Scientific endeavors help Dalian grow into powerhouse

Taniguchi speaks highly of the city because of its seaside and mountains that boast many places for leisure and relaxation. She said digital technologies have made life more convenient as payments and reservations can be done by smartphone.

Dalian has also emphasized environmental protection and made achievements in urban-rural coordinated development in the past decade.

The city's officials said it will maintain a rational economic increase and aims to have GDP surpass 1 trillion yuan in 2024.