The Elixir of the Northeast - Dalian

Café signs are ubiquitous on Nanshan Street.

In China, the term "Lingdan" is typically paired with "Miyao" to form a phrase that describes an extraordinarily magical medicine, a cure-all that works wonders for every ailment. Interestingly, even when separated into "Lingdan" and "Miyao," they retain the same meaning. In Dalian, an atypical city in the Northeast, coffee transcends cultural barriers and acquires a distinctive flavor.

Chinese Level 5 Exam, with a "dragon" character.

Coffee is not a daily beverage for Chinese people; it carries more social and trendy connotations. Therefore, here you can not only taste coffee beans from all over the world that are famous but also find unique innovations and brewing techniques. There are so many varieties that it's difficult to judge the taste just from the names, but they are all delicious.

I bet you've never tasted this flavor of coffee, nor tried this flavor of ice cream. If you're daring, I'll treat you.

Just like in various parts of the world, the cafes here also maintain a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. They incorporate many Chinese elements into the imported culture, creating a unique style, especially in Dalian, a city that is hard to describe.

Dalian is a coastal city in Northeast China, but unlike the somewhat heavy and serious atmosphere of other cities in the Northeast, it appears very "cosmopolitan," blending modernity and tradition very comfortably, making it highly suitable for living. It's somewhat like Shanghai, located in the Northeast, but with a special sense of humor characteristic of Northeasterners, making it quite fascinating.

It is very modern, yet it features a mix of old and scattered buildings, with the skyline of a modern city but an overall relaxed atmosphere. The best example is that in Nara, you have to be in the park to see the scattered sika deer, but in Dalian, they appear on the city's coastal roads. News often shows them causing trouble for elderly people exercising and fishing in the morning. Dalian residents hardly mind if they disrupt traffic or cause delays; they might even roll down their car windows to share an apple from their lunch with the deer.

By the way, in addition to being particularly interesting for coffee, Dalian is also one of the cities most passionate about football. Although the Chinese team's performance may not be great, it doesn't affect the Dalian people's love for the sport at all.

The charm here is something you'll have to experience for yourself.