Dalian Zhongshan Square (大连中山广场) was established in 1899 and was originally named Nikolaev Square. After enduring the rule of the Russian Empire and Japan, it was renamed Zhongshan Square in 1951 to honor Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan), a key figure in modern Chinese history. As the largest circular square in Northeast China, it symbolizes the cultural essence of Dalian and is often regarded as a stunning achievement in the city’s urban planning.
Covering an area of approximately 22,000 square meters and with a diameter of about 168 meters, Zhongshan Square features a design that radiates outward, complemented by ten main avenues leading to various directions. This layout exemplifies the typical Baroque-style urban design, creating Dalian’s distinctive “Square + Axis” urban landscape.
Surrounding Zhongshan Square are modern architectural complexes constructed beginning in 1908, showcasing a blend of various styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Classical Roman, Western Classical, and Eclecticism. Notable buildings include:
- Former Daiwa Hotel (now Dalian Hotel): Located at No. 4 Zhongshan Square, built in 1909 in the Baroque style.
- Former Kanto Bank (now ICBC Zhongshan Square Branch): Situated at No. 1 Zhongshan Square, built in 1918 and completed in 1922, featuring a Classical Western architectural style.
- Former Dalian Municipal Government (now ICBC Dalian Branch): Located at No. 5 Zhongshan Square, construction began in 1915 and was completed in 1919, showcasing a mix of Japanese and Western architectural styles.
- Former CCP Dalian Municipal Committee (now Bank of Communications Dalian Branch): Found at No. 6 Zhongshan Square, completed in 1917, reflecting Classical European design.
- Former Bank of China Dalian Branch (now CITIC Bank Zhongshan Square Branch): Located at No. 7 Zhongshan Square, built in 1909, displaying Eclecticism typical of early 20th-century architecture.
- Former Yokohama Specie Bank Dalian Branch (now Bank of China Liaoning Branch): Situated at No. 9 Zhongshan Square, constructed in 1909, representing late Renaissance architectural style.
- Former Dalian Post Office (now Dalian Post Office Office Building): Located at No. 10 Zhongshan Square, completed in 1925, showcasing a blend of Japanese and Western modern eclectic architectural styles.
Location and Transportation
Zhongshan Square is located at 552 Zhongshan Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, in the heart of downtown Dalian. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus No. 7, 15, 16, 19, 23, 30, 40, 403, 405, 409, 506, 515, 517, 532, 533, 701, 703, 737, 708, 710, 712, or 901 and get off at Zhongshan Square Stop (中山广场站).
Metro: Take Metro Line 2, get off at Zhongshan Square Stop (中山广场站), use Exit B or D, and you will be standing right in the center of the square.
