Architecture around a circular square
Zhongshan Square is in Zhongshan District, in the eastern part of central Dalian, and brings together many examples of the city's modern-era architecture. Banks, hotels and administrative buildings from different periods surround the square, with modern towers rising behind them. For first-time visitors, the interest is not just an individual old building but the way low historic facades, streets circling the square and newer buildings share the view.
In 1898, Russia forced a lease of Dalian and then planned its port and city. Japan took over colonial rule after the Russo-Japanese War, and many surviving buildings around the square date from that period. This background helps place their European-style appearance in its historical context rather than treating the whole group simply as a European old town.
Start with the columns, doors, windows, roofs and entrance canopies, then compare neighboring buildings. Some emphasize their entrances with broad colonnades; others concentrate decoration on roofs or corners. Moving around the square reveals these details more readily than taking a panorama from one spot, and shows how street openings affect the viewing angle.
The former Yamato Hotel and bank buildings
The former Yamato Hotel at 4 Zhongshan Square was begun in 1909 and completed in 1914, and was later renamed Dalian Hotel. Its front displays horizontal divisions, rounded engaged columns and a projecting entrance canopy. Historical descriptions of its interior hall do not mean visitors can enter whenever they wish; viewing the facade from public space is easier to arrange.
The former Dalian branch of the Bank of Chosen at 1 Zhongshan Square offers a contrast. The Liaoning culture and tourism department's description emphasizes its entrance columns and ancient Roman architectural style, with columns arranged differently from the hotel's doors and windows. Used by different banks over time, the building helps explain the area's financial and commercial role. For banking services, check the current branch and its opening hours separately.
The former Dalian Civil Administration Office, another building in the group, provides an example of an administrative building. Those interested in modern-era architecture can compare these original uses and their exteriors. If you mainly want to walk and take photographs, studying a few facades closely can be more rewarding than rushing to memorize every building's name.
A city space still in use
Normal traffic and everyday activity continue around Zhongshan Square. Stay in pedestrian areas when photographing buildings and use designated crossings; do not stand in traffic lanes to exclude cars from a photograph. Trees, junctions and building setbacks limit viewpoints. Move to a safe position to compare compositions rather than expecting an unobstructed frontal view of every building.
For exterior viewing and photography, a suggested allowance is 45 minutes to one and a half hours; interior visits require separate planning. Check each venue to find out whether it admits the public and whether a purchase or reservation is required.
This square suits interests in modern urban history, architectural decoration and street photography. Compared with Xinghai Square, it draws attention to individual buildings and their relationship with the surrounding streets; for open sea views, choose a waterfront location instead. Entrances, advertisements and businesses shown in old photographs may have changed, so identify buildings using their structure and official signs.
Useful official references
Check the relevant official service before making arrangements. These links are references, not a guarantee of current services.
