Entertainment

Dalian is one of those rare cities that has the look of a major metropolitan hub, but the mindset of an island resort. Its fringe of sea and mountains surrounds it with enough geographical awe to produce nine months' worth of programming for the Discovery Channel. Sunbathing, fishing, boating, hiking and camping are all within minutes from downtown. Urban fun abounds too, and includes world class museums, swanky nightclubs, and major festivals. Boredom, as visitors quickly learn, has no relevance in Dalian.

Festivals in Dalian are few in number but massive in scope. The Chinese New Year (fluctuates between January and February) rates as one of the area's biggest happenings. Streets get jammed with dragon dancers and the skies explode with fireworks. The Acacia Flower Festival (late May) is one long human applause to the joys of an imminent summer. The annual International Fashion Festival (September) attracts the world's top models, designers, musicians, and artists, transforming Dalian into a temporary Asian version of the French Riviera. Dalian even sponsors an International Beer Festival (July) that lasts about half a month. Most major events are held in Xinghai Square.

Dalian's wealth of beaches makes summer its main season of enticement. Tiger Beach, located just southeast of the city in the aptly named Tiger Beach Park along the shores of Laohutan Bay, is excessively popular. In addition to sand, it also offers dining, shopping, and access to China's largest aquarium. The beach at Fujiazhuang Park, the fourth largest beach in the area, is only five kilometers from downtown. Besides shore side fun, there is also hiking and golfing here. Golden Pebble Beach, another favorite, is spiced with a strange mix of weird rock formations. Xinghai Bathing Beach, the largest man-made beach in China, is massive in size and during the peak summer months holds a massive number of people.

City-escape options fan the surrounding mountains. The Jinzhou District's Daheishan Forest Park is celebrated as one of Mother Nature's more creative efforts. More than 500 plant species glut this national park's interior, creating an ultimate setting for hiking and camping. Within the park is Dalian's truly historic Xiangshui Temple, dating to the Tang Dynasty. Both White Cloud Mountain and Baiyu Hill feature the type of high mountain views that can cause calluses on the fingers from snapping so many pictures trying to capture the surrounding panoramic beauty. The Xianrendong National Natural Reserve ups the awe-factor to new levels with caves and wild rock formations.

More than 700 islands hem the coast, all rank high on the interest scale. Bird Island looms three miles offshore and is extremely popular with bird watchers. Hundreds of different winged species pause in its craggy cliffs during migratory season. Sanshan Island is an immensely popular summer destination. Tiny villages along its rocky coast are full of maritime charm and always busy with beach parties and festivals. And the Changshan Archipelago in the North Yellow Sea consists of 112 islands full of secluded coves and reefs. Beach bonfire parties are common summer happenings.

If the body is in need of muscle-soothing relaxation, numerous hot springs offer the perfect bubble balm, including the Anbo Hot Springs. Go for a day trip or stay at one of the many hostels, inns or resorts in Pulan.

The Lushun Exhibition Hall offers a nice indoor alternative. Revered by locals as a huge symbol of cultural pride, this hall is packed with more than 30,000 artifacts including ancient Chinese paintings, sculptures, and Buddhist figurines. The Vangxin Crocodile Garden specializes in crocodiles from around the world. More than 400 of these ancient beasts wade in a replicated Tropical Rain Forest, giving visitors rare up-close access. Xinghai Museum of Prehistoric Life has exhibits on the biological diversity of prehistoric China, a fascinating walk through of ancient history.

For something out of the ordinary, the appropriately named Feel Flying Zip Cord Jump offers heart-thumping bungee jumping. Or if it is soccer season, take in a Dalian Shide soccer game. Dalian prides itself as being known as China's "soccer city." The Shide won the national title six times in eight years and remains incredibly popular, so tickets to the games sell fast. If you cannot snare a ticket wander into Olympic Square and watch the game on large screen TV with hundreds of other soccer fans.

Summertime offers balmy evenings in Dalian. If you need a break from the beach, wander over to Tianjin Street near Changjiang Street to sample the festive atmosphere (and street food!) of the Tianjin night market.