Yalu River

Yalu River

The Yalu River is a national scenic area and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The national scenic area of the Yalu River is located along the lower reaches of the Yalu River within Dandong, stretching from the Hunjiang Estuary to the China-North Korea border where the river meets the sea, covering a total length of 210 kilometers and an area of approximately 4,000 square kilometers. The scenic area features water landscapes as its main attraction, complemented by mountain scenery, with historic and culturally significant sites that date back centuries. A boat trip along the river allows visitors to enjoy views of both China and North Korea.

The Yalu River derives its name from the color of its waters—the emerald green hue resembles the shimmering green of a duck’s neck, which led ancient people to name it the Yalu (Duck Green) River, a name that has lasted through the ages. In earlier times, the Yalu River was historically known as the Mazi River. It was also called the Ba River in ancient times, and the Zi River during the Han Dynasty. It first came to be called the Yalu River during the Tang Dynasty due to its bluish-green color, reminiscent of a duck's head. The Yalu River originates from the southern slopes of the Changbai Mountains in Jilin Province, flowing through Changbai, Ji’an, Kuandian, and Dandong before emptying into the Yellow Sea to the south. With a total length of 795 kilometers, it serves as the border river between China and North Korea. The section of the Yalu River that flows through Dandong is about 300 kilometers long. This stretch features wide river surfaces and stunning landscapes on both banks, and is particularly known for its abundant catch of large whitebait near the estuary. The history of bridge-building over the Yalu River dates back to the Liao Dynasty. In the early 20th century, iron bridges were first constructed over the river, with two built between Dandong and Sinuiju in North Korea. The first bridge was constructed in 1909 as a drawbridge. It was destroyed by U.S. aircraft during the Korean War in 1950, but its piers still remain and now form part of the Broken Bridge Tourist Area. The second bridge was built in 1940 as a combined rail and road bridge, stretching 940 meters in length and jointly managed by China and North Korea. It serves as a vital transportation route between the two countries and is also a popular sightseeing spot for tourists.

Admission: Yalu River Broken Bridge – 15 RMB

Location: Situated along the middle and lower reaches of the Yalu River within Dandong City, stretching from the Hunjiang Estuary in the east to Dadong Port in the west

Climate: Mild winters and cool summers

Area: Total length of 210 kilometers. Total area of 824.2 square kilometers (including North Korean waters), with a protected area of 200 square kilometers.

The Yalu River Scenic Area consists of six major scenic zones and over 100 individual sites. Located along the middle and lower reaches of the Yalu River, the scenic area faces North Korea’s Bitong, Qingshui, Yizhou, and Sinuiju across the river. The meandering and gentle flow of the river is flanked by steep cliffs and lush forests, creating a richly colorful natural landscape. Highlights include the vast and beautiful Shuifeng Lake, the majestic Tiger Mountain Great Wall standing by the river, the scarred Yalu River Bridge, the northernmost point of China’s 18,000-kilometer coastline where the river meets the sea, as well as ancient human cave sites, primitive village ruins, and modern garden architecture—all combining to offer a wealth of natural and cultural attractions.

Shuifeng Scenic Area: The Shuifeng Reservoir is the largest in Northeast China and is co-managed by China and North Korea. The forest within the reservoir area retains a near-pristine natural landscape, with picturesque valleys and lush flowers and trees on both sides of the reservoir.

Taipingwan Scenic Area: Mainly composed of the Ancient Ferry New Village and the Taipingwan Hydropower Station attractions.

Bridge Scenic Area: Located in downtown Dandong, this is the core area of the Yalu River Scenic Area and faces Sinuiju, North Korea, across the river. It features famous attractions such as Baoshan Hanging Rainbow, Bishui Jade Pavilion, Yalu River Sails, and the Bullet Holes of the Iron Bridge.

Hushan Scenic Area: Located between the Bridge Scenic Area and the Pacific Scenic Area. Mount Hushan resembles a crouching tiger and occupies a strategically important location. It faces North Korea’s “Tongjun Pavilion” across the river and was an important military stronghold in Chinese history.

Jiangkou Scenic Area: The southernmost scenic area in the region. The China-North Korea maritime border line marks the northernmost point of China’s coastline, and the No. 3 Maritime Border Monument attracts many visitors.

Lüjiang Scenic Area: Located at the Hunjiang Estuary where Kuandian Town in Jiangxiang Township meets the border with Jilin Province. The natural landscape is pristine, with vegetation in an almost untouched state. Attractions include the Twelve Heavenly Gates, a natural hunting ground, Cold Wind Rock, Five-Story Tower Mountain, and ancient kiln sites.

Transportation: International through trains from Beijing to Pyongyang and Moscow to Pyongyang pass through Dandong for border entry and exit. Dandong also has passenger train services to Shenyang, Beijing, and Changdian. Civil aviation offers direct flights to cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Wenzhou.

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of National Scenic Areas