Dandong

Introduction

You will find Dandong situated as a coastal prefecture-level city in the southeastern part of Liaoning. Located within the northeastern region of China, this coastal destination offers you a distinct sense of place along its shores.

Before you go

You should prepare for a city defined by its proximity to the North Korean border across the Yalu River. Situated where the river meets the Yellow Sea, this area is known for its light industry and silk production. You can explore local specialties such as sea products, ginseng, hawthorn, and chestnut.

To ensure your safety while exploring, you must be cautious when filming. Avoid taking photos or videos of any North Koreans without their explicit permission, as they are very sensitive about being filmed and may be accompanied by minders who will confiscate your device if you are caught.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Langtou Airport, which serves flights from several major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Yantai, and Chengdu. However, because of frequent flight cancellations, you may find it more reliable to fly into Dalian or Shenyang and continue your journey by train or bus.

Rail travel offers multiple connections, with trains arriving from Shenyang several times a day and night trains departing from Beijing, Dalian, Changchun, and Qingdao. You can also arrive by train from Pyongyang or Moscow. If you prefer to travel by road, long-distance buses connect the city to destinations such as Beijing, Shenyang, and Tonghua. For those traveling from Dalian, express buses are available.

For a maritime journey, the Oriental Pearl ferry operates between Dandong and Incheon in South Korea. This voyage takes approximately 15 hours across the water. Buses are also available to transport you to the ferry terminal located near the train station.

Getting around

If you stay near the original CBD area by the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, walking is a practical way to reach the river promenade for a short stay. Be aware that you may need to walk along the bike lane as pedestrian paths are often blocked by parked cars.

Taxis are plentiful throughout the city and provide an alternative if you cannot navigate the public bus system due to the language barrier. When using a taxi, ensure the driver activates the meter and monitor it closely to ensure it remains on during your trip. For those who can read Chinese, buses offer an efficient way to traverse the city, including specific lines that reach the new district near the double arch bridge.

Bicycles are another option for exploring, though using shared bikes requires the ability to read Chinese. While some bike brands common in larger cities do not operate here, you can find local options such as ZXBike or orange city bikes located at docking stations along the river promenade.

You can choose from various accommodations in the Zhenxing District that offer proximity to the Yalu River and local landmarks. If you prefer a convenient location near the train station, several options are situated within walking distance or a short drive of the railway hub. Some properties provide scenic views of the river and even the neighboring North Korean village, while others feature amenities such as an indoor pool, a fitness center, and on-site dining like Japanese cuisine.

• The Dandong Yalu River Hotel provides convenient access to both the train station and the broken bridge.
• Zhonglian Hotel offers views of the river from its cafe and features a bowling alley, cigar room, and western buffet.
• 1 Vienna International Hotel is located near the railway station with views of the Yalu River.
• Xin'andong Hotel sits by the Yalu River and occasionally hosts Korean-style performances.
• Friend Plaza Hotel is situated in an area near Moon Island, Dandong Art Gallery, and Maokuishan Park.

Food & drink

Experience a diverse culinary landscape shaped by the city's unique location. You can find numerous Korean restaurants concentrated along the street facing the river, including those run by ethnic Koreans and others operated by the North Korean government. Sample traditional dishes such as bibimbap or ginseng chicken, where a whole chicken is simmered in piping hot ginseng broth. Korean-style cold noodles are also widely available to cater to local residents.

Explore the offerings of Andong Old Street, which features local specialties and dishes from various provinces and Korea. Nearby, an enclosed night market provides a variety of food stalls alongside a souvenir area and museum atmosphere. For a different experience, you can enjoy traditional Chinese hotpot served in old-fashioned Beijing-style copper pots. To quench your thirst, try the local Daxiangjiao soft drink, a banana-flavored beverage served in green glass bottles, or visit the beer garden located near Yueliang island.

What to see and do

Explore the borderlands along the Yalu River, where you can view North Korea from several vantage points. At Yalujiang Park, you can see public sculptures and swimming platforms while taking in views of the neighboring country across the water. Nearby, walk along the remains of a broken bridge that was damaged during the Korean War; bring your own binoculars to get a closer look at the northern side. For a different perspective on history, visit the Memorial of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, situated on a hill overlooking the city and the river, or explore the Yalu River Art Museum, which features unique exhibitions in a distinct setting.

Adventure further afield to the Hushan Great Wall, where you can hike along this Ming Dynasty section of the wall that runs parallel to the river. From the highest tower, you can see North Korean guardhouses and the border stream. Alternatively, visit Jinjiangshan Park to climb two pagoda towers for an expansive view of the region. For a change of pace, wander through Andong Old Street to experience its traditional architecture and local snacks, or spend time on Moon Island, where European-style buildings house cafes and restaurants. If you prefer a more modern landscape, see the New Yalu River Bridge, a massive double-arch motorway bridge that ends in rice fields on the northern side of the border.

When to go

You can experience a variety of seasonal shifts when visiting Dandong. The winter season brings long, cold conditions with brief periods of severe cold. While the spring begins in March, you will find that the landscape remains dry until May as the warming process is delayed compared to inland regions. Outside of the summer months, you can expect generally sunny skies.

As you move into late spring and early autumn, the transition to the warm season brings increased humidity. During the summer, the coastal proximity moderates the heat, though you will notice a reduction in sunshine during these months.

Three days in Dandong

Day one, you can explore the city of Dandong in Liaoning. You can take a stroll along the Yalu River to experience the border atmosphere.

Day two, you can cross the Korean Friendship Bridge. This provides a direct connection and allows you to see the landscape on the other side of the water.

Day three, you can travel through the local area using taxis or buses to reach different points within the city.