Dalian Favorites

Favorite thing: Map of Dalian in Chinese is easily available from any stalls selling newspapers and hotels. The transportation routes are detailed on the map. It will be easy to use if you know how to read Chinese (han yu). The timetable for train service out of Dalian is on the map as well, but do double check at the station for any changes.
I bought an outdated map for 2000 from a hotel (Hengyuan Hotel) for 2 bucks, whereas all the stalls along the streets are selling maps for 2003. I thought I can trust people in the hotel more than those on the streets, but I was wrong here. :(

Favorite thing: I went to a huge international shopping center where they sell lotsa imported and branded goods - shopping center at Swissotel. People there are very well-dressed and with ladies with make-up. I just wore casually and felt a bit out of place. Those branded stuffs are more expensive as compared to in Singapore and UK.

I also went to the supermarket for food. Lotsa choices of cooked food there. Very interesting.

Favorite thing: Visit Tiger Bay. It is an interesting place.

Legend says that a ferocious tiger once roamed the beach here and attacked local people. Shi Cao volunteered to get rid of the tiger. Both he and the tiger died in battle and Shi was declared a hero.

Favorite thing: Walk around the underground malls in Victory Square. It's absolutely massive, and has floors and floors of bedding, clothing, watches, hats, shoes... I don't need to go on. It's easy to find an exit back to the top, but don't lose anyone while you're there. It's really busy and confusing

Fondest memory: Well, I've been here for a month, so I have a ton of fond memories (some of which will not be mentioned) but I'd have to say my favorite was taking a midnight excursion after bar hopping and roaming around the city completely lost.

Fondest memory: Actually the tournament was held in Yingkou which is north of Dalian. This is a very remote area and the people here had not seen many (if any) westerners up close. The teams from NZL and myself therefore were great attention grabbers. My favorite memory was during the tournament...having just finished a game, I was heading to the players/organizers private bathroom (one of those waist-high squatting stalls with wood-panelling designed linolieum). This is a very basic affair - only 3 stalls and I was alone, which was good because I am tall and the stalls are not built for modesty. Anyway, as I was coming out of the stall the outside door burst open and 3 teenage cheerleaders (they did a routine between every game in the tournament) ran in. I was trying to negotiate my way around them when I realized that they were talking to me and pushing a marker and their hats into my hand. They wanted an autograph! In the middle of the bathroom!! Four more girls were waiting for me outside the stall-I guess they couldn't all fit in at once. This has never happened to me before and although it was kind of startling, it was funny - guess that was my 15 minutes of fame!

Fondest memory: Two serene elderly gentlemen sitting together on a park bench enjoying the afternoon sunshine. They spoke no english, we spoke no chinese, no problem! A camcorder shot was welcomed with a gracious smile. Message: never mind the politics - we're all world citizens.

Favorite thing: Opposite of the Sculpture of the city's a-hundred-year history in the Xinghai Square was docked the ship Oriana when a typhoon canted over that ship.

Favorite thing: I am sitting right now in an internet cafe that is at the angle of Youhao ROad and Friendship Square. The connection is quick and it's a good centrally located place.

Right next to Williams Cafe