like Xiangshui Temple, Shengshui Temple and Chaoyang Temple are another attraction to travelers.

Xinghai Park

Xinghai Park is situated on the southwestern side of Dalian City and borders Xinghai Bay from which it takes its name. Some 800 meters (just under half a mile) in length, the park has luxuriant trees and flowers on the landward side while the coastal side comprises a beach of golden sands. The park attracts many visitors as it is a haven of tranquility as well as offering excellent facilities for bathing from its safe beach where the water is neither too deep nor subject to other than moderate waves. As well as the natural beauty of the park the visitors will be drawn to the architectural delights of the Qile Pavilion, Wanghai Pavilion and Yingchao Pavilion that are connected by cobblestone footpaths. Cliffs tower above the sea at the eastern and western ends of the park and the cliff tops present stunning views across the bay where sea and sky blend together on the distant horizon. The Tanhai Cave can be seen in the eastern cliffs. The name of the cave means 'exploring the sea' and as you descend the steps within it you will find the sea-spray rising at your feet, a truly amazing sight! Another feature in the park is the Sun Asia Ocean World where you can observe many of the often bizarre creatures that live in the sea. This aquarium is the first in China to have an underwater tunnel from which you can see the marine life at close quarters. In addition you will see the world's first underwater pyramid, city and flying saucer in this remarkable marine world! This is the only museum in China dedicates to a fine collection of fossils from all over the world, each one being several hundred million years old. Tips: You can get there by bus No22, 23, 28, 202, 406, 801 or 901 from various parts of the city. Should you be feeling hungry the Cuifengyuan hot pot restaurant can be found across the park.

Xinghai Square

Xinghai Square is located in the east of the Xinghai Park. And with the total area of 45,000 square meters, it becomes the biggest municipal public square. The country's biggest White Marble Cloud Pillar is here. The center square looks like a star, with 999 red marble bricks paved on the ground and nine big ancient Chinese vessels and five great palace lanterns around it. The symbol of the Xinghai Bay is that the square and the sea echo each other at a distance. You can enjoy the fresh sea wind and the beauty of the sea here, which could make you feel really relaxed and happy.

Bangchuidao Scenic Area

9 kilometers (some 5 miles) away from the center of Dalian City, Bangchuidao Scenic Area is located in the east of the Binhai Road. It consists of Bangchuidao Islet, the natural lido and Bangchuidao Hotel. It is a famous seashore resort combining marvelous scenery of hills, sea, islet and beach. Surrounded by hills, the northern part of the scenic spot appears beautiful and verdant. The hills are densely planted with flourishing pine trees and cypresses. The southern part is an open maritime area featuring a smooth sand beach. The adjacent lido is regarded as one of the best in Dalian City. 600 meters (some 1968 feet) away from the seashore is the Bangchuidao Islet whose name derives from its shape. This islet is shaped like a Bangchui (wooden club) used by some Chinese people as a washing tool, thus it was named. It is relatively small, covering an area of only 0.3 square kilometers (about 74 acres), while it boasts steep cliffs, peculiar rocks and beautiful wild flowers and grasses everywhere. Bangchuidao Scenic Area enjoys a temperate climate, thus is a perfect summer resort. The famous Bangchuidao Hotel is situated here covering an area of 87 hectares (about 215 acres). As the only national hotel in Dalian City, it mainly functions as the accommodation for leaders and holding large-scale important conferences, which have been held many times here in the past. Many famous national leaders from home and abroad such as our beloved Premier Zhou Enlai (the first Premier of the People's Republic of China) have lived here. Now the hotel greets friends from the entire world with its different styles' garden villas, excellent services and self-contained modern recreational facilities such as standard golf course, large tennis court, swimming pool and bowling alleys.

Zhongshan Square Dalian

Zhongshan Square lies in the eastern part of the city. The diameter of this round-shaped square reaches 200 meters. 36 series of acoustics stand around the square of 22, 000 square meters. Zhongshan Square is the first music square in China. An open dance stage is located in the center of the square. Around the square, there are ten different European style architectures that compose of the financial center of Dalian. A well paved round flat ornamenting with green grass is located in the center of the square. It is a good recreational place. European style building groups stand around the square. Owing to the well remedy and maintenance by the government, they still keep their beauty under the years' baptism. They also augment bright to this city today. Ten radial paths connect the central square with the around buildings, which constructs the frame of this well-known square.

White Jade Hill

A 130-meter-high (427-foot-high) hill standing in the center of Lushun Region is the central scenic spot. The name 'white jade' was given by Li Hongzhang, an influential official of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Ascending the hill and knowing the opposite one was called Gold Hill, he said gold should be associated with white jade. Thus the name it was changed to the present one. Using forced Chinese labor, the Japanese raised a tower on the crest of the hill to commemorate Japanese soldiers who died in the war. The tower has a height of 66.8 meters (219 feet) has become the evidence of their historical crime. The Park of White Jade Hill includes the Naval Weapon Museum, Bird Garden and Rock Museum.

Dalian Natural History Museum

Founded in Dalian City of Liaoning Province in 1959, the Dalian Natural History Museum is a museum of natural history displaying rare stones, fossils, animals and plants, etc. The museum occupies an area of 5,100 square meters, 2,470 square meters of which are for exhibition halls. The museum has a collection of 50,000 items, of which 264 pieces are of the national first class, including world-precious fossils of whale, white-flag dolphin, panda, snub-nosed monkey, platypus, and the bird of paradise, etc. The fossil of a black back-bare whale in the showcase, which is 17.1 meters long and weighs 66.7 tons, is the biggest extant one of its kind in Asia. The magic exhibit is an ancient lotus seed of 821 to 1251 years old, which is still abloom. The museum also keeps a complete set of insect samples from Taiwan Province, a large number of insect samples from other places in the world, and rock mineral samples from Germany, Japan, Korea and the former Soviet Union. The basic displays in the museum include Halobios, Geology and Minerals, Genesis of Human Being, and Animals and Plants, exhibiting 4,853 pieces of specimens, of which halobioses from the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea highlight their local flavors. The display of the large-sized cetaceous samples in the museum holds a leading position in China. Besides, the museum often holds exhibitions on various special topics such as the Exhibition of Hairy People in China, the Exhibition of Insects in the World, the Exhibition of the South Pole, and the Exhibition of the South China Sea, etc. The museum has also collaborated with others on some books on animals and plants. Its book Hairy People in China won the national second prize of excellent books on science and technology in 1983, and the Survey of the Snake Island won the provincial level prize of key technological achievements in 1978. In addition, the museum often carries out academic exchanges with institutions abroad. In September 1984, the Kyushu Natural History Museum of Japan was invited to stage the Exhibition of Insects in the World in the museum. In August 1986, the museum was invited to launch the Exhibition of Birds and Beasts in Northeast China in two Japanese cities.