[Updated Oct 2020] A guide to serviced offices and office space for rent in Dalian as well as general information that may be useful if you are considering renting office space in the city.
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History & Geography
While lacking the same recognition of Shanghai or Beijing, Dalian is one of the largest and most prosperous cities in China. Situated on the country’s east coast on the shores of the Yellow Sea, Dalian is China’s northernmost warm water port. South of the city is the Shandong Peninsula and to the west and south is the Bohai Sea. In the second century, CE Dalian became an important port from which the Han Dynasty colonized much of northern Korea. During the Liao, Qing and Ming dynasties Dalian changed hands several times between neighbouring kingdoms but continued to grow in importance as a port and commercial city. In 1858 Dalian was occupied by the British, but was soon returned to the Chinese in the 1880s. The city was then occupied by Japan in 1895 when the two countries were at war. In 1898 the entire peninsula was leased by the Russian Empire which then proceeded to lay out the foundations of a modern city. Much of the city was then heavily fortified by the Russians. In time Dalian became one of the most important Russian ports in Asia. After the Russians lost the 1905 Russo-Japanese War the port once again fell into the hands of the Japanese. Dalian was expanded significantly by the Japanese and continued to be a prosperous port town. After Japan’s defeat in WWII the port was returned to the Russians who together with the Chinese continued its expansion. In 1950 Dalian was formally returned to China by the Russians and was at the same time merged with Lushun (formerly Port Arthur) and Luda. In 1984 the port was turned into a Special Economic Zone meaning it operated under more flexible government measures more conducive to trade. During the 1990s the city continued to expand and expansive new parks and monuments were built. Today Dalian remains one of China’s busiest ports and most cosmopolitan cities, dubbed ‘the Hong Kong of the North’.
Economy
The economy of Dalian is remarkable for its rate of expansion. Dalian’s GDP routinely records growth of over 10 percent annually. For many years Dalian had an economy where agriculture played a major role. And though it has since been subjugated by other economies, the area still produces significant amounts of fruit such as apples, pears and cherries. Among the top industries in Dalian, today are oil refining, electronics, petrochemicals and machine manufacturing. Shipbuilding has traditionally had a large presence in Dalian and is still a major industry in the port city. Dalian’s port is the sixth-largest in China and brings in a substantial amount of economic activity. Because of its status as a Special Economic Zone Dalian benefits from large amounts of foreign investment. Many Japanese, European and American firms have manufacturing facilities in the city, including Pfizer, Canon, Sanyo Electric, Toshiba and Mitsubishi. The city is also a financial hub and is known as being the financial centre of Northern China. It has a multitude of banks, insurance companies and exchanges. Dalian also has a thriving IT industry based in and around the Dalian Hi-tech Zone and the Dalian Software Park.
Tourism & Culture
Dalian has a fairly strong tourism industry and is especially popular with visitors from Japan, South Korea and Russia. Among its multitude of famous beaches are Tiger Beach, Fujizhuang Beach, Jinshitan Beach and Xinghai Beach. Jinshitan Beach, known as Golden Pebble Beach, is particularly well known for its unusual rock formations and coves. The area is also famous for Dahei Mountain, a popular hiking and camping area. The city of Dalian itself also has a number of attractions, including its three zoos. Dalian Forest Zoo, Sun Asia Ocean World and Polar World are all among the most visited attractions in Dalian. Polar World, in particular, is unique, being the only park in China devoted to Polar animals exclusively. Many visit Dalian for its rich history. In particular, 203 Hill and Shuishiying Meeting Place are attractive to historians as they are the sites of the fiercest battle of the Russo-Japanese War and the place where the treaty ending the war was signed. Dalian is also a shopping destination. The city’s Victory Square is an underground mall featuring four floors.
Transportation
Dalian is served by Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport which has flights to most major Chinese cities and some in South Korea and Japan. Dalian also has a busy train station with services to Shanghai and Beijing. Currently, a high-speed train link to Harbin and Shenyang is being constructed. The city itself has an extensive bus system and the Dalian Metro and elevated light rail system. Motorcycles are banned in the city and bicycles are no longer used in great number. Dalian also has a tram system which is the second oldest in the country.
Office space for rent in Dalian
Currently, the average rental rate for Grade A office space in Dalian is about USD 15.59 per square meter per month. Analysts have predicted that rents will continue to rise steadily over the next year or so. Among the top office locations in Dalian are Renmin Road, Xinghai Bay and Qingriwa Bridge. The market is turning gradually from a renters market to a landlords market as rents climb and demand grows. Recently over 100,000 square metres of space was added to the market with the launch of Nobel Tower in the Xinghai Bay area. There are currently more development projects in the pipeline.
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