China Daily has called Dalian "China's most livable city," and though the state paper may print much that one would be well advised to take with a grain of salt, in this case they're right on the money. In a country where breakneck economic growth all too often seems to result in heavy-duty environmental degradation, Dalian shines as an exception. That's not to say it doesn't share in China's industrial growth, but it has managed to balance city planning, green space and economic development in a way that has eluded other cities of simliar size.

Known for its beaches, mountains and pleasant summertime climate, Dalian is a popular resort destination, and its allure is enhanced by its cosmopolitan nature: The city is known for its Russian, Japanese and Korean influences, which extend from the layout of the the streets to the availablity of kimchi and borscht in the city's restaurants.

Dalian highlights include fresh seafood, sunbathing and swimming at Fujjiazhuang Beach and other popular beaches, hiking to Yaowoling Pagoda with its stunning coastal views, a day trip to Daheishi to see its hundreds of of white Buddhas and a visit to the Thousand Hands Buddha of Mercy, the largest bronze statue of Buddha in China, perched on a mountain top.
 

Over the years, Dalian's strategic Yellow Sea port location has been a mixed blessing. It's made it one of China's most prosperous cities as well as a battleground for warring nations scrapping for control of the resource-rich region. 

After having grown into a modest port with light defenses and a small mining industry during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the city gained in strategic importance with the British occupation from 1858 to mid 1880s, which was followed by a period of Japanese rule following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). 

Later, the Russian Empire leased the city they called Dalny from the Qing, using the port to give them access to the Pacific via a connection with the Trans-Siberian railroad. Russian control in turn gave way to the Japanese, who retook the territory that included Dalny and Port Arthur (today known as Lushun)following fierce battles during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).

The Japanese remained in control until the end of World War II, when the Soviet Union took over. Cooperation between the Chinese Communists and the Soviets saw Dalian develop into a modern port, with the Chinese regaining full control in 1950 in a peaceful transition, providing the fledgling PRC with a valuable industrial port in the first full year of its existence. 

After the national economic downturn that accompanied the chaos of the Cultural Revolution, China began building up Dalian's ship building and oil industries. In 1978, Dalian was declared a Special Economic Zone with an open-door trade policy, attracting a stream of investment from overseas and strengthening the port's trade relations with over 140 countries.

Today, Dalian has benefited from a balanced development approach that hasn't sacrificed too much green space for industry, helping seal its reputation as one of China's most pleasant coastal cities.
 

Dalian is at its best between April and October. August is its hottest month, with daily average temperatures rarely falling below 24º C (75º F) and highs that reach 35º C (95º F). January is the coldest, averaging -5º C (23º F) with lows as cold as -24º C (-11º F). The peninsular city is consistently breezy to windy, with the ocean air keeping the air moist and fresh. About 60 to 70% of the annual rainfall occurs during summer rainstorms, with spring and summer often suffering from prolonged dry spells.