大連
With a typhoon approaching Hong Kong and threatening the long weekend, I decided to take drastic action by flying out for a short trip. Armed with plenty of Asia Miles, I explored what location was small enough yet interesting for a 2.5-3 day trip. With most of the region under the summer monsoon, there wasn't much choice to begin with. In the end, I settled for Dalian, which was forecasted to have a sunny weekend.This Air China plane will take me to Dalian today.
http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/2012/0629/IMG_7056.jpg
Dalian was originally built by Russia as the ice-free alternative to the Vladivostok port. The Russians leased the Dalian peninsula from China in 1898, only to lose it to Japan in the Russo-Japanese war in 1904-5. Today, Dalian is a laid-back city, surrounded by water on 3 sides, with immense natural beauty.
Zhongshan Square is Dalian's transportation centre, where 10 roads converge. Built in 1899 by the Russians, it was originally named "Nicholas Square".
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8552.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8571.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8567.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8572.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8580.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8597.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8561.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8656.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8669.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8645.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8675.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8683.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8703.jpg
The Dalian Hotel was built in 1909 as part of the Japanese-owned Yamato Hotel chain. It was restored in 1997 and continues to be a hotel today.
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8618.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8640.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8705.jpg
Inside, the lobby still is elegant, but was not particularly impressive. The cafe was a beautiful enclosed courtyard though.
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8709.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8711.jpg
Historic photographs and captions are hung in the lobby to respect the significance of this address.
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8706.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8718.jpg
Dalian is a city of squares. Minzhu Square is to the northeast of Zhongshan Square, but it isn't a pedestrian spot, but more a spacious tram stop, bordered by buildings like this historic one.
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8218.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8226.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8217.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8271.jpg
I head west along Changjiang Road towards the modern Hotel Nikko.
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8279.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8283.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8280.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8304.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8295.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8310.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8305.jpg
All the roads lead to some square eventually. Time to explore the side streets ...
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8520.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8528.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8527.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8525.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8534.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8532.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8548.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_8538.jpg
Youhao Square is just west of Zhongshan Square, famous for its crystal ball in the centre. Heading north, Russian Street is within walking distance.
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_9147.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_9151.jpg
http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian/20120701/IMG_9144.jpg
The full set : http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian.htm
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