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.



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".



























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.







Inside, the lobby still is elegant, but was not particularly impressive. The cafe was a beautiful enclosed courtyard though.





Historic photographs and captions are hung in the lobby to respect the significance of this address.





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.









I head west along Changjiang Road towards the modern Hotel Nikko.















All the roads lead to some square eventually. Time to explore the side streets ...

















Youhao Square is just west of Zhongshan Square, famous for its crystal ball in the centre. Heading north, Russian Street is within walking distance.







The full set : http://www.globalphotos.org/dalian.htm