Youhao Guang Cha 友好广场 Friendship Square, The Heart of Dalian.

During Japans occupation the first thing they did was create roads and infrastructure like street car lines and electricity grid.

The locals don’t often mention that unless it’s brought up though. 100 years ago Dalian was nothing and the old dynasty never considered this place important or worth more than it's weight in fish. The Russians actually discovered is strategic value but it was the Japanese that really utilized it.

Well this particular roundabout is extra busy and from here you can get to pretty much anywhere downtown easily. I can imagine the only building here during the Russian occupation is the one that sticks out with the KFC in it now. Go figure.

(If it’s not Russian I’m not sure, it sure doesn’t look like the other Japanese architecture and certainly not Chinese.)

This is a hub and having the Intercontinental Hotel right there and most other big brand hotels just down the road you bet this place has some pretty expensive shops nearby. If it isn’t here yet you bet it’s being built and will sit empty for a few years because no one can afford the rent until the owner finally lowers it to decent price.

The big ball monument has been here for decades getting upgrades as it ages. It’s now covered in LED’s that can be programmed and show funky animations. I have never seen advertising splashed on it, it’s just been cultural stuff. After scanning my photos the only shot I have of it at night is from Christmas when I drove past in a taxi.

Dalian is great city I recommend it anytime. Clean, safe and not as crazy busy as Beijing and Guangzhou or Shanghai. I’m not a big fan of Beijing; I try to only go there to visit friends or flights out.

TIC = This Is China

Hope you enjoyed this post.