As a result of history, Dalian's early buildings were mainly constructed in Russian style combined with French, Greek and Roman architecture. Modern Japanese-style buildings were also constructed during the Japanese occupation, followed by some additions to further developing the European style. Many of these well-preserved foreign-style buildings give Dalian a unique feature in the present. The area to the north of Jiefang (Victory) Bridge was the first place where reconstruction was planned after Tsarist Russia seized Dalian by force.

The most magnificent classical European-style buildings are concentrated around Zhongshan Square. As the center of the city, the square is constructed in the radial scheme that has often been adopted in Europe. The 10 streets radiate from the square like the golden rays from the sun and the buildings in between the streets stand like flowers facing the sun. Some of the buildings have pillars and corridors that evolved from the Greek and Roman styles; some have the Byzantine dome that was popular during the Renaissance; some have staircase like French roofs; some follow the Baroque style; some have Gothic roofs and others are combinations of the styles of Oriental and Western classical architecture that creates an interesting architectural landscape.

There are also many Japanese-style houses and villas in Nanshan Street, Lingqian, Tiyuchang, December 9th Street, Golki Road and other areas.