Dalian history

The history of modern Dalian is the story of a young city, whose rapid development began only in the late 19th century. Although settlements existed on the Liaodong Peninsula since ancient times, it was the year 1898 that became the starting point for the city we know today. It was founded by Russian engineers and builders on the site of a small fishing village and was named Dalny. Initially, the city was conceived as the terminus of the southern branch of the Chinese Eastern Railway and a major commercial port.

A key factor in the formation of Dalian was its unique geographical location. Situated at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, it gained access to the Yellow Sea and the status of an ice-free deep-water port, making it a strategically important trade hub in the northeast of China. The city's development was largely determined by external influences: initially Russian, and later Japanese, which is reflected in its layout and architecture. The thoughtful radial street scheme and the first European-style buildings were laid out according to Russian designs.

From the very beginning, the city's economy was closely tied to the port and trade. Dalny quickly became one of the largest ports in the region, second only to Shanghai in cargo turnover. Goods from Manchuria were exported through it, contributing to rapid population growth and commercial activity. The early cultural appearance of the city was eclectic, combining European architectural traditions with an Asian way of life, which gives Dalian its unique charm to this day.

Chronology of Historical Events

• 1898 — The Russian Empire leases land on the Liaodong Peninsula and founds the city of Dalian under the name Dalny.
• 1904 — During the Russo-Japanese War, the port is blockaded and becomes the scene of fierce hostilities.
• 1905 — Under the terms of the Treaty of Portsmouth, the city passes under Japanese administration and is renamed Dairen.
• 1906 — The headquarters of the South Manchuria Railway is located in the city, kickstarting rapid industrial growth.
• 1937 — A massive expansion of the port is completed, turning it into one of the largest transport hubs in East Asia.
• 1945 — Soviet troops occupy the city at the end of the Second World War, liberating it from Japanese administration.
• 1950 — The USSR transfers civil administration of the city and property to the government of China, maintaining a presence at the base in Lushun.
• 1955 — Soviet troops finally leave the Port Arthur area, and the territory fully passes under the jurisdiction of the PRC.
• 1984 — The State Council grants Dalian the status of an "Open Coastal City", allowing the attraction of foreign investment.
• 1993 — Implementation begins for an ecological development strategy aimed at transforming the industrial centre into a "Garden City".
• 1998 — Dalian Software Park opens, laying the foundation for the development of the IT sector in the region.
• 2003 — Construction of Xinghai Square is completed, becoming the largest city square in Asia.
• 2007 — The city hosts the "Summer Davos" for the first time — the Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum.
• 2014 — The first line of the city metro is put into operation, significantly improving transport accessibility.
• 2017 — The Liaoning Free Trade Zone officially opens, stimulating the development of international logistics and finance.

Main Stages of the City's Development

The evolution of Dalian represents a journey from a small settlement to a global centre of trade and technology. Each of these milestones radically changed the appearance and economic structure of the metropolis.

• Port Foundation and European Layout (1898)
  This event became the starting point of the city's existence. It was then that the radial-ring scheme of streets and squares, unique for Asia, was approved, and the city's role as an ice-free deep-water port open to international trade was defined.
• Industrialisation and Infrastructure Development (1905–1945)
  During this period, a powerful industrial base was formed. The construction of shipyards, chemical plants, and the expansion of the railway network turned the city into a key transport and industrial hub of the region, laying the foundation for its future economic power.
• "Open Coastal City" Status (1984)
  Receiving this status from the government opened China and specifically this region to foreign investment. This decision launched an economic boom, allowed for the modernisation of the port, and created conditions for the emergence of a technical and economic development zone.
• Ecological Renovation and the "Green Revolution" (1990s)
  A large-scale programme to move heavy industry outside the city limits and active landscaping radically changed the quality of life. The creation of numerous parks and squares cemented the city's reputation as a "Garden City" and made it a popular tourist destination.
• Creation of Dalian Software Park (1998)
  The opening of the software park marked the transition from heavy industry to a knowledge economy. This turned the city into one of the leading centres for IT outsourcing and high technology in Asia, attracting offices of major global corporations.
• Launch of the "Summer Davos" (2007)
  The selection of the city as the venue for the "World Economic Forum of New Champions" confirmed its international authority. This event stimulated the construction of the ultra-modern Donggang district and the futuristic International Conference Centre.
• Launch of the Free Trade Zone (2017)
  The establishment of the Liaoning Free Trade Zone gave a new impetus to the development of logistics and finance. The simplification of customs procedures strengthened the city's role as a crucial maritime hub in Northeast Asia.

The architectural appearance of Dalian is a unique narrative frozen in stone, where European urban planning ideas intertwine with Asian monumentality and ultra-modern forms. The history of the city, founded in the late 19th century, has left behind a rich and eclectic heritage that makes it unlike other metropolises in China.

Russian Heritage and European Layout

The foundations of Dalian's urban planning were laid by Russian engineers in 1898-1905. The city, then bearing the name Dalny, was designed according to European patterns inspired by the "Garden City" concept and the plan of Paris. The central element became the current Zhongshan Square (originally Nikolaevskaya), from which, like the Place de l'Étoile in Paris, ten streets radiate outwards. This area remains the heart of the historical centre today. During this same period, the first buildings in Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles appeared, shaping the look of areas such as the famous Russian Street (formerly Engineer Street).

Japanese Monumentalism

In the first half of the 20th century, during the period of Japanese administration, the architectural development of the city continued. Japanese architects actively built up the centre, especially around Zhongshan Square, erecting monumental buildings for banks, administrative institutions, and hotels. Many of these structures, executed in Neo-Renaissance and Art Deco styles, have survived to this day and form a unified architectural ensemble protected by the state. Examples include the former Yokohama Specie Bank building and the Yamato Hotel (now Dalian Hotel). This period gave the city centre a majestic and austere look.

Modern Appearance: From Functionalism to Futurism

After the city's return to China, and especially with the start of economic reforms in the 1980s, Dalian experienced a true construction boom. Historical styles were replaced first by functional buildings of the Soviet model, and then by bold modern and postmodern architecture. Today, the Dalian skyline is defined by soaring skyscrapers, futuristic conference centres, and large-scale residential complexes. This new architectural layer reflects Dalian's status as one of the most dynamically developing and environmentally clean cities in the country.

Prominent Figures in the History of Dalian

The history of Dalian, though not long, is linked with the names of brilliant individuals from different eras who made significant contributions to its formation and development. From Russian founders and Japanese modernisers to contemporary figures in business and the arts — each has left their mark on the appearance and character of the city.

• Yevgeny Ivanovich Alekseyev (1843–1917) — Admiral, Viceroy of the Far East. In 1899, he was appointed chief of the Kwantung Oblast. It was under his leadership that the city of Dalny was founded and began to be built, becoming a strategic port for the Russian Empire on the Pacific Ocean.
• Kazimir Skrzhivanovsky (1859–1904) — Polish-Russian engineer-architect. He is the author of the original master plan for the city of Dalny. He developed the radial-ring structure of the centre with a square from which streets radiated outwards, defining the unique European appearance of the city.
• Gotō Shinpei (1857–1929) — Japanese statesman. After the city passed under Japanese administration, he became the first president of the South Manchuria Railway and played a key role in transforming Dairen (Dalian) into a major industrial and transport hub.
• Wang Jianlin (born 1954) — Businessman, founder and chairman of the Dalian Wanda Group. He started his business in Dalian in 1988, turning a small company into one of the world's largest commercial real estate developers and cinema operators. His activities contributed to the modern development and economic growth of the city.
• Dong Jie (born 1980) — Famous Chinese actress. Born in Dalian, she achieved national and international recognition thanks to roles in films such as "Happy Times" directed by Zhang Yimou, and numerous television series.
• Zhang Enhua (1973–2021) — Famous Chinese footballer, defender. A native of Dalian, he was the long-time captain of the legendary "Dalian Shide" team, which dominated Chinese football in the 1990s, and was also captain of the Chinese national team at the 2002 World Cup.
• Yu Nan (born 1978) — Chinese actress born in Dalian. She is the winner of numerous international film awards, including the "Golden Bear" at the Berlin Film Festival for the film "Tuya's Marriage". Her success has brought the city fame on the global cinema stage.