Erin Hunter
Renowned as China's Fashion City Dalian houses some of the top retail hubs in the region. Hosting the Dalian International Fashion festival each year the city's best shopping hotspots are as follows.
As one of Dalian's oldest retail heartlands no visit to the shopper's haven would be complete without a tour of Tianjin Walking Street. Dating back nearly a century this age old shopper's hub is littered with innumerable stalls and shops. Having undergone major renovations in recent years the local government has transformed the ancient shopping street to a stylish retail district reminiscent of European fashion streets with luxury brands and sky-piercing malls reigning supreme. Located to the east of Victory Square the Tianjin Walking Street lies just north of Zhongshan Square.
As a shopping district littered with globally renowned supermarket chains and retail outlets Xi'an Lu is another hot-pick bargain hotspot for locals as well as tourists. Occupying the western quarters of Dalian the must-visit retail destinations scattered along Xi'an Lu include its very own Parkson, Wal-Mart and Carrefour superstores while local retailers have also set up shop in this intriguing corner of the city.
Often compared to Nanjing Lu in Shanghai and the Chinese capital's Wangfujing district Qingniwan is a well-known financial epicenter in the city as well as tourist hotspot with immense commercial potential. Located across the road from the train station Qingniwan is home to some of the largest department store chains in Dalian as well as its most luxurious malls. Deemed the busiest shopping area in the city this downtown shopper's paradise is a must-visit highlight for brand conscious tourists. Key hotspots in the area include the ever popular Dalian Shopping Center. Visitors staying with conveniently placed Dalian accommodation providers such as the Somerset Harbour Court Dalian will enjoy easy access to Qingniwan.
Located in Dalian's downtown region the aptly named Friendship Shopping City is favorite shopping staple among locals as well as seasoned visitors. Spread out across an impressive six floors, which includes two basement shopping levels, Dalian's Friendship Shopping City offers visitors more than 10,763 square meters of prime retail space. Housing flagship outlets of well known labels from around the globe this iconic shopping mall located near Zhongshan Square is a must-visit point of retail interest for all.
As another popular downtown shopping venue the Qiulin Woman's Shop is not only a premier clothing and fashion store for the female masses but also an all encompassing department store selling everything from home wares to fresh produce. Spread out over seven floors the mall's main focus is of course women's clothing and accessories with jewellery, handbags and cosmetics vendors occupying a number of its floors. A spa and beauty centre occupies the 4th and 5th floors of the venue while the 6th contains food items hailing from Thailand, Dalian and Shanghai.
Specializing in children's items and funky stationary the Xianshi Qiulin Mansion is another popular stopover for shoppers exploring Dalian.
Known as the best venue in Dalian to pick up stylish dresses and classic fashion items the Shengli Square Shopping Center is a well-known retailer of men's tailored suits as well as sportswear.
