From concrete to sand Dalian, the coastal city in northeast China's Liaoning Province, is one of the most favored summer tourism destinations. And for more fun, over the weekend hundreds of visitors and locals turned one of its beaches into a contest venue for sand sculptures.

A key part of 2004 Dalian International Sandbeach Cultural Festival was a sand sculpture competition. It wasn't just about fun for the more serious competitors who were shooting for the "Golden Spade", the competition's top prize.

The visitor said, "I am usually too busy with my work to play with my son so coming here and doing something together offers a good chance to get closer."

A family of sixteen joined in the competition to present a special birthday gift for one of its senior members.

After tough judging, the "lion" co-sculptured by three youngsters won, taking the "Golden Spade". All the sculptures will remain on the beach for all to see to the delight of contenders.

(CCTV.com July 28, 2004)