Dalian is located in Liaoning province, China, at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula. It has a population of 5.4 million, and is the only port city in the northeastern region of China, serving as a gateway to the provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang. Its long coastline encompasses the Bohai Sea on the west, and the Yellow Sea on its eastern border. The "Bohai Rim" is one of China's fastest growing regions. Dalian's nearest international neighbours are Japan and Korea, and it enjoys close commercial and cultural links with both countries.

With a latitude of 39 N, Dalian enjoys a northern temperate climate and is famous for its clean air and long hours of sunshine-Dalian has an annual average of 2,847 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest of all Chinese cities. With its beautiful coastal scenery and fresh ocean breezes, Dalian has developed as a major tourist destination and is known as the "Vancouver of China". It truly is one of China's most exceptional cities.