Yalu River
The meander Yalu River is shared by two nations, China and North Korea. The landmark on the river is the destroyed Old Yalu Bridge (the Chinese called it Yalu End Bridge), paralleled by the new Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge. The steel bridge was bombed and strafed by American military forces during November 1950 to February 1951 of the Korean War (the Americans call it "an accident"). There are still shrapnel pockmarks densely covering the bridge. The North Koreans have dismantled their half of the bridge, but the Chinese leave theirs untouched as a memorial of the "Anti-America, aid-Korea" history.

The best method for you to get close to North Korea without a visa is to take a speed boat, or a slow boat trip (RMB20 per person for both), halfway across the Yalu River. Though taking photographs is not allowed, many passengers still do. The more you pay to the captain, the further he'll take you out to the river estuary.

You can not miss the Yalu River Park as a popular spot for taking photographs: There is an old MiG fighter in the park, you can sit in the cockpit and wave proudly at the lens - with the backdrop of the Sino-Korean border.

The nearby Culture Square at the western end of the riverside is a favorite hangout for local people, with children playing sports and old people sitting and chatting. The square is also the place for big fairs and ceremonies.

How to get there: A ten minute walk southeast of the railway station along the main street takes you to the riverside.

Cost: RMB15 for the entrance of the Yalu End Bridge. RMB2 for the Yalu River Park.

Open hours: 08:00-17:00.