Port city transformed by global conference

The summer meeting of the World Economic Forum, which returns to Dalian this year, has helped to transform the city's business landscape and put it on the map for international leaders.

The June 27-29 event, with its focus on scientific innovation and sustainable development, will be the sixth hosted by the city. The annual event, called the Annual Meeting of the New Champions or Summer Davos, has been held in China since 2007. It began in Dalian, which alternates as host with Tianjin.

"Summer Davos was the first high-end foreign conference project China had held at the time," said Liu Haiying, vice-chairman of the China Convention and Exhibition Society. The city charmed participants with its scenic coast, fresh seafood and hospitable locals, Liu said.