When in Venice... Dalian. Yes, you read correctly, Dalian. My home city couldn’t go to Venice, so they built their own.
The signs say “Oriental Venice.” At least they own their copycatting.
It's a bizarre thing to create in the business district of Dalian, but it sure is beautiful. There’s a picturesque boardwalk along the ocean, and the sea air is refreshing compared to the city smog. Take a walk or rent a bike when it's warm. They even sell spam to feed the seagulls if you don’t share my disgust for swimming, flying rats.
Venice is an under-construction, work-in-progress right now, but these winter months will turn into a fun-filled summer. The canals run dry right now, but soon they'll be filled with floating gondolas and tourists enjoying the ride.
It's gorgeously Italian, though some of the European subtlety is lost amidst the backdrop of skyscrapers of Dalian’s wealthiest district.
There’s a coffee shop planning to open and restaurants full of promise. A museum of music has much to unveil, and the only open door right now is a shop with artisans carving wood and working leather, full of gorgeous souvenirs and a ton of potential.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Venice, and the construction here is crude, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love what they’re trying to do. Dalian's Venice is full of calm, sophisticated energy, and a stroll through the streets reveals a stunning array of Italian architecture. It's never going to be the original Venice, but Venice's magic is not lost here.
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