Yalu River Park

Yalu River Park

Yalu River Park

Yalu River Park is the core scenic area of the Yalu River Scenic Area, a national key scenic spot, located along the Yalu River on the southern side of downtown Dandong. Stretching 3.4 kilometers, it is a key image project in Dandong’s recent efforts to build the Yalu River tourism brand.

The Riverside Road Park was first built in 1979 and officially opened to visitors in 1982, covering an area of 4.9 hectares. The park features lush trees and blooming flowers; elegant pavilions and winding paths; well-arranged rockeries and corridors; and novel, complete recreational facilities. The Peony Garden, Peony Root Garden, Hibiscus Garden, and Rose Garden each have their own charm, attracting bees and butterflies during flowering seasons. Wisteria vines climb and sway, while the vast blue waters of the Yalu River offer a fairy-tale boating experience that captivates and enchants visitors.

Over the past two decades, Yalu River Park has continuously expanded and improved alongside economic development. It receives nearly one million visitors annually and has become a comprehensive destination integrating recreation, river cruising, and dining. In 1995, it was among the first group of patriotic education demonstration bases designated by the Dandong Municipal People’s Government. It has been repeatedly recognized as an advanced unit. In 1994, it was named one of the top ten comprehensive management units by the provincial government, and in 1995, it was honored as a model scenic site by the State Council. In 1996 and 2001, it was recognized as an advanced patriotic education base by the municipal government. In 1996, it received awards as an advanced unit in spiritual civilization and public security management in Liaoning Province. In 1997, it won the city’s “Window” Service Competition. In 1998, it was named a provincial model unit for safety and civilization, and in 2000, it was awarded the title of provincial civilized unit.

The Yalu River is the border river between the People’s Republic of China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It originates from the southern foothills of Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province, flowing through Jilin and Liaoning provinces in China, as well as Ryanggang, Chagang, and North Pyongan provinces in Korea, before emptying into the Yellow Sea at Donggang, Dandong. Stretching 795 kilometers, the riverbanks feature majestic peaks and beautiful waters. Like a history book, it records the civilization of Dandong and the Yalu River, evoking memories of the vicissitudes of the “ancient city,” the rise and fall of the “six towns,” the grandeur of the Great Wall, and the graceful sails on the river. It also recalls the humiliation and disasters of the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War... The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge and the Broken Bridge stand side by side like brothers who have endured hardships, combining majesty with a touch of solemnity. Through binoculars, the bullet holes and cannon scars on the Broken Bridge’s piers are still visible, evoking memories of the war-torn years.

Cruising the great river, visitors can take in the scenery on both banks. On the opposite shore lies Sinuiju, the capital of North Pyongan Province in Korea, within arm’s reach, offering a unique charm.

Yalu River Park attracts visitors from all over China with its unique geographical location. National leaders ——, ——, and —— have visited Yalu River Park, praising its distinctive planning and style. They noted that the park is a window to the nation and urged leaders at all levels to prioritize its development.

The rebuilt Yalu River Park is vast, grand, innovative, and magnificent, serving as a highlight of China’s largest border city, the image of Dandong, a symbol of the Yalu River brand, and the pride of its people. The nearly 3.4-kilometer riverside sightseeing route from the Yalu River Broken Bridge to Pearl Bridge covers an area of 6.8 square kilometers, with 60,000 square meters of lawn and green space and over 40,000 square meters of paved surfaces. The park centers around three plazas, connected by a riverside sightseeing path, with the Yalu River and its bridges as the main attractions. It features two large sculptures, four stone carvings, two sets of six-type colorful fountains, ten springs, and over twenty artificial landscapes including lively sika deer, adorable elephants, and herds of cows... Trees, flowers, pavilions, sculptures, rockeries, waterfalls, and fountains, together with the Yalu River, form a stunning scenic vista.

The Shiwu Road Plaza is about 100 meters from the Yalu River Bridge. From here, visitors can see both Sinuiju in Korea and the Yalu River Bridge. This bridge of friendship between China and Korea stands as a testament to the invincibility of justice. On the plaza, six symmetrical shadow walls and several springs complement a large sculpture themed “Braving the Current.” A small boat with sails billowing and people rowing forward symbolizes the eternal aspirations of Dandong—the heroic city’s people—and their courage and determination to forge ahead in the tide of reform and opening up. It inspires patriotism, unity, and collective spirit, reinforcing the ideals of serving the country and the people. The grandeur and magnificence of the central sculpture are further highlighted.

Walking upstream along the sightseeing path, visitors encounter a section that preserves the original features of Yalu River Park. A sea of green, trees of various shapes, and classical-style pavilions resembling little boats floating on green rockeries blend harmoniously with the gray-white pathways and neat steps along the river, creating a uniquely charming scene.

The Liuwu Road Plaza serves as the park’s lounge for visitors. A marble semi-circular river-viewing platform and a sculpture of three maidens symbolizing “peace,” releasing a dove into the sky, stand tall in the center of the plaza. A large 108-meter river fountain dances rhythmically to music, inviting leisurely visitors to reflect on history and envision the future. White sunshades and comfortable seating add tranquility to the relaxation, while two towering round red lights resemble hanging orbs in the park’s night, evoking hopes for dawn and sunlight.

Connected to the Liuwu Road Plaza is the Erwu Road Plaza. The elegant Changyuan Pavilion stands gracefully by the Yalu River, perfectly capturing the poetic line “Under the faint moon and gentle breeze, I gaze at the river and sky; amidst the mountains and waters, I admire the colors on both banks,” showcasing classical architectural style in full splendor. Contrasting yet complementing it is an abstract art piece on the plaza’s side—a sunshade resembling both a sail and a petrel—blending classical and modern elements. Lush lawns, artificial animal parks, and reminders to protect our living environment and the harmony between humans and nature are ever-present. Opposite the plaza’s sightseeing path, a triangular green space echoes the riverside stone pillars and stone balls. Among them, the “One Bowl of Water, Level and Fair” sculpture, weighing four tons and featuring continuously flowing water, represents the aspirations of the people of Dandong.

The water-friendly steps between Dam Gate Zero and Dam Gate Eight allow visitors to directly interact with the river. The Yalu River is shared by both countries, and unlike the international norm of using the river centerline as the border, the boundary here is defined by the water itself. Getting close to the water offers a unique and humanized experience. Thoughtfully designed riverbank railings, shimmering waters, towering green embankments, and circling gulls come together to paint a serene and peaceful picture of a beautiful life.

As night falls and the lights come on, the park reveals its enchanting charm in the darkness. Brilliantly illuminated, the riverside colorful fountains, under the glow of multicolored lights, shoot up like jade pillars reaching the sky, radiating dazzling brilliance.

Yalu River Park is a perfect blend of cultural landscapes and nature, a crystallization of the hard work and wisdom of our people following the economic development brought by reform and opening up. As a patriotic education base, it uses real-life scenes to inspire future generations: only when the motherland is strong can we enjoy today’s happy life and cherish Yalu River Park—the shining pearl by the Yalu River.