Capital of romance

It is also among the "Best Tourist Cities in China" selected by the National Tourism Administration and the World Tourism Organization.

In March 1999, the National Tourism Administration named Dalian "Capital of Romance".

Surrounding the city are prime spots to enjoy water sports, while every year it hosts various events such as the Sand Beach Cultural Festival, the International Fashion Festival and the International Beer Festival.

With the Bohai Sea to the west and the Yellow Sea in the east, Dalian is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. The city has more than 60 public squares, including famed Xinghai Square - Asia's largest city square - and Zhongshan Square in the city's central business district.

Dalian promotes tourism through the 3S: - sun, sand and sea in summer and springtime climate, sports and shopping in winter.

A tourist resort in Lushun district showcases "half of the modern history of China" while Jinshitan resort in the development zone offers the highly regarded Geological Museum of China and attractions called the Golden Coast and Discovery Land.

More than 40 percent of the city is covered by greenery, the equivalent of 11.1 sq m for every resident.

Dalian has been awarded many titles for its environment, including the China Residence Award and the National Environment Protection Model City. It was among the world's top 500 cities with excellent environment listed by the United Nations.

People's Square.