As one of China's main tourist destinations, Dalian does an impressive job of scheduling interesting, diverse festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Festivals unique to Dalian run alongside major countrywide celebrations, normally being enjoyed with much passion and zest.
Particularly popular things to do in the city include a visit to the Cherry Fiesta each April, when thousands descend on the valley in the Longwangtang area. Visitors celebrate the arrival of spring and witness the spectacular cherry blossoms flowering on mature trees planted back in the 1920s by a group of Japanese colonists.
Also of interest is the summer Beer Festival in July, while the Dalian International Marathon was first staged in 1987 and is now held every year in early October, starting and finishing at the Golden Pebble Beach.
National Public Holidays
The People's Republic of China features a total of nine national public holidays each year:
- New Year's Day - January 1st
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) - February
- International Women's Day - March 8th
- International Labour Day - May 1st
- Youth Day - May 4th
- International Children's Day - June 1st
- Birthday of the Chinese Communist Party - July 1st
- Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army (August 1st)
- National Day - October 1st
Dalian Calendar of Festivals and Events 2012 / 2013
January
- Dalian Fireworks Spring Festival - to ward off the evil spirits in Dalian, incredible numbers of fireworks fill the air, in a festivity that is similar to Christmas
February
- Chinese New Year - China's most important holiday sees one of the world's largest migrations, as everyone returns home to celebrate the New Year with their families. Dragon dancers and fireworks fill the streets, but bring your earplugs unless you love firecrackers
March
- Lantern Festival - this traditional Chinese celebration heralds the arrival of spring with parades, music, eating, drinking and a beautiful night-time scene of illuminated lamps along streets and buildings
April
- Cherry Fiesta - every year, when the cherry trees blossom in the Longwangtang region, roughly 20 minutes from the city
May
- Dalian Chinese Scholartree Flowers Appreciation Gathering - the scholartree is Dalian's official flower, and when the trees hosting these important flowers burst into full bloom, the city celebrates with street performances and art displays
- Acacia Flower Festival - all of the city comes out to celebrate the official beginning of the warm summer season with this colourful and entertaining flower festival
June
- Chang Hai International Fishing Festival - Dalian celebrates its long fishing heritage with dozens of fishing-related events which include competitions, tours and fishing village visits
July
- Dalian Beer Festival - each summer this seaside town hosts one of China's largest and most entertaining beer festivals
August
- Founding of the PLA - this national holiday celebrates the creation of the People's Liberation Army, which permanently changed the face of Chinese culture
September
- Dalian International Fashion Festival - fashion designers and clothing junkies descend on the city each autumn to check out the latest creations from Asia's top designers
October
- Dalian International Marathon - participants come from all over China and the world to compete in this prestigious sports challenge
November
- No significant events and festivals in Dalian in the month of November
December
- Winter Solstice Festival - many locals in the city choose to celebrate the shortest day of the year
