Best One-Day Dandong Itinerary: Riverside Cruise & North Korea Border Tour Guide

I woke up at 10 a.m., refreshed and ready for adventure, and made my way to the stunning Yalu River. Colorful tour boats lined the riverbank, their crews enthusiastically inviting passengers aboard. Having done minimal research beforehand, I decided joining an affordable tour would be perfect (standard price 80 RMB per person, but don’t hesitate to negotiate—we slashed the price nearly in half!

). Below is my firsthand account of this fascinating boat tour and group experience—read on to see if it matches your travel style! P2 captures the picturesque riverside scenery that took my breath away.

The bus ride was surprisingly enjoyable thanks to our charismatic guide, who kept us entertained with captivating stories and intriguing facts about North Korea (perfect for travelers who love cultural insights!).

P3 and P4 showcase our first stop—a photo spot featuring unique sculptures. I couldn’t resist buying a fragrant bar of goat milk soap (only 6 RMB!) from a local vendor. Our guide shared that North Korean women swear by this soap for skincare—its delightful floral scent makes it perfect for both face and body.

P5 and P6 transport you to the enchanting Folk Village, where a North Korean guide in traditional dress led us through cultural demonstrations, offering rare glimpses into their way of life.

P7 reveals a special souvenir—authentic North Korean currency sold onboard (pro tip: it’s twice as expensive if purchased in the city!).

P8 to P14 capture the highlight—our spectacular boat journey. For just 10 RMB, I rented binoculars to observe daily life across the river. Watching North Koreans cycling along the shoreline felt like peering into another world.

After an unforgettable hour cruising the river, we returned to shore. This tour is ideal for time-conscious travelers seeking local expertise—the insightful commentary and unique perspectives alone made it worthwhile.

P15 and P16: By late afternoon, we explored the historic Broken Bridge (perfect for dramatic photos though light on activities). We then discovered Dandong’s famous strawberries—their juicy sweetness still haunts my taste buds!

P17 and P18: “Gao Shezheng Soup Rice”—while not extraordinary, it’s worth sampling if you’re feeling adventurous about local flavors.