Dalian Yantai Street: A Century of European Charm, a Hidden Gem of Time

As a Trip.com travel blogger, every time I explore a new destination, it is a dialogue with the soul of the city. This time, I stepped into Dalian Yantai Street, a historical secret hidden within a bustling metropolis. Yantai Street is located in Xigang District, stretching from Xianjin Street in the north to Shengli Street in the south, adjacent to Russian Style Street, offering tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle. It was established in the late 19th century during the early period of Russian rule in Dalian, designed by German engineers, and was one of the streets built when Dalian was opened as a port city. It was once an important part of the "Dalini City Hall" administrative area, witnessing Dalian’s historical changes from Russian occupation to Japanese colonization, and then to the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Strolling along Yantai Street, the most eye-catching feature is the 28 Russian- and German-style residential buildings[__LINK_ICON]. These buildings are mostly two-story or partially three-story brick and wood structures, with Gothic pointed roofs, rounded arch windows, and attic dormers, exuding exotic charm at every turn[__LINK_ICON]. The roofs and eaves are adorned with exquisite patterns that, despite enduring a century of weather, remain clearly visible, as if telling the story of past prosperity. This street was once home to many historical figures. The first mayor of Dalian, the Russian Sakharov, Pacific Fleet commander Makarov during the Russo-Japanese War, and Zhang Xueliang and Miss Zhao Si all lived here. Among them, No. 32 Yidi Jiayuan on Yantai Street was the residence of Zhang Xueliang and Miss Zhao Si, carrying a romantic and legendary story. In 2011, to protect the historic district, relevant authorities carried out restorative repairs on the old buildings of Yantai Street, preserving their original appearance. Today, most of these buildings have been transformed into the Dalian Railway 1896 Garden Hotel. The renovation did not damage the original architectural style but cleverly blended history with modernity. Entering the hotel feels like traveling through time, where you can appreciate the grandeur and elegance of century-old architecture while enjoying the comfort and convenience of modern facilities. The unique charm of Yantai Street also lies in its harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment. To the west is the lively vegetable market, to the east is the exotic Russian Style Street, yet Yantai Street maintains its own quietness. Here, you can stroll through the corridor of history, feeling the accumulation of time, or turn around and walk into the bustling market to experience everyday life. For tourists, Yantai Street is a rare historical and cultural landmark. It is not only the earliest established, most distinctive, and artistically valuable architectural group among the few remaining historic districts in Dalian but also an important physical resource for studying Dalian’s modern history, urban development, and architectural history[__LINK_ICON]. If you are a history and culture enthusiast, you definitely should not miss this place. In the Trip.com travel family, we always seek places that touch the soul. Dalian Yantai Street is such a place, with its unique historical heritage and architectural charm, becoming a shining gem on Dalian’s tourism map. Next time you visit Dalian, slow down and take a walk on Yantai Street to listen to the voice of history and feel the gift of time.