Lying at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, Dalian is a famous summer resort in a scenic setting. Its ice-free, deep-water port is open to ocean shipping all year round and is one of China's major ports for foreign trade.

Dalian has made great strides in industrial development, especially in shipbuilding, machine making, chemicals, and textiles. The town is also noted for its glassmaking works. Among Dalian's handicrafts, shell carving is a popular souvenir item. Shells carved with exquisite craftsmanship are sold here, as well as exported.

Snake Island

At the mouth of Bohai Sea and twenty-five kilometres from Dalian, Snake Island is one of the major nature preserves China. Named for the poisonous snakes that inhabit it, the island has acquired a certain "mystique" that tempts many tourists to visit it.

Starry Sea (Xinghai) Park

This park in the southwest corner of the city is connected to reefs in the sea. Its beautiful scenery, pleasant climate, bathing beaches, and fine service facilities make it an ideal summer resort.

Tiger Beach (Laohutan) Park

Built on a high-rising peninsula to the southeast of Dalian and facing the sea on three sides, Tiger Beach is a good vacation spot with complete service facilities. The coast here is studded with steep rocks, and a great variety of interesting shells can be found along the beach. In the parks' garden one can wander among pavilions, flowery corridors, and grottoes.