(Editor's Note: This article is intended to provide useful information to the international community in Dalian and is not an endorsement.)
While the current popular idea of the "West" may be American culture or democracy, the true basis of Western culture comes from its foundation on the Christian Religion. Christian churches in China have a long history, and certainly vastly different stereotypes in the minds of both residents and foreign visitors.
Religion in general is also a special issue in the Middle Kingdom, which has drastic perceptions.
So as a visitor, the process of attending a church in Dalian can be a bit complex, confusing, and perhaps a bit worrisome.
As the Dalian Expat community grows, so does the nature of its diversity and geographic location.
Traditional meeting places outside of work or school have usually consisted of a public venue like a coffee shop or a bar, which can be limiting based on personal preference.
However, many expats arrive in Dalian without a true connection to any community and very little support structure. And while they may not have been religious or spiritual in their home country, the idea of going to a church is a familiar and comforting concept to them. An odd comparison would be to say that church is to a community like McDonalds is to food, both being a taste of different aspects of home.
To be sure, there is a more important message to be found at church, but it also offers an instant connection and feeling of belonging.
For many expats in Dalian who are lonely and weary of a life and culture that is alien to their own, it remains a place of welcome. Even to those who are independent and not church affiliated, it is a venue where they can feel safe, build expat community ties, and learn how to adapt to Dalian from others who have lived here longer.
Most obviously, going to church is a place to worship God.
The Dalian International Christian Fellowship (DICF) is the only Christian Church in Dalian that is specifically for foreigners and approved by the Dalian Municipal Government. Sunday sermons at 9:30am are given in English and 10:30am sermons are bilingual (English and Korean).
Due to local government regulations, the DICF is not open to local Chinese citizens, and passport holders must bring a photo ID that proves foreign citizenship. DICF holds is services on the 8th floor of the Swishotel (No. 21, Wuhui Road, Zhongshan District).
It does have a heavy Korean population, but also an amazing international mix of English speaking Christians from every country and continent. It is a truly open international community in Dalian.
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