7 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 under the old shopfronts.

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

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

1. dandong yalu river cruise
2. dandong jinjiangshan park

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

An honest inland neighbor day — the rail takes about an hour to Benxi, where boats run some 3 km into the floodlit water cave; back in Dandong by evening.

1. benxi

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

1. dandong wulongbei hot springs