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Dandong — China travel

5 Days in Dandong

Five days adds the border-food old street and the 836-m Phoenix Mountain in Fengcheng, with a Wulongbei hot-spring wind-down before the train out.

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Best time: May-June or September-OctoberBudget: mid-range

Quick Answer

Is 5 days enough for Dandong?

5 days is the sweet spot for Dandong: enough time for the must-sees plus one day trip or food/rest day.

Source: NihaoVisit Dandong guide

5-day Dandong itinerary at a glance

Use our full Dandong travel guide as the base and adapt it to 5 days. Keep the city's three signature attractions as the backbone; fill the rest with neighborhood walks, food markets, and an easy day trip.

Yalu River Broken BridgeTiger Mountain Great WallKorean War memorial hallPhoenix MountainWulongbei hot springs
1
Day 1

Arrival, Broken Bridge & Riverside

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.

Yalu River Broken Bridge, Dandong, China
  1. Yalu River Broken Bridge
  2. dandong yalu riverside park
2
Day 2

Tiger Mountain Great Wall

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.

Tiger Mountain Great Wall, Dandong, China
  1. Tiger Mountain Great Wall
3
Day 3

Memorial Hall & Old Street

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 under the old shopfronts.

Scenes from Dandong, China
  1. dandong korean war memorial
  2. dandong andong old street
4
Day 4

Phoenix Mountain Day

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.

Scenes from Dandong, China
  1. dandong fenghuang mountain
5
Day 5

Hot Springs & Departure

The Wulongbei springs north of the city have drawn bathers for decades; a morning soak, a late riverfront lunch and the rail line out.

Scenes from Dandong, China
  1. dandong wulongbei hot springs

Budget for 5 days in Dandong

TierPer day5 days total
BackpackerUSD $50–$80USD $250–$400
Mid-rangeUSD $100–$200USD $500–$1,000
LuxuryUSD $300+USD $1,500+

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Frequently asked questions

What is the daily budget for Dandong?
Budget travelers: USD $50–$80/day. Mid-range: $100–$200/day. Luxury: $300+/day. These cover hotel, three meals, transit, and one paid attraction per day.
Do I need a visa to visit Dandong?
It depends on your passport — see our <a href="/china-visa-2026/">China visa guide</a> for the latest country-by-country list. Most Western passport holders can enter visa-free for 30 days as of 2026.
How do I get from the airport to the center of Dandong?
Dandong's main airport connects to the city center via airport bus, taxi, or metro where available. See the airport transfer section of our Dandong guide.
Can I use 5 days for both Dandong and a side trip?
Tight. With only 5 days, focus on Dandong proper; save side trips for a future trip.
Is Dandong safe for tourists?
Yes. Dandong has very low violent crime rates and is widely considered safe for foreign tourists. Standard petty-theft precautions apply. See our <a href="/is-china-safe-2026/">is China safe</a> page.

See also: Dandong travel guide, China visa 2026, China trip cost.