Dalian, China

Head to Tiger Beach, Jinshitan Beach or Fujiazhuang Beach, some of the best in China, and then stroll through Xinghai Square, built in 1998 to honour the city's centennial. Visit the Lushun Museum and see its extensive collection of mummies, or take a scenic drive on Binhai Road. Dalian is known as "Fashion City" - hit Tianjin Walking Street for European designer boutiques and then the Qingniwan area for mementos such as carved shells. Also try sea cucumber, abalone, scallops, prawns, mussels and oysters at one of the seaside cafés on the beach and an apple dessert made from the local harvest.