Dandong Road Border Port in Liaoning

Dandong Road Border Port (丹东陆路口岸) is a major gateway for China-North Korea trade, connecting the two countries via both road and rail. The port links Dandong, Liaoning Province (辽宁省), to Sinuiju (新义州), North Korea, through the Yalu River Bridge (鸭绿江大桥), also known as the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge (中朝友谊桥). The port is an essential hub for trade and transportation between the two countries.

Key Features:

  • Road Port: Located at 7 Shiwailu, Zhenxing District (振兴区十纬路7号), the road port opened in 1955 and can accommodate third-country citizens. It handles over 500 truck inspections per day.

  • Rail Port: Located at Dandong Railway Station (丹东站), the rail port opened in 1954 with international rail transport. Currently, it operates daily passenger trains from Dandong to Sinuiju, along with 4 pairs of freight trains.

Core Infrastructure

Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge (中朝友谊桥)

  • Rail Bridge: Built in 1943, this single-line bridge requires track changes due to the different rail gauges between China and North Korea. It handles approximately 70% of the road trade between China and North Korea.

  • Road Bridge: Parallel to the rail bridge, the road bridge allows freight vehicles to pass with strict security checks. The average processing time is about 18 minutes.

  • New Yalu River Bridge (新鸭绿江大桥): Completed in 2014 but yet to be opened, the new bridge was funded by China with an investment of 2.2 billion RMB. The North Korean side’s infrastructure remains incomplete.

Transportation and Nearby Attractions

Public Transportation:

  • Bus Lines: Bus routes 121, 303, and the H1 red line offer direct access to the border port. The Shendanlu Intersection (沈丹路口) serves as a transit hub.

Tourist Attractions:

  • Broken Bridge (断桥): A historical site from the Korean War, located near the Friendship Bridge, offering a glimpse into the war history.

  • Border Gate Scenic Area (国门景区): From here, visitors can view Sinuiju, North Korea, and learn about the border’s strategic importance.

Recent Developments

Cross-Border Tourism:

  • Group Tours to North Korea: Starting in July 2025, group tours to North Korea will resume. Travelers must apply for visas through designated travel agencies. The K27 International Train will be the primary means of transportation.

Port Upgrade Plan:

  • Dandong aims to enhance its role as a regional economic center in Liaoning Province by strengthening port infrastructure and facilitating the opening of the new Yalu River Bridge to further boost trade and tourism.