Dandong, Border city in Liaoning, China
Dandong is a coastal city in northeast China that sits along the Yalu River, facing North Korea on the opposite bank. The waterfront extends for more than one hundred kilometers, and the bridges crossing the river link two countries with very different political systems.
The settlement grew in the late nineteenth century after it was established as a county town in 1876, drawing many settlers from inland areas. During the Korean War in the 1950s, it served as a major supply point for Chinese forces.
The name comes from an old fortress wall, and its position at the border makes this a place where Korean is spoken alongside Mandarin. Restaurants serve dishes influenced by both countries, and markets carry goods that reflect life in a frontier region.
The riverfront area is good for walking with views of both sides of the river, and several parks offer resting spots along the way. The railway station and port are close to the center, which makes arriving and moving on easier.
Part of an old railway bridge remains as a monument after it was bombed during the Korean War. The damaged section ends in the middle of the river and reminds visitors of the conflict that shaped the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
