14 Days in Dandong

Of the 1909 rail bridge bombed in 1950, four spans still reach some 366 m into the river; the walkway costs CNY 30 and the riverside park keeps the evening light on the water.

1. Yalu River Broken Bridge
2. dandong yalu riverside park

Some 20 km northeast, this rebuilt-in-the-1990s ridge marks the Ming wall's eastern terminus; from the towers the river narrows to its closest point on the whole border.

1. Tiger Mountain Great Wall

The memorial hall documents the 1950-53 war years — photographs, uniforms and aircraft outside; entry is free with reservation, closed Mondays. Evening goes to Andong Old Street's food stalls.

1. dandong korean war memorial
2. dandong andong old street

An hour away in Fengcheng, the granite spires top out at 836 m, with chains, cliff walkways and a glass ledge for steady legs; the valley paths make a gentler loop.

1. dandong fenghuang mountain

A soak-and-laundry day at the springs north of the city, with an early night before the inland run.

1. dandong wulongbei hot springs

The rail takes about an hour to Benxi, where boats run some 3 km into the floodlit water cave; overnight in the city center.

1. benxi

A second round in the cave country's hills, then the afternoon train back for a riverside dinner in Dandong.

1. benxi

Boats leave the riverside piers and trace the channel close to the far bank — facts on the water, camera only; the park's overlook finishes with both bridges in one frame.

1. dandong yalu river cruise
2. dandong jinjiangshan park

East to Donggang and the ferry to Dalu Island, whose shores face the 1894 Yellow Sea battle waters; stay the night, the seafood shacks light up after dark.

1. dandong dalu island

A first-light walk on the island's east shore, then the midday ferry and the road back to Dandong by dinner.

1. dandong dalu island

Markets, noodle shops and a nap — the last excursion block starts tomorrow.

1. dandong city markets

Walk the promenade end to end past the Friendship Bridge of 1943 and the Sinuiju skyline opposite. Licensed group day-tours toward Sinuiju exist but require passport, North Korean visa and exit-entry procedures — plan weeks ahead if you go.

1. Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge
2. dandong yalu riverside park

A second, slower go at Phoenix Mountain — the west-side paths and the temple courtyards this time, skipping the chains.

1. dandong fenghuang mountain

One last soak at Wulongbei, a late riverfront lunch and the fast line — Shenyang about 90 minutes, onward connections nationwide.

1. dandong wulongbei hot springs