A journey along the Chinese border: Dandong

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China has the longest land border in the world totaling more than 22,000 kilometers. Many of the border towns are diverse and share both Chinese and foreign characteristics.

CGTN has collected China's top 10 most beautiful border cities and towns for tourists. The first stop is to the north in the city of Dandong, close to China's border with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Located on the Yalu River, Dandong is China's largest border city and is home to more than 29 ethnic groups. It is China's largest port city for trade with the DPRK and a national franchised tourist city for residents of the DPRK.

Lujiang Village in Zhenjiang Town, Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County, Dandong City. /VCG Photo

Yalu River Broken Bridge

Built in 1909, the Broken Bridge is the first bridge ever built over the Yalu River. The bridge was bombed by the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War in December, 1950. The damage has been left as it was, hence giving it the nickname "Broken Bridge." From the Chinese side, tourists can get a glimpse of the DPRK village on the other side of the river.

The Yalu River Broken Bridge (R). /VCG Photo

Entrance fee: 30 yuan (4.43 U.S. dollars)

Transportation: Ten minutes' walk south from Dandong Railway Station.

China-DPRK Friendship Bridge

Next to the Broken Bridge is the China-DPRK Friendship Bridge. It connects the cities of Dandong in China and Sinuiju of the DPRK via railway and roadway. The bridge was also bombed during the Korean War but was repaired. Now it is the official border crossing between China and the DPRK.

The China-DPRK Friendship Bridge /VCG Photo

Tip: It has been temporarily closed from November, 2017 as the DPRK side needs to repair the bridge.

Memorial of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea

Inaugurated in 1958, the memorial is located on Yinghua Mountain to the north of Dandong. It opened to the public from July 1993 and reproduces scenes from the Korean War. The memorial hall is divided into four parts: exhibition hall, air force hall, panorama hall, and open-air weapon display hall.

The open-air weapon display in the Memorial of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea /VCG Photo

Entrance Fee: Free (closed on Monday)

Transportation: Bus No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Fenghuang Mountain

Fenghuang Mountain is 60 kilometers to the northwest of Dandong with its highest peak, Zanyun Peak, reaching an elevation of 836.4 meters. Fenghuang Mountain is well known both for its natural landscapes and religious culture. It is regarded as sacred in Chinese culture as there are many Taoist temples and Buddhist temples on the mountain.

Red leaves on Fenghuang Mountain /VCG Photo

Fenghuang Mountain /VCG Photo

A glass suspension bridge on Fenghuang Mountain /VCG Photo

Fenghuang Mountain /VCG Photo

Entrance Fee: 80 yuan (11.8 U.S. dollars)

Transportation: A one-hour bus ride from Dandong Bus Station, 12 yuan (1.77 U.S. dollars)

Best visiting time: April to October

Tiger Mountain Great Wall

The Tiger Great Wall is a restored stretch of the Great Wall with a length of 1,250 meters. Located by the Yalu River, it is about 15 kilometers to the east of Dandong. Built in 1469, the Tiger Mountain Great Wall was often regarded as the eastern start point of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. There is a Tiger Mountain Great Wall Museum in the scenic area, one of the four Great Wall Museums in China.

The Tiger Mountain Great Wall /VCG Photo

Entrance Fee: 60 yuan (8.86 U.S. dollars)

Opening time: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Transportation: Bus No. 15

Gourmet in Dandong

Because of its proximity to the water, the seafood in Dandong is fresh and reasonably priced. A local favorite are seafood hotpots and the city also boasts a variety of Korean restaurants.

Seafood in Dandong /VCG Photo

Travel Tips:

Best visiting time: March to October

Transportation: Dandong can be reached via high-speed train, boat or airplane.

680km