Dalian is the second largest city in Liaoning Province, Dongbei, North East China and the largest port in northern China as well as a major destination for Chinese tourists. Located at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, the main part of the city is located on its own sub-peninsula, with the port to the north of the town centre and natural coastline dotted with beaches to the east and south.

Twinned with Glasgow since 1987, Dalian is the northernmost coastal city in China, with a diverse economy from agriculture to light industry and petrochemicals.

It is an important base of fruit and water product production in China. Dalian is also the "home of track and fields" and the famous "soccer city" in China.  Governing six districts-- Zhongshan,Xigang, Shahekou, Ganjingzi, Lushunkou and Jinzhou,three cities---Wafangdian, Pulandian, and Zhuanghe, and one county - Changhai, Dalian covers an area of 12,500 square kilometers with 5,370,000 inhabitants.

The flourishing coastal city of Dalian is the major port for China's north-east province and is a magnet for foreign investors. A major industrial producer in its own right, Dalian is connected by pipeline to the Daqing oil field.  Thriving ship building and chemical industries have also been developed. The port has a wealth of handicraft factories whose products include glassware and shell mosaics. Other attractions include beaches, parks, gardens and a zoo.