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. 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 heading off from near the Regent Hotel.

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 !

Lushun, also known as Port Arthur, lies 47 kilometers (29 miles) southwest to the center of Dalian. It is not only a beautiful coastal city but also a museum of Chinese modern history, and was fought over by both Russian & 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 best hotels to stay include the Hilton (0411) 252 9999, Regent Hotel (289 2811), Holiday Inn (280 8888) and Shangri-La (252 5000) with bars of note being the Casablanca Cafe and Greenery Beerhouse on Renmin Lu, while the Banana Bar at the Furama is another expat hangout. Wanna boogie ? JJ's is here in the Shenyang Entertainment Centre at the north end of Wuwu Lu and is where many high maintenance girls hang out looking for expat boyfriends.

Dalian is not just a great business location but also well worth a weekend visit, so if feeling coastal head down to the beaches, enjoy some great seafood and wander around one of China's more attractive and interesting cities. Have fun!