Yalu River Border Railway Bridge in Tonghua

Yalu River Border Railway Bridge (鸭绿江国境铁路大桥) is a significant railway passage connecting China and North Korea. Located in Xiajiefang Village (下解放村), Dongcheng Street (城东街道), Ji'an City (集安市), Jilin Province (吉林省), this bridge plays a pivotal role in the transportation between the two countries. Built by the Japanese Dongya Civil Engineering Company (东亚土木会社), the bridge was officially opened on September 1, 1939. It spans 589.23 meters and is supported by a steel frame structure and concrete piers. The border between China and North Korea is marked by Pier No. 11.

During the Korean War, the bridge became a crucial route for the transportation of Chinese Volunteer Army troops and materials, earning the title "The First Crossing of the War of Resistance Against America and Aid to Korea" (抗美援朝第一渡). Today, the bridge is a national 3A-level tourist attraction.

• Location: Xiajiefang Village, Dongcheng Street, Ji'an City, Jilin Province

• Date of Completion: September 1, 1939

• Tourism Rating: 3A-level National Scenic Area

• Ticket Price: 60 RMB

• Opening Hours: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM (Winter: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM)

• Recommended Duration: 1 hour

Historical Significance

Construction and Strategic Importance

The Yalu River Border Railway Bridge was initially constructed during the Japanese occupation in 1937 and was opened to traffic in 1939. Its primary purpose was to facilitate resource extraction from Northeast China by the Japanese puppet government. After the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the bridge became a vital transportation corridor for Chinese People's Volunteer Army troops entering Korea. From October 1950 to July 1953, more than 12,000 military trains passed through the bridge.

Modern-Day Significance

In 2004, the bridge underwent tourism development, adding the marble "National Gate" (国门) and a commemorative monument to the railway bridge. In 2023, it was listed as a border tourism demonstration project by Jilin Province. Today, it is still an active international railway passage, with one train running each day from both China and North Korea.

Key Features

The Railway Bridge

The main bridge spans 589.23 meters with a steel frame structure and 20 steel arch beams. The bridge is divided into two sections: the Chinese side, which measures 324.23 meters, and the North Korean side, which measures 265 meters. The 11th pier of the bridge marks the boundary between the two countries. The bridgehead features a four-story concrete bunker, which was used by the Japanese during World War II and still shows signs of bullet marks and damage.

• Steel Structure: 589.23 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 16 meters high.

• Historical Remains: Preserved original steel rails and wooden ties from 1939, some sections with a glass viewing platform.

National Gate Scenic Area

One of the central attractions is the 16-meter-high marble "National Gate," inscribed with the golden words "The People's Republic of China" (中华人民共和国). This monument symbolizes the boundary between the two nations. There is also a photo zone with boundary markers for visitors to capture memorable photos.

Red Culture Corridor

The site features a cultural corridor dedicated to the War of Resistance Against America and Aid to Korea (抗美援朝). This corridor showcases historical photos, letters from soldiers, and multimedia exhibits that provide insight into the struggles of the time.

Interactive Experiences

• Observational Telescopes: Paid telescopes allow visitors to observe daily life in the North Korean city of Manpo (满浦市) across the river.

• Panoramic Views: Free panoramic views can be enjoyed along the river road, providing a stunning perspective of both the bridge and the surrounding area.

Practical Information

Opening Hours and Ticket Price

• Opening Hours: 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM (Winter: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM)

• Ticket Price: 60 RMB per person. Medical workers nationwide and those providing assistance in Jilin Province can enter for free.

Getting There

• By Car: Take National Road G331, which leads directly to the parking lot of the scenic area, about 10 kilometers from Ji'an City.

• Public Transport: Taxis or chartered cars are available within Ji'an City.

Nearby Attractions

• Ji'an Port (集安口岸): 600 meters from the bridge, offers views of the border area.

• General's Tomb (将军坟) and Haotaiwang Stele (好太王碑): Historical sites nearby.

• Accommodation: Red Home Inn (集安红之宿民宿), 1 kilometer from the scenic area, rated 4.8 stars.

Attractions and Visitor Experience

Main Attractions

• Railway Bridge: Visitors can explore the preserved steel tracks and wooden ties from 1939, and view the bridge from a glass observation platform.

• National Gate Scenic Area: A 16-meter-high marble gate with the inscription "The People's Republic of China," accompanied by boundary markers where visitors can take photos.

• Bunker Site: A site that preserves a Japanese-era bunker, which houses war artifacts such as weapons and documents from the war period.

• Observation Telescopes: With 10 high-definition telescopes available, visitors can clearly observe the train station and daily activities in Manpo, North Korea.

Additional Features

• Red Culture Corridor: This cultural display features historical photos, letters, and multimedia displays showcasing the bravery of the Chinese Volunteer Army during the Korean War.

• “Step Across the Border” Experience: A unique area where visitors can symbolically "step across" the China-North Korea border, providing a fascinating cultural experience.

• Smart Tour System: A multilingual guide system in Chinese, English, and Korean will be available in 2025, enhancing the experience for international visitors.

Transportation and Visitor Tips

Getting There

• By Car: The scenic area is located 10 kilometers from Ji'an City, and is directly accessible via G311 National Road.

• By Public Transport: Special tourism buses from Tonghua City (通化市) operate three times daily, with a ticket price of 12 RMB per person.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Visitors are encouraged to combine their visit to the Yalu River Border Railway Bridge with a trip to the Goguryeo Cultural Heritage Site (高句丽文物古迹), located just 8 kilometers away.

Best Photo Spot

• The best spot for photos is the viewing platform on the southeast side of the National Gate, where visitors can capture both the Chinese and North Korean boundary markers in a single shot.