DALIAN, China -- While the popular idea of the "West" in China 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 in social and political contexts.

So as a visitor, the process of attending a church in the tier two city of 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 non-Asian 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 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 familiar taste 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 are bilingual, given in 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 (Photo 1).

It has an amazing international mix of English speaking Christians from every country and continent, and is a truly open global community in Dalian.

Other Places of Worship in Dalian:

Yuguang Street Church (Photo 2)
This is a former Anglican Church, built in 1928 by Nippon Seikokai and the Church of England. Its location at the heart of old Dalian (then known as Dairen) put the congregation at the center of the colonial community. Services are open to anyone but the sermons are in Mandarin only.

Xinggong Street Church (Photo 3)
A Christian Church for the Korean community living in Dalian, China. The new building was completed in 2004, replacing the original church site that dated back to the city's colonial era. It is also the only surviving church in the original Chinese (Manchurian) residential area of Dalian.

Dalian City Catholic Church (Photo 4)
Built in 1926 during the Japanese colonial period, this is the only Catholic Church in the region. Set among former colonial homes near the new international business district, the church offers mass in Mandarin and Korean.

Beijing Street Church (Photo 5)
A former Lutheran Church supported by Danish Christians, it survived years of social turbulence. It is also the location for the Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee office in Dalian. Services are open to anyone but the sermons are in Mandarin only.

http://tinyurl.com/dalianchurch