Dandong tourism: Gateway to the mysterious DRPK

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China's Dandong is best known for its proximity to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Unsurprisingly, tourism in the border city also centers around this theme, giving travelers a sneak peak into the mysterious world of the DPRK, with the Yalu River Broken Bridge being one main attractions in the area.

CGTN Photo

Decades ago, the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army crossed the bridge to, what was then, the Korean War front. The bridge was later bombed by US aircraft, but fortunately, the Chinese side of it survived. Now a wartime relic, the pockmarked bridge is what attracts travelers to the largest border city in the country.

“I am here just for the day and I want to see this bridge because it used to link China and the DPRK before it was bombed. It has great significance in China’s modern history.” says Xie Yufeng, a tourist from Jiangxi Province.

For some, the bridge evokes memories from that period of history but most travelers are here to see the DPRK in person - even if they might not actually visit.

Taking the ferry and sailing down the Yalu River, visitors can see Sinuijiu, the fourth largest city in the DPRK. It has high-rise buildings, vehicles, roller coasters and there are even signs of development in this special administrative region of the DPRK.

CGTN Photo

The upper regions of the river have a very different flavor, as this area is no different from a standard farming village in China.

However, it is one thing to take a sneak peak along the river, it is another to pay for a day trip to the DPRK, especially when tensions on the Korean Peninsula are so high. “I just canceled my four-day trip to the DPRK after I read the news about their recent nuclear test. I am very concerned. It is not worth risking my life to visit the DPRK, despite my own curiosity.” said Zhen Lili, a local traveler.

CGTN Photo

Normally a day trip to the DPRK from Dandong costs around 700 yuan, and a four-day trip costs around 3,000. But a local travel agency says that because of the new circumstances, fewer people are willing to take the chance.