Dalian Modern Museum

Dalian's century of urban history (colonial era / liberation / opening-up) + modern Northeast Asia exhibition. The Dalian Modern Museum takes "A Century of Dalian" as its permanent exhibition: from the founding of the city under Tsarist Russia and the Japanese colonial period, to the industrial glory after liberation and the "romantic capital" after reform and opening—four chapters of urban narrative in one sweep; old photos, vintage ship tickets and industrial equipment in the collection string together the city's identity shift from Dalny to Dalian, while the modern history of Northeast Asia section reads Dalian within the coordinates of Russo-Japanese-Chinese rivalry. A short walk from Convention & Exhibition Center Station, free with reservation; after the exhibits, go see the Russian Style Street and Zhongshan Square's old buildings—historical narrative and physical remains confirm each other, and the "museum first, then street" order gives the best experience, making it an ideal first stop on a Dalian city-history route.

Getting there: Convention & Exhibition Center Station