Liaodong Peninsula

The Liaodong Peninsula (traditional Chinese: 遼東, simplified Chinese: 辽东, pinyin: Liáodōng, Wade-Giles: Liao-tung) is a peninsula in the province of Liaoning in the People's Republic of China, known for its many natural harbors in the waters of the Yellow Sea.

A railway connects Dalian with Yingkou, at the western base of the peninsula. Dalian and other cities in the area have grown considerably since the late 20th century.

Toponymy

Liaodong means "East Liao" in Chinese. The Liao River, during the Warring States period, divided the commanderies of Liaoxi ("West Liao") and Liaodong.

History

The First Battle of Port Arthur (Lüshunkou) gave rise to the Russo-Japanese War (February 9, 1904). The port was at the time under Russian rule and suffered an attack by the Japanese navy. The battle was left unfinished and gave rise to the siege of Port Arthur and later the Battle of Shandong.

As a result of the Treaty of Portsmouth (1905) that ended the Russo-Japanese conflict, both parties agreed to evacuate Manchuria and return its sovereignty to China.

Geography

The peninsula is located north of the Yellow Sea, facing the Shandong Peninsula, separating the Bohai Sea between them. The western coasts of the peninsula are bathed by the Bohai Sea and the eastern by the Bay of Korea. It forms part of the southern belt of mountains that continues north to become the Changbai Mountains. The area of mountains adjacent to the peninsula is known as the Qian Mountains.

The peninsula has two ports: Dalian and Lüshunkou located at the southern end. The city of Lüshunkou is the government seat of the Dalian districts.