About Dalian
'Perched on the Liaodong Peninsula bordering the Yellow Sea. Dalian is one of the most modern and prosperous cities in China! The city manages to feel both bustling and relaxed, as if the entire population is on holiday - or shopping. Consumer culture has arrived in a big way, with new shopping malls springing up seemingly on every block. Yet while many flashy towers are being built the city retains some wonderful architecture and refreshing acres of grass. Several beaches surround the city and relaxing by the sea is the main reason most travellers visit Dalian... Dalians extremely successful soccer team also lures many fans.'
Lonely Planet quote reproduced with permission from the Lonely Planet guidebook China, 9 © 2005 Lonely Planet Publications
Other useful sources about Dalian:
http://www.wcities.com/en/city/315/city.html (wcities.com guide to Dalian)
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/liaoning/dalian (Travel China Guide)
http://www.runsky.com/en (English Language Dalian News)
As a study destination for Mandarin Chinese Language students, Dalian has excellent cultural, linguistic and social advantages. In this north- eastern China city, the local pronunciation is the standard, official 'putonghua' (unlike Shanghai). It is a prosperous, dynamic city with a modern infrastructure, high-rise shopping malls, multi-plex cinemas, lively nightlife and an expanse of popular sandy beaches. In China it is known as the 'Hong Kong of the North' or 'Northern Pearl' and is a popular summer retreat for wealthy Chinese. The city is easy to navigate with a good public transport systems and ever-present cheap taxis. At the same time the overall cost of study is significantly lower than in Beijing or Shanghai, compared with these cities you will save 30-40% over 1 semester of study.
In the progressive, modern environs of Dalian, cosmopolitan but essentially Chinese, you will be received with friendly interest and hospitality. In fact, Dalian is one of those special Chinese cities where students come to study for one semester or a year and later negotiate with their home universities to extend their time.
In summer Dalian is a popular retreat for many Chinese business persons and politicians from around north- eastern China. Spring and Autumn are also very pleasant. During winter snow will settle usually for at least a couple of weeks and at this time there is opportunity to go to a small ski centre located just outside the city.