When one thinks of China, the term "ice" doesn't typically come to mind. But the city of Dalian, China is the country's northernmost seaport that is not covered in ice. What this means is that the city is more comfortable than you even realized it needed to be.

Which is not to say that "ice-free" is the only nice thing that can be said about Dalian. To the contrary, it is an extraordinary city with a population of just over six million that functions as, " the governing sub-provincial city in the eastern Liaoning Province of Northeast China" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalian).

Study Abroad Programs in Dalian

The city is broken up into four main sections: The Development Zone, the Free Trade Zone, the Hi-Tech Industrial Zone, and, winner for area that most stands out, the Golden Pebble Beach National Holiday Resort. These four fairly self-explanatory areas make up, "of the most heavily developed industrial areas of China," (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalian). In fact, Wikipedia states that, "Dalian is considered a 'model city' from which other urban planning in China is to be inspired." And yet, despite all this industrialization, the city is known for being one of the cleanest in the entire country.

Studying abroad in Dalian might remind a student more of Europe than China. It is one of the few Chinese cities where you won't see millions of people getting around on bicycles. Instead, the streets resemble Paris or England's with traffic jams of tiny cars that can jut all around the thin roadways. It also has a terrific bus system and a Metro (Paris) or Underground (London)-esque railway system.

Dalian is a terrific location for fashionistas with the Dalian International Fashion Festival held every September. In this massive event, companies from all over the world come to reveal their latest products and fashion items, and an opening ceremony bares witness to city officials and international celebrities. The city also contains the largest square in China, Xinghai Square, and houses a soccer team that has dominated all of Asian and has won the championship seven of the last nine years in a Chinese professional soccer league.

With a stunning, towering landscape one would expect from a leading Asian city, and a European feel and flair that still maintains it's Chinese traditions, plus a beautiful ocean view from a flourishing and vitally important port, Dalian is an ideal study abroad location. It will allow you to experience authentic Chinese charm in a bustling, international environment.