Taipingwan Border Port in Dandong, Liaoning

Taipingwan Border Port (太平湾口岸) is located in the southeastern part of Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County (宽甸满族自治县), Liaoning Province (辽宁省), China. It sits across the Yalu River from Fangshanli, Sinuiju (新义州) in the North Pyongan Province (平安北道), North Korea. This port allows both Chinese and North Korean citizens, along with goods and transport vehicles, to cross the border with valid documents. The geographical coordinates of the port are 124°43′E, 40°24′N.

Taipingwan is one of the four Class II ports in Kuandian County and plays a significant role in the region’s trade and cross-border exchanges. Its proximity to both Dandong and the North Korean border makes it an important gateway for regional commerce.

Port Features and Development Plans

Port Classification:

  • Current Classification: Class II Port (国家二类口岸)

  • Upgrade Plans: In March 2009, the Dandong Port Authority proposed upgrading Taipingwan to a Class I port in response to the national policy of expanding opening-up. The port is now included in the “14th Five-Year Plan” for national port development, with an expected upgrade by 2025.

Key Functions:

  • Border Trade: Cross-border trade primarily involves the exchange of goods between Chinese and North Korean citizens, including daily necessities and agricultural products.

  • Tourism: The port area offers opportunities for cross-border tourism, including temporary visits to North Korea via the Taipingwan Power Plant Dam (太平湾电厂大坝).

Infrastructure and Facilities

Port Development:

  • Port Functions: The port currently facilitates border trade and cross-border tourism. Construction projects are underway to improve logistics and enhance the region’s outward-oriented economy. This includes developing a logistics park and upgrading facilities for passenger and cargo transport.

  • Completed Projects: In 2023, emergency water drills were conducted to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo transport across the port.

Major Infrastructure:

  • Taipingwan Scenic Area: This 4A-level tourist attraction is known for its scenic views of the Yalu River and features the water reservoir and power plant dam, with views stretching into North Korea.

  • Historical Sites: The area also includes remnants from the Korean War, such as the Broken Bridge (断桥) and the Mao Anying School (毛岸英学校), offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s history during the Korean War.

Tourism and Border Trade

Cross-Border Tourism:

  • Starting in July 2025, group tours to North Korea will be restarted. Travelers must go through designated travel agencies to obtain visas, and the Dandong–Pyongyang K27 International Train will be the primary mode of transport.

Border Trade:

  • Guomenwan Trade Zone (国门湾贸易区): The trade zone acts as a key marketplace for goods from five Northeast Asian countries, with an annual trade volume exceeding 400 million RMB, benefiting approximately 60,000 border residents.

Recent Developments

Infrastructure Progress:

  • The New Yalu River Bridge (新鸭绿江大桥) remains a key project, with China continuing efforts to push for its completion. However, delays due to international sanctions and other factors have pushed back the expected opening date.

Regional Planning:

  • The local government in Dandong aims to transform the city into an essential hub for the Northeast Asia land and sea transportation network, connecting China, North Korea, and Russia for trade.

For more details, you can visit the Dandong City Government website or contact the border inspection station for updates.

Port Overview

Location:

Taipingwan Port is located in Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County (宽甸满族自治县), in the southeastern part of Liaoning Province, near the Yalu River. It serves as a critical link for both domestic and international trade, especially between China and North Korea.

Key Infrastructure:

  • The port has been undergoing infrastructure development to expand its cargo and passenger handling capabilities. It serves as an important gateway for goods trade, including agricultural products, daily necessities, and more.

Port Management and Expansion

The Dandong Port Office (丹东市口岸办公室) oversees the operations of the Taipingwan Border Port, with various border inspection and customs agencies, including the Dandong Customs (丹东海关), Dandong Border Inspection Station (丹东边防检查站), and Dandong Maritime Bureau (丹东海事局), responsible for handling the entry and exit formalities for passengers, goods, and vehicles.

Future Developments:

  • With the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects, Taipingwan Port is set to expand its capacity and efficiency, ensuring smoother cross-border trade and passenger services.