Dandong

Dandong combines the history of a border city with coastal scenery. The Yalu River, Yellow Sea seafood and ethnic Korean cuisine are among its main draws. Adjust the following itinerary to suit the length of your stay.

• Dandong Yalu River Broken Bridge: A major city landmark, the bridge still bears wartime bullet marks and offers views of Sinuiju in North Korea. Visit in the evening to enjoy both the river scenery and nighttime lights.

• Memorial Hall of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea: This museum presents a comprehensive account of the Korean War, with an immersive panoramic painting hall. Admission is free, but reservations are required 1–7 days in advance. Closed on Mondays.

• Hushan Great Wall: Considered the eastern starting point of the Great Wall, it offers views of both banks of the Yalu River from its heights. Some sections are steep, making it better suited to visitors with a good level of fitness.

• Fenghuang Mountain: Known as “eastern Liaoning’s most perilous mountain,” it has a particularly challenging section called Laoniubei (Old Ox’s Back). It is suited to experienced hikers who enjoy outdoor activities.

• Andong Old Street: An indoor street styled after the Republican era, with stalls selling snacks such as Dandong menzi, pounded rice cakes and grilled cold noodles. The dining and browsing scene is livelier at night.

• Dagu Mountain: Thousand-year-old ginkgo trees stand beside an ancient Mazu temple on this mountain near the Yellow Sea. Gently sloping paths make it suitable for family outings and visits to pray for blessings.

Suggested Itineraries

• Relaxed 1-day trip: Visit the Memorial Hall of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea in the morning and the Yalu River Broken Bridge in the afternoon. Head to Andong Old Street for dinner around dusk, then return to the riverside for the night views.
• Classic 2-day trip: Day 1: Explore the city and sample local food, taking in the Broken Bridge, the memorial hall and Andong Old Street. Day 2: Drive yourself or hire a car along National Highway G331 to visit Hushan Great Wall, Yibukua (One Step Across), the Musical Road and the Shanghekou Border Gate.
• In-depth 3-day trip: Days 1–2: Explore the city and the border scenery along National Highway G331. Day 3: Visit Donggang for seafood, or head to Fenghuang Mountain or Tianqiaogou for hiking and autumn maple foliage.

Must-Try Food in Dandong

• Yellow clams: A signature local seafood with sweet, tender flesh, served steamed or grilled over charcoal.

• Dandong barbecue: Usually served with a sweet and spicy sauce. Grilled clams and meat tendons are local specialties, while local cold noodles make a refreshing accompaniment.

• Korean-style soup with rice: Hot beef broth flavored with kimchi is poured over rice, making a good breakfast.

• Dandong menzi: Pan-fried starch jelly with a lightly browned exterior and soft center, usually served with sesame paste. Commonly found at small street-side eateries.

• Stir-fried chazi: A local staple made from fermented corn, with a smooth texture. Stir-frying it with spicy seasonings brings out its flavor.

• Donggang seafood: Visit Donggang Huanghai Seafood Wholesale Market to try freshly landed swimming crabs, mantis shrimp and large sea snails.

Accommodation and Transport Guide

• Where to stay: The areas around the Yalu River Broken Bridge and Dandong Railway Station are convenient bases. Rooms cost about RMB 200–300 in the low season and RMB 400–500 in the peak season. For river views and nighttime scenery, consider a guesthouse or hotel on Moon Island or along the riverfront.
• Getting there: High-speed trains run directly to Dandong Railway Station, taking about 1.5 hours from Dalian and 2.5 hours from Shenyang.
• Getting around: Taxis in the city are relatively affordable, with a starting fare of RMB 6. Rides between most popular attractions generally cost no more than RMB 10, making short trips convenient.

Travel Tips

• Reservations: The Memorial Hall of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea requires advance reservations. Book through its official WeChat account 1–7 days ahead. It is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
• Identification: Be sure to carry your ID card when visiting border attractions such as Hushan Great Wall and the border gates.
• Buying seafood: Before having seafood cooked at restaurants in Donggang or the city, confirm the unit price, weight and preparation fee.
• Temperature changes: Temperatures vary noticeably between morning and evening in Dandong. Bring a light jacket when hiking on Fenghuang Mountain or in Tianqiaogou. The riverside can also be windy, so dress warmly.
• Strawberry season: Dandong strawberries are mainly available in winter and spring, from December through May. October usually sees only small quantities of late-ripening varieties.