Joanna James
When you do not wish to be confined to the ski resorts, hot springs and cosy beaches of Dalian, there are several places in the locale that you can visit in a day or through a weekend.
An enchanting journey that reminisces Chinese history, visiting Lushun provides an intriguing experience for curious explorers. Also known as "Port Arthur", Lushun is considered as a strategic citadel since ancient times with captivating scenic beauty. If you are lodged in a Dalian serviced apartment, a bus or train can be used to easily reach the highlights of Lushun's scenic beauty such as the Garden of Lions and Tigers, the Bird Station and the Island of Snakes. The must-see sites of Lushun like the Lushun Museum, World Peace Park, the Soviet Martyrs, White Jade Hill and the Myriad Loyalists showcase the rich heritage of modern Chinese history.
With rare scenic sights of lava landforms, natural pinewood forests and vistas of picturesque valleys, Bing Yu Valley is located 40 kilometres away from Dalian. Known to the world as the "Oriental Miniature Switzerland", the Bing Yu Valley is one of China's best-kept secrets. Scenic panoramas over stunningly rugged cliffs overlooking lush forests, the fascinating valley of Bing Yu engulfs the traveller in its exotic tranquillity. Boat or go fishing in the Yingna River that snakes along the valley. The inviting scenery of Shuanglong Dam and the Three Gorges is a sight that should not be missed when in Bing Yu Valley.
A short trip of 3 hours from Dalian, Dandong is separated from Northern Korea by the Yalu River. Accommodation options such as Somerset Harbour Court Dalian can be practical if you are planning to locate yourself in the city limits of Dalian and visit nearby attractions. From the historically significant sites such the China and North Korea Friendship Bridge and Memorial Hall of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea to Jinjiangshan Park and the Wulong and Phoenix Mountains with staggering views of scenic escapes, Dandong is the ideal break from your vacation on the Dalian Beach.
One of the most beautiful sites in China, the Changbaishan mountain range extends across several counties of the country. Featuring the most stunning views of the Chinese landscape, Changbaishan is inarguably a veritable paradise on earth. With one of Asia's largest and most reputable ski resorts and year round activities of hiking, ice-skating, golfing, bicycling and fishing, Changbaishan is a stop you cannot afford to miss. However, the highlight of the site is the Heaven Lake. Nesting on the border between China and North Korea, the Heaven Lake lies atop the volcanic mountain of Paektu. Home to a natural ecosystem and a wholesome environment, Heaven Lake is where fantastical sceneries and natural beauty become one.
Famed for the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin or the "Ice City" entices spectators of ice artworks all over the world. The fantastic winter sculptures, entertaining sporting events and ice lanterns of the "Ice City" are adored by the visitors during winter while many from abroad take refuge in Harbin during warm summers due to its mild summer weather. While the exotic buildings of the city and the cityscape inspired by European architecture often draw attention of travellers, the stunning natural beauty of the city leaves an everlasting memory.
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