Sanba Square in Dalian: A Local Favorite
Dalian, a romantic coastal city, is home to countless charming spots, and Sanba Square is one such unique place.
The Twists and Turns of History Behind the Name
The history of Sanba Square can be traced back to the Tsarist Russia era, when it was one of eight circular squares, originally named English Square. After the Russo-Japanese War ended in 1905, Japan built a monument north of Victory Bridge to commemorate its fallen soldiers. In 1910, the monument was moved to the center of Sanba Square, and the square was renamed Monument Square, becoming a place for Japanese invaders to flaunt their military achievements. In 1925, due to the construction of a tram line, the monument was moved to Labor Park and expanded into the Loyal Souls Pagoda, and Sanba Square was renamed Asahi Square. It wasn't until Dalian's liberation in 1946 that the square was renamed Zhu De Square. Later, when Premier Zhou Enlai inspected Dalian, he believed that the names of important national leaders should not be used to name city roads. To commemorate International Women's Day, it was finally named Sanba Square, a name that has remained to this day.
The square and surrounding buildings are also full of historical marks. The Navy Guesthouse in the northeast corner of the square is the former site of the Japan Salt Industry Co., Ltd., built in 1906, with a history of over a hundred years. The Friendship Hospital Outpatient Department was formerly the South Manchuria Railway Company's single dormitory, built around 1935. After the Soviet army entered, it was converted into a hospital and has undergone several name changes. Longtime Dalian residents still habitually call it "Sanba Hospital".
Nearby Attractions: Experience History and Charm
Starting from Sanba Square, you can walk to Zhongshan Square. Here, European-style buildings stand tall, creating a rich exotic atmosphere. Strolling through the square feels like being in a European town. Street performers add an artistic touch to the square, allowing visitors to fully experience the blend of history and modernity.
The adjacent Erqi Square is one of Dalian's commercial centers. The bustling commercial streets are filled with a wide variety of goods to satisfy your shopping desires, and the numerous food stalls around allow you to taste authentic Dalian cuisine.
A Foodie's Paradise
Seafood is a must-try delicacy at Sanba Square. Nearby seafood restaurants offer sea urchins, crabs, shrimp, and more, prepared by steaming, braising, or stir-frying, each method showcasing the delicious freshness of the seafood.
In addition to seafood, Chunxi Lane Snack Street, located on the first floor of the former Carrefour at Sanba Square, is not to be missed. With its retro decoration, incorporating elements from Li Bai's poem "Bringing in the Wine", it imitates Song Dynasty folk architecture to create food stalls. It offers both traditional Dalian favorites like baozi (steamed buns) and menzi (fried starch jelly), as well as specialty dishes from other regions, such as roasted meats and bobo chicken (cold spicy chicken). There's even the time-honored "Snow Cotton Red Bean Paste". The Liu-style Guobaorou (sweet and sour pork) is fried by hand, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown, sweet, and sour delicacy. The Snow Cotton Red Bean Paste has a soft outer layer and a sweet and delicate red bean paste filling.
Getting There: Easy Access
Sanba Square is easily accessible. By bus, there are multiple routes passing through, such as routes 7 and 11. You can choose the appropriate route based on your starting point and get off at the Sanba Square stop.
By subway, you can take Line 2 and get off at Zhongshan Square Station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the square.
If you're driving, there's no need to worry. There are several parking lots nearby, but it's recommended to avoid peak hours to prevent traffic jams.
Sanba Square in Dalian boasts a rich history, modern vibrancy, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you're here to experience history and culture or enjoy food and shopping, this place has something for everyone. Next time you're in Dalian, be sure to visit Sanba Square!