Soccer city

In another development, Dalian plans to further build itself into a city renowned for sports culture. The city has held various sports events such as the Dalian Marathon, the Dalian International Walking Festival, and sea fishing competitions.

Known as a "soccer city" in China, Dalian has a profound soccer culture and top soccer infrastructure. Last year, it hosted four international and 25 national soccer events, attracting over 18,000 domestic and foreign participants and over 800,000 spectator visits, according to the Dalian Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

The first soccer team in Dalian was officially established in 1921. Since then, soccer in the city has continued to develop and grow, achieving remarkable results in both domestic and international competitions.

On days when there are soccer matches, the bustling Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium — the first professional soccer stadium in China surrounded by the sea on three sides — becomes the hottest place in the city.

"We plan to build Dalian into a preferred tourist destination for soccer tours, and we will carry out more innovative events such as soccer carnivals," Shan said.

She added it is expected that the city's soccer heritage, its holding of different kinds of soccer matches, and exciting fan experiences at games will help drive local consumption growth and create a niche that integrates sports and cultural tourism.