Dandong is located in the southeast of Liaoning Province, along the Yalu River, facing Sinuiju, North Korea across the river. It has a temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, mild winters and cool summers, with an average annual temperature of about 9°C, earning it the nickname 'Suzhou and Hangzhou of the Northeast'.
Dandong has a long history, serving as the territory of the Yan State during the Warring States period and later as part of the Andong Protectorate in the Tang Dynasty. After opening as a port in 1907, it became an important commercial port in Northeast China. During the Korean War, Dandong served as a forward base, and the Yalu River Broken Bridge bears witness to that history.
Dandong's culture blends multi-ethnic characteristics of Manchu, Korean, and Han, with intangible cultural heritages such as Korean dance and Manchu paper-cutting. The cuisine is famous for seafood and Korean dishes, with representative foods including Dandong strawberries, yellow clams, cold noodles, and rice cakes.
Modern Dandong is China's largest border city, hosting a national-level border economic cooperation zone. Tourism is booming, with abundant hot spring resources. In autumn, the Ginkgo Avenue turns golden, becoming a popular Instagram spot.
The best time to visit 丹东 is Best in spring and autumn: April-May for flowers, September-October for ginkgo.
Spring (April-May): Flowers bloom in Dandong, peach and apricot blossoms compete on the banks of the Yalu River, with pleasant weather.
Autumn (September-October): The ginkgo avenue turns golden, the weather is cool, suitable for outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August): Although warm and hot, you can escape the heat by the Yalu River and experience border customs.
Dandong officially opened as a port, becoming an important commercial port in Northeast China, with rapid foreign trade development.
The Korean War broke out, and Dandong served as a front-line base. The broken bridge over the Yalu River was bombed, becoming a historical witness.
Dandong was approved to establish a national-level border economic cooperation zone, promoting trade with North Korea and border tourism.
Recommended places to visit
A railway bridge destroyed by US bombing during the Korean War, now a patriotic education base where you can view North Korea from the bridge.
The eastern starting point of the Ming Great Wall, built along the mountain, offering panoramic views of the Yalu River and North Korea.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Traditional Korean dance combining music, dance, and singing, with lively rhythms.
Manchu folk art, using paper-cutting to depict Manchu life and mythology, with a bold style.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Domestic flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc., about 13 km from city center.
Depends on route
Intersection of Shenyang-Dandong high-speed rail and Dandong-Dalian railway, about 1.5 hours to Shenyang, 2 hours to Dalian.
About 100 RMB to Shenyang
Bus routes cover major attractions, fare 1-2 RMB, some routes go directly to Yalu River Broken Bridge.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
China's national geographical indication product, large, sweet, juicy and refreshing.
Dandong specialty seafood, tender meat, delicious when stir-fried with chili or in its original juice.
The only comprehensive memorial hall in China dedicated to the Korean War, with rich collections.
The number one mountain in eastern Liaoning, known for its steepness, reputed as 'China's adventure mountain', with thrilling glass plank road.
An open park along the river, where you can take a boat tour on the Yalu River and see North Korea up close.
Famous for hot springs and natural scenery, a leisure resort.
Buckwheat noodles in icy cold broth, with kimchi, egg, and beef, sweet and sour.
Traditional Korean rice cake made by pounding glutinous rice, served with bean powder or sugar.
Blending Korean flavors, charcoal-grilled meat with lettuce, garlic slices, and sauce, fragrant but not greasy.
Dandong special snack, made from starch, fried until golden, served with garlic soy sauce.