Dalian Russian Style Street: Exotic Slow Time in Century-Old Buildings

Just a ten-minute walk from Dalian Railway Station, turning the corner past Victory Bridge, a cluster of colorful pointed-roof buildings comes into view—this is Tuanjie Street Russian Style Street, Dalian’s most exotic city landmark. As China’s first Russian-style street district, the 430-meter cobblestone road holds a century of history, perfect for filling your social media with stunning photos and savoring cross-continental local life. The soul of the street lies in the texture of its architecture. When the Russian Empire planned "Dalini City" in 1898, this was the city’s origin point. Today, 38 century-old buildings still retain their original appearance. The Renaissance-style columns of the former Dalini City Hall, the gray stone wall reliefs of the Russo-Chinese Bank, and the white carvings on the blue pointed-roof corner house all tell the story of the "Eastern Moscow." The evening is especially enchanting, with lights climbing the triangular roofs, the old buildings glowing warmly in the dusk. No wonder Natsume Soseki once marveled that its prosperity rivaled Tokyo’s Ginza. There are many surprising photo spots for check-ins. The golden-domed St. Basil’s-inspired building at the street entrance is best photographed with front light. Standing in front of the Russian-style carved wooden windows in a light-colored long dress, you can easily capture vintage-style shots. The Gothic spires of the Dalian Art Museum, the cobblestone street corners near the retro mailbox, and even the colorful window displays of the Matryoshka doll shop all serve as natural photo studios. Locals suggest visiting before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid tour groups and enjoy a perfect encounter with the architecture and light. The culinary experience combines Russian style with local flavors. Be sure to try the pot-braised beef at Katusha Restaurant; lifting the puff pastry reveals an aroma that fills the air, and the beef melts in your mouth. The street stalls’ freshly baked Borodinsky bread carries a wheat fragrance, paired with chilled kvass, instantly transporting you to the Volga River banks. When tired from walking, try Dalian’s local stir-fried menzi, where the sesame sauce aroma meets Russian desserts for a wonderful taste fusion. There is indeed some controversy about "commercialization." Some souvenir shops at the street’s end have higher prices, so it’s recommended to compare before buying authentic Russian goods. But from another perspective, the accordion performances inside century-old buildings and the painted Matryoshka dolls in shop windows are a lively dialogue between history and the present. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here, and combine your visit with the nearby European-style buildings at Zhongshan Square for a fuller experience. Transportation is very convenient, just an 8-minute walk from Exit A of Dalian Station on Metro Line 3, and there are paid parking spaces for drivers. This street may not be perfect, but it holds Dalian’s city code— from the Russian engineer street of the past to today’s style district, the buildings silently witness the city’s century-long changes. If you’re willing to slow down, have a cup of black tea under the old buildings, and listen to the wind on the cobblestone road, you will surely understand its unique charm.