Dalian, China

About Dalian

Situated at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, Dalian is the largest port in Northeastern China and is well-known in China as a summer resort. Surrounded by the sea on three sides and with hills as a backdrop, Dalian enjoys a pleasant climate.

The city was originally planned by the Russian imperial government which began constructing a port they called Dalny in 1899. Five years later, the Russians lost the half-built city to the Japanese in the Russo-Japanese War. The Japanese renamed the city Dairen and set up governance through the South Manchuria Railway Administration.

The city was built and occupied by the Japanese for 40 years until the end of World War II, and remnants of the occupation can still be seen in its architecture. The current campus of DUFL was once a Japanese language institute. Within a five-minute walk east of the campus where BCA students study is the quiet tree-lined neighborhood of Zhongshan district. City officials have preserved the distinctive mansions of both former Russian generals and later Japanese officials. A few blocks further east is Dalian's botanical garden, which is a popular spot for early evening strolls. Every term, BCA students learn about the fascinating history of this city through a tour with a local historian.

A city of light industry, shipping, and tourism, Dalian hosts a number of trade fairs every year. The most popular is the Dalian International Fashion Festival that opens every August with great fanfare at the city stadium. Throughout the festival week, fashion shows, cultural performances from around the world, and a trade show are hosted at various locations around the city.

A thriving metropolis of over 3 million people, Dalian has become a key target in China's effort to modernize. A Special Economic Zone has been set up on the outskirts of the city attracting business primarily from Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The free market economy is booming in Dalian and BCA students benefit through work experience opportunities with major Chinese and joint venture companies.

Despite the recent influx of foreign business, one of the major advantages to studying in Dalian is that no large settlements of Westerners have developed as they have in Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing. Students who make an effort to meet people will find them receptive and eager to learn about the world outside China. This, combined with the fact that people in Dalian speak standard Mandarin Chinese, creates an excellent atmosphere for studying about China and the Chinese language.

Dalian Quick Facts

    • The influence of foreign powers throughout its history means that architectural styles in Dalian include Russian, Japanese, Byzantine, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Gothic, in addition to traditional and modern Chinese.
    • Dalian is known as the “city of apples” because of its huge agricultural output of fruit.
    • Dalian’s continued economic success has led some to refer to it as “the Hong Kong of the North.”
    • Dalian is known for its annual International Fashion Festival, the Festival of Locust Trees and the Arts Festival.
    • Dalian is renowned for its athletic successes, particularly in men and women’s soccer and track and field events. Its Acrobatics Troupe is one of the most famous in the world.

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