Dalian accommodation from AU$122

In the early 1990s the city's mayor banned motorbikes and planted many lush green parks in the heavy traffic zones of the city. This has created a lovely sense of nature and gives the Dalian city centre a much nicer feel. He also preserved the Russian and Japanese architecture in the city, which makes it very interesting to walk around and check out all the different styles. The best examples remain in the Zhongshan district, which also features a great beach to walk along. Love golf? There's a great course in this part of town, so bring your clubs and get out for an early morning round!

There are three great attractions to get up close with some animals. Dalian Forest Zoo has areas where animals can roam free, as well as a traditional zoo for some of the more dangerous animals. If you want to see animals from a colder climate, visit Polar World, or learn all about the underwater marine life at Sun Asia Ocean World.

Dalian plays host to many festivals, so check out what's coming up and plan your vacation accordingly. In September the International Fashion Festival showcases the best local designers, but you can find their styles during any season in the many malls and markets in the city. At the end of July another the Dalian Beer Festival is held. Attracting thousands of visitors, there is plenty of beer on tap and a ton of tasting opportunities, as well as great live entertainment to give the festival a lively vibe.

A scenic drive along the coast is the best way to get out of town. Follow the Binhai Lu Road and you'll come across perfect lookouts to take spectacular photos of Tiger Beach and Jinshitan Beach below the cliffs. As you're driving don't forget to stop and sample the fresh local seafood at the roadside restaurants, which offer delicious and cheap dishes to suit every taste.

Dalian is a great city for visitors because of its push to be as natural as possible and its huge range of activities and festivals to keep you busy on your trip. So wot are you waiting for? Grab a great deal on a flight to China and book your Dalian accommodation today - your perfect holiday awaits.