To enhance any trip to Dalian, end the day with the traditional Chinese activity of kite flying at Xinghai Square. At 1.1 million square meters (12 million square foot – or four times the area of Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square), Xinghai Square is the largest city square in the world, which is reflected in its name, literally translated as ‘the Sea of Stars’. Kite flying and kite watching are colorful, age-old Chinese traditions, and even today it is a favored pastime with young and old. According to legend, the first kite was flown during the Spring-and-Autumn period some 2500 years ago. Even today, most kites you see in China are constructed according to ancient techniques using the traditional bamboo, silk and paper, occasionally enhanced with colorful LEDs. Upon arrival at the square, you will be provided with a kite and can join locals for a spot of kite flying!
