Yamato Hotel, Hoshigaura (Star Beach), Dairen, c. 1920.
“In order that European and American travelers in Manchuria might have ‘all the comforts of home,’ the South Manchuria Railway planned a system of modern hotels from Dairen to Changchun, which have been built and operated without thought of profit. In addition to building these new hotels, the company has given financial aid to other hotel owners to encourage the operation of high-class establishments along the line of the railway.
“The Yamato Hotels The South Manchuria Railway hotels in the cities of Dairen, Port Arthur Mukden and Changchun, and at Hoshigaura (Star Beach) are known as the Yamato Hotels.
“… By far Star Beach the most popular summer resort in North China … Surrounded by hills on three sides and opening to sea on the south, the beach is warm in winter and cool in summer.
“Formerly it was a mere stretch of beautiful sand beach and Kaoliang fields, but the South Manchuria Railway Company made it a suburban park and resort, building a hotel and summer cottages, and laying a nine-hole golf link. It is the playground of the citizens of Dairen all the year round, and the summer resort for the foreign residents in North China..”
– Manchuria, Land of Opportunities, South Manchuria Railway Co., 1922
Yamato Hotel, Hoshigaura (Star Beach), Dairen, c. 1930.
“Hoshigaura (Star Beach) lies on a small bay in the seashore about five miles to the south-west of Dairen, and is one of the finest seaside resorts in North China.
“The Yamato Hotel is picturesquely situated in cliff gardens, overlooking the sea, a modern luxurious hotel under the direct management of the South Manchurian Railway Company. Excellent tennis courts and good golf links are provided by the hotel. The beaches are long and clean, providing excellent swimming grounds. Pleasure boats be hired.
“In addition to the hotel there are a number of bungalows and villas, which can be hired at moderate rates.”
– Peking, North China, South Manchuria and Korea, Thomas Cook & Son, 1924
“Bird’s eye view of Hoshigaura (Star Beach),” Dairen, Manchuria, c. 1920.