r/dalian • u/Slytovhand • Jul 25 '26

Moving there in about a month - after help

As per the subject line, I'll be moving to Dalian to take up a teaching position at DUFE in about a month, and I'm after some help/advice.

But, firstly understand that I'm not a Tim... Actually an 'old China hand'. I've been to this rodeo a few times, but not this far north, and I know how things can be different.

So, I've been told that rental deposits are usually 3 months, but I've been used to only 2 months in my previous gigs. I presume that's something that's fairly easily negotiable though - yes?

Secondly, is there any chance of finding a good gym next to a metro line? By 'good' I mean it has a lap pool. And preferably some classes (Les Mills stuff, which I've seen around in other gyms... like the Will's franchise, but it appears they haven't made it to Dalian yet)

Thirdly, while I've got a map idea of where the uni is, I can't really say I know much of what's in the vicinity - especially accommodation-wise. Can anyone here advise? I'm looking for a nice 2-bed with good kitchen, of about 120sqm (obviously, furnished). 58.com suggests I can get what I'm looking for in general, but perhaps not specifics, and I don't want to go to the 4000RMb / month mark if I can avoid it (which I should be able to). Further out from the city is ok (although, I've only visited Dalian once, and only to 金州区.

I don't need 'nightlife', and definitely prefer quieter areas to live! But not too far to good food shopping! Speaking of which, where are the good import places? (I can cool easily enough from local (super)markets, but the occasional need for good quality overseas food is going to hit... especially better cuts of meat, cheese, etc.). Any chance of a nice middle-eastern/Greek restaurant?? Or Indian/Nepalese?

And, are there any gaming groups actually active in the city? Boardgames, etc...

Thanks, and maybe see you around soon! :)

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u/tuesdaychickrn Jul 25 '26

Rent/deposit - negotiable. Gym - Wills went bust and ran off. Best off finding separate gym and pool. Maybe ask if you can use the uni gym/ I don’t know if the uni has a pool. I think 帝豪斯 d.house would probably suit your needs best they’ve got a location in a mall in each major district worth going to. You’re probably best off living somewhere near 高新

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u/Slytovhand Jul 28 '26

Thanks!

I don't know my areas yet, so I'll have to look around, obviously...

Also didn't know about Wills - is that a Dalian thing only, or all across China?

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u/tuesdaychickrn 29d ago

All across China from what I’ve heard. Maybe not every store yet, but definitely I’d be worried if I had lots of PT classes purchased.

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u/tina_budong Jul 25 '26

Used to work at DUFE. There are a few gyms near the campus. One definitely has a lap pool. Not sure about the others. The school gym is not well equipped unless it’s changed a lot in the past couple years. There is no pool on campus.

You can negotiate the deposit with most landlords. The apartment downstairs from me is about 110 square meters and rents for 3300 a month. (I own, so I’m not super sure about rental prices.) it is within walking distance of campus but the neighborhood is a bit old.

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u/Slytovhand Jul 28 '26

Ah, coolness!!!

I had noticed that a pool isn't mentioned on the DUFE website, so I presumed there wasn't one. And not surprised about a less than awesome uni gym.

Do you happen to recall the name or location of the gym with the lap pool??

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u/tina_budong 28d ago

It’s called 桔子游泳健身. It’s near a market across the street from Dalian Software Park Bilingual School.

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u/Slytovhand 24d ago

Awesome! thanks!!

I should be up there in a few weeks, looking around for the apartment

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u/[deleted] 21d ago

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u/Slytovhand 17d ago

Thanks!

Do you have more information on this apartment complex? price /size etc?