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21-Nights China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh - Classic

Price: $3,449 - # of Days: 21 days
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh What do you get when you mix China’s hidden backroads with the best of Vietnam? An epic three-week overland adventure like no other. Journey from the breathtaking natural and cultural wonders of China’s Yunnan province, cross the border into Vietnam, and head ...

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13-Nights Beijing to Kunming: Undiscovered China - Classic

Price: $2,499 - # of Days: 13 days
Beijing to Kunming: Undiscovered China China will ignite your imagination with its futuristic cities and sweep you off your feet with ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage. This two-week adventure checks off the must-sees like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, ...

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7-Nights China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming - Classic

Price: $1,299 - # of Days: 7 days
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming Exploring all of China’s ancient wonders could take a lifetime, but on this eight-day adventure, you’ll uncover some of its best-kept secrets in no time. Skip the usual tourist spots and dive into the magic of lesser-known gems like Chengdu’s Tian'fu Squ...

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12-Nights China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi - Classic

Price: $2,199 - # of Days: 12 days
China & Vietnam: Chengdu to Hanoi Calling all adventure enthusiasts - this off-the-beaten-path, nearly two-week journey through China is the perfect way to dive into the heart of local life. Kick things off at the breathtaking Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang, then step back in time as you wander the th...

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18-Nights China & Vietnam: Beijing to Sapa Adventure - Classic

Price: $3,399 - # of Days: 18 days
China & Vietnam: Beijing to Sapa Adventure From Beijing's iconic heart to Hanoi’s vibrant streets, this 21-day journey takes you through the best of China and Vietnam in one epic adventure. You’ll tick off bucket-list wonders like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, but the magic lies in discove...

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27-Nights China & Vietnam: The Great Wall to Ho Chi Minh - Classic

Price: $4,699 - # of Days: 27 days
China & Vietnam: The Great Wall to Ho Chi Minh If you've ever dreamed of escaping for a month to explore two of Asia's most captivating countries, this is your sign to pack your bags. Over 28 epic days, travel from the buzz of Beijing to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Walk the legendary Gr...

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Overview

Introduction

Dali, China, is a backpacker-friendly place to chill out in Yunnan province. The Ming-Dynasty-era, wall-enclosed old town overlooks a pretty lake, and there is good hiking nearby. Dali is located 225 mi/340 km northwest of Kunming.

Dali is famous for its marble, and samples are available in numerous shops around town. The other staples of backpacker hangouts—Internet cafes, coffee shops and cheap lodging—can also be found in Dali, especially on a street aptly named Yangren Jie (Foreigners' Street), a sort of reverse Chinatown.

The colorful Bai people are the main inhabitants of the surrounding area, and their weekly market in nearby Shaping is well worth a look.

Overview

Introduction

Sandy beaches, stretches of lush greenery, landscaped gardens, breathtaking mountains and clean air all contribute to the exceptional and serene beauty of Dalian, China.

Ubiquitous shopping, restaurants and a decent night life have led locals to dub this coastal city of 5 million (which is small, by Chinese standards) the "Hong Kong of the North."

Tour the city's Zhongshan Square to marvel at the classic and imposing Russian and Japanese architecture. The Lushun district is home to the famous, magnificent and panoramic Port Arthur, adjacent to the historical downtown area, and should not be missed.

The cluster of beaches serve as nice vacation spots where you can relax in the sun and take a dip.

This seaside city is also home to many parks and gardens. The Donghai Park along the beachfront in the downtown area is one of the most famous parks in the region.

Geography

Dalian is situated on of the Liaodong Peninsula, near Korea on the Bohai Sea. China's capital, Beijing, lies just across the Yellow Sea to the West, just an hour's flight away. To the south, the financial capital of Shanghai is a little over an hour away by air.

Dalian's coastline stretches over 1,182 mi/1,906 km and is the marine gateway of northeastern China. Stretching from the northern to the southern region of the city are the scenic Qianshan Mountain ranges. The gateway of the city's harbor is the Dalian Bay. Today, besides being a top tourist city, Dalian is also a key port, trade and industrial center in China.

History

Historical records state that the city of Dalian was first inhabited in 221 BC. However, it was only around the 1800s that Dalian was formally set up as a town and until the end of the 19th century it was a tiny fishing village.

Because of the city's favorable geographic location, it went through a series of invasions but was eventually returned to the Chinese. Around the 1840s, the British, frustrated with China's refusal to trade, tried to enter the country through Dalian, which was a prime gateway, kicking off the Opium Wars. It was during this time that the Qing government constructed maritime defenses as their source of protection. This marked the beginning of the growth of Dalian from a fishing village into a major town.

In 1898, the area of Dalian was leased to the Russians. After a string of conflicts, Dalian went into Japanese hands in 1937. It was only at the end of World War II that Dalian was returned to China, and the Russian influence remained until the end of 1955. The Chinese transformed Dalian into a major shipbuilding hub, which today stands as a vital harbor, trading center and pleasant coastal vacation destination.

On 16 July 2010, Dalian suffered the worst oil spill in Chinese history when two pipelines at the local refinery burst, leaking thousands of barrels of crude oil into the Yellow Sea. To expedite the cleanup, local officials paid residents for every barrel recovered. Within weeks, the spill had been contained as volunteers scooped oil from Dalian's waters and beaches, sometimes with their bare hands. The government is still sticking by its story that only 11,000 barrels were lost. However, conservationists who were there consider this spill on par with Alaska's Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989 along with the BP spill off Louisiana's south coast. Today, the area has completely recovered.

Potpourri

Dalian is called the "City of Apples" because of the tons of apples it produces each year.

Dalian's acrobatic performers are among the most well-known in the world.

Even if it's your first visit to the city, some parts of Zhongshan Park, Dalian's main plaza, may look familiar. Many scenes from the 1987 film The Last Emperor were shot there.

Location

The port of Dalian is situated at the southern region of the Liaotung peninsula and the pivot of northeast Asia. Because of its strategic geographical location, this port serves as a gateway to northeastern China.

The port is also known as Port Arthur.

Cruise ships dock at Dalian Harbor, which is within walking distance of the town. Taxis are readily available, but ask someone on the cruise to translate your destination into Mandarin as most drivers don't speak English. A shuttle usually runs from the cruise terminal to Zhongshan Square, Dalian's main plaza.