Now winter is here, let's make a list about things to do and prepare for in Dalian's bitter winters. Here's a start:

• Buy thermals. They're available at most supermarkets in a variety of thicknesses: really thick (grandparent/army style), thick (but can fit under loose fitting trousers, wool), medium (decent cotton), thin (low quality/weak bind).
• Make soups: Boil vegetables. Leave them to cool. Mix them in a food processor. Heat. Nice belly warmer.
• Buy an oven (200-300 kuai) and start roasting things.
• Don't fall over on the ice. Seriously, not only why does the Dalian government not de-ice the streets, but why do they actually allow polished/gloss tiles in streets and entrances of shopping centers/apartment blocks. Easy to clean but a deadly health hazard.
• Enjoy the heating. I hear it comes on around the 15th of November. If you rent or are provided dormitories it's law to provide residents with a 24 hour minimum temperature of 16 degrees, 18 degrees if they're a foreigner (bizarre special case).

Go!