Dalian Administrative Divisions

Dalian, a sub-provincial city and a major economic hub, sits at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, bordered by the Yellow Sea to the east and the Bohai Sea to the west. Covering 13,700 km² with a coastline of 2,211 km, it is the city with the longest coastline in China. The city administers 7 districts, 1 county, and 2 county-level cities, totaling 10 county-level divisions, with 102 subdistricts, 33 towns, and 14 townships. The permanent population is approximately 7.544 million.

The administrative layout divides Dalian into four major regions: Urban Core (Zhongshan / Xigang / Shahekou / Ganjingzi), Coastal New Area (Jinpu / Lüshunkou), Northern Hinterland (Pulandian / Wafangdian / Zhuanghe), and Island County (Changhai). Each area complements the others with natural and cultural resources, forming a tourism structure of “one city, two seas, three bays, multiple islands, full-coastline.” Dalian boasts 58 A-level scenic spots, earning it recognition as one of China’s top tourist cities.

County-Level Divisions and Key Tourism Resources

Zhongshan District

Located in the eastern urban core, bordered by the Yellow Sea and Xigang District, Zhongshan is the financial and commercial center of Dalian. Covering 43.85 km², it houses 360,000 residents across 6 subdistricts: Taoyuan, Laohutan, Navy Square, Renmin Road, Qingniwaqiao, and Kuiying.

Tourism Highlights:

• Coastal landmarks: Bangchuidao (棒棰岛), Laohutan Ocean Park (老虎滩海洋公园), Fisherman’s Wharf, Donggang Venice Water City, Music Fountain
• City icons: Zhongshan Square (中山广场), Qingniwaqiao Business Area, Binhai Road (east section)
• Features: Blend of mountains and sea, European-style architecture, high-end coastal resorts

Xigang District

Central urban area, connecting Zhongshan and Shahekou, with 26.6 km² and 305,000 residents across 5 subdistricts: Bayi Road, Baiyun, People’s Square, Rixin, Xianglujiao.

Tourism Highlights:

• Historic streets: Dongguan Street (东关街), Fengming Street (凤鸣街), Russian Style Street (俄罗斯风情街)
• Ecological attractions: Dalian Forest Zoo, Fujiazhuang Park, People’s Square, Lotus Mountain Viewing Platform
• Features: Cultural origin of Dalian, rich historical heritage, urban green spaces

Shahekou District

Situated in the mid-west urban core, with 48.32 km² and 631,000 residents across 7 subdistricts: Xinghaiwan, Nanshahekou, Malan, Heishijiao, Lijia, Chunliu, Xian Road.

Tourism Highlights:

• City landmarks: Xinghai Square (星海广场), Xinghai Park, Cross-Sea Bridge, St. Sea World (圣亚海洋世界)
• Leisure & arts: Xian Road Commercial Area, Heishijiao Coast, Xishan Park, Malanzi Folk Village
• Features: Seaside urban living, family-friendly education, arts and culture hubs

Ganjingzi District

Northern urban area, with 502 km² and 1.33 million residents across 15 subdistricts including Jiao Jinshan, Zhonghua Road, Airport, Zhou Shuizi, Paoya, Xinzhaizi, Hongqi, Lingshui, Dalian Bay, Nanguanling, Quanshui, Longwangtang, Yingchengzi, Gezhenpu, Dengshahe.

Tourism Highlights:

• Nature & recreation: Xijiao National Forest Park, Linhai Ski Resort, Yingchengzi Han Tomb, Jinlongsi National Forest Park
• Coastal leisure: Xiajiahezi Beach, Dalian Bay Fishing Port, Qipan Bay
• Features: Urban garden, eco-hiking, family water play, hot springs and skiing

Lüshunkou District

Southwest urban area, 32 km from downtown, with 406.8 km² and 350,000 residents across 9 subdistricts: Dengfeng, Desheng, Guangrong, Shichang, Shuishiying, Tieshan, Shuangdao Bay, Great Wall, Longtou.

Tourism Highlights:

• Historical sites: Lüshun Naval Port (旅顺军港), Baiyu Mountain (白玉山), Lüshun Museum, Russo-Japanese Prison (日俄监狱旧址), Taiyanggou Old Street
• Natural wonders: Laotieshan Yellow-Bohai Sea boundary, Snake Island migratory birds, coastal wetlands
• Features: Modern history immersion, mountain-sea landscape, photography paradise in autumn

Jinpu New Area

Northeast of the city, covering 1,735 km² with 1.55 million residents across 25 subdistricts including Maqiaozi, Haiqingdao, Dongjiagou, Wanli, Dagu Mountain, Jinshitan, Desheng, Dali Jia, Fuzhou Bay, Fort, Thirty Li Fort, Shihe, Liangjiadian, Dengshahe, Guangzhong, Yongzheng, Youyi, Zhanqian, Xianjin, Daweijia, Xingshu, Qiding Mountain, Xiangying, Huajia, Twenty Li Fort.

Tourism Highlights:

• Coastal resorts: Jinshitan National Tourism Resort (5A, Geopark + Golden Coast), Discovery Kingdom, Xinyue Island, Tang Style Hot Springs
• Cultural heritage: Jinzhou Ancient City, Dahuishan (highest peak in southern Liaoning), Guan Xiangying Memorial Hall
• Features: High-end resorts, family entertainment, geological wonders, wellness tourism

Pulandian District

Northern hub connecting the urban core and northern cities, covering 2,830 km² with 630,000 residents across 18 subdistricts including Daliujia, Yangshufang, Pikou, Chengzitan, Fengrong, Tiex, Taiping, Tangjiafang, Datan, Lianshan, Anbo, Shabao, Xingtai, Lejia, Tongyi, Mopan, Shuangta, Siping.

Tourism Highlights:

• Hot springs & skiing: Anbo Hot Springs, Anbo Ski Resort, Jiantang Hot Springs
• Nature: Bingyu Valley (Northern Little Guilin), Laomao Mountain, Pikou Port
• Features: Wellness, ecological exploration, island transit, rural tourism

Wafangdian City

Northwest Dalian, 3,794 km² with 810,000 residents, 9 subdistricts, 13 towns, 8 townships.

Tourism Highlights:

• Coastal scenery: Xianyu Bay, Changxing Island (largest in Bohai), Camel Mountain Coastal Forest Park
• Cultural heritage: Fuzhou Ancient City, Yongfeng Tower, Hengshan Academy, Xutun Hot Springs
• Features: Coastal views, ancient city culture, industrial tourism, hot springs

Zhuanghe City

Northeast Dalian, 3,739 km² with 742,000 residents, 5 subdistricts, 15 towns, 6 townships.

Tourism Highlights:

• Scenic beauty: Bingyu Valley, Haiguo Jiudao, Buyun Mountain (1,130 m), Heidao Island
• Recreation: Tianmen Mountain, Yinshitan National Forest Park, Zhuanghe Hot Springs, seafood specialties
• Features: Ecological adventures, island resorts, seafood experiences

Changhai County

Northern Yellow Sea, archipelago of 226 islands, 119 km² land, 3,428 km² sea, 71,000 residents, 2 towns, 3 townships.

Tourism Highlights:

• Island resorts: Guanglu Island, Zhangzi Island, Haiyang Island, Xiaochangshan Island
• Marine experiences: Fishing, diving, tidal exploration, marine ranch tours, camping
• Features: Pristine islands, seafood freedom, tranquil marine life

Dalian Township-Level Administrative Divisions (2026 Update)

Urban Districts (7)

County-Level Cities (2)

County (1)

Dalian has 10 county-level divisions, 102 subdistricts, 33 towns, and 14 townships. The urban core is fully subdistrict-based, suburban areas are mainly subdistricts, and northern and island regions have a mix of towns and townships. Tourism resources follow a gradient: urban cultural coastline, suburban ecological hot springs, northern mountain-sea ancient cities, and pristine island resorts.