Dalian

Dalian is China's 4th largest port, and is situated across the Yellow Sea from Xingang.  It is probably the least known of the ports in which we called on this cruise, but for all that was probably one of the most fun.

It is not really possible to travel to China, and not to make some attempt to see a panda.  There is one in Dalian Forest Zoo, so we decided to try to see it.  The easiest way to get there is to take a metered taxi either from the pier, or from the Friendship Store downtown.  A one way trip is around 6 miles, and will cost around 20 RMB (less than 2 pounds).  There is no real need for the taxi to wait - when you are finished at the zoo, walk down the hill past the monorail to the zoo's lower gate and hail another to take you back.

Dalian Zoo was deserted in March - many of the animals were not there, and it was cold, windy and dusty.  There was a lot of landscaping going on, and it was obvious that in peak season it would be a very attractive place, with an additional large collection of plastic dinosaurs.  The zoo is not up to the animal welfare standards of the best of European zoo's, but it's not too far off.

Be aware that in March and April bears sleep a lot.  As such, it would be more accurate to say that we saw a panda's butt!  Still, it was worth the trip.

What we wanted to see:

What we actually saw:

After we caught the taxi back downtown, Kate headed back to the ship for a bath and titivation, while Dave wandered around a bit more.  Dalian is a modern town, and didn't seem as busy as Beijing or Shanghai.  Due to it's location and history, it also has a Russian quarter selling souvenirs such as tanks made out of bullets, fierce looking knives and Matrushka dolls.

The ship's shuttle drops you off at the official Chinese Friendship store.  This sells all sorts of souvenirs, and is ridiculously expensive.  There is a much cheaper market around 50 meters behind the store, directly away from the main street.  Well worth investigating.