Dandong Travel Guide | In-Depth 3 Days 2 Nights in the Border Town

Dandong, this small border town between China and North Korea, carries both a strong sense of history and the fresh charm of natural scenery! Just finished a three-day, two-night trip with the kids, here’s a family-friendly guide👇

🏞 Highlights of a 3-day Dandong trip: history + nature + food all covered

✨ Trip Features

One river, two banks, two countries’ cultures: Take a boat ride on the Yalu River, the kids were super excited! The river flows gently, with contrasting scenery on both sides. The kids kept asking, “What’s over there?” — geography class + cultural experience all in one!

🗓 Detailed Itinerary

📍DAY 1: City Historical Exploration

🌉 Morning: Yalu River Broken Bridge

· Go early when it’s less crowded and the light is good. The bullet marks on the bridge are historical evidence (ticket 30 RMB/person, half price for children).

· Take the kids on the bridge and tell the story of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, gaze across at Sinuiju, North Korea, and get a direct feel of “one bridge, two worlds.”

🍜 Noon: Lunch on Gaoli Street

· Must-try freshly pressed cold noodles (18 RMB/bowl) and Dandong specialty yellow clams (spicy stir-fry 48 RMB/serving), the kids kept praising how delicious it was!

🇰🇵 Afternoon: War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea Memorial Hall + Hushan Great Wall

· Memorial hall is free (closed on Mondays), the sand table and artifacts make history come alive, the kids stayed focused the whole time.

· Hushan Great Wall (ticket 60 RMB) climb to the top to see the big bend of the Yalu River, experience “one step across” the China-North Korea border, the kids excitedly took photos!

🌃 Evening: Antung Old Street Night Market

· The retro double-decker market is great for strolling, end with barbecue + candied hawthorn, the kids held their bellies saying “We want to come again tomorrow!”

📍DAY 2: Hekou Natural Scenery

🚢 Morning: Hekou Scenic Area Boat Tour

· Take a boat to enjoy the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall” scenery, green mountains and clear water on both sides, the kids pointed to the opposite shore shouting “I see North Korean houses!”

🐟 Noon: Farmhouse River Fresh Feast

· Eat iron pot stewed river fish near the scenic area, the fish meat is tender, the kids proudly finished two bowls of rice!

🏞 Afternoon: National Gate Scenic Spot Check-in

· Take photos at the “one glance sees two countries” landmark, visit the Railway War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea Museum on the way, the kids carefully noted down “red knowledge points.”

🏨 Accommodation Tips

· Prefer hotels near the Broken Bridge or train station, super convenient walking to attractions, no hassle with kids!