Major Events & Festivals in Dandong, Liaoning, China

1. Dandong International Marathon

Annual event in May attracting runners from around the world. Crosses the Friendship Bridge into North Korea.

Cross-border Experience: Unique opportunity to run across international borders.
Scenic Route: Beautiful course along the Yalu River and Friendship Bridge.
Cultural Exchange: Encounter locals from China and North Korea during the race.

Winter festival showcasing stunning ice sculptures made by local artists.

Ice Art Masterpieces: Impressive and creative ice artworks that change each year.
Cultural Performances: Traditional music, dance, and other performances during the festival.
Ice Lantern Market: Vendors selling ice lanterns, hot drinks, and souvenirs.

Celebration of the ancient Chinese tradition honoring the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.

Dragon Boat Races: Competitive races featuring dragon boats paddled by teams.
Traditional Performances: Music, dance, and other performances showcasing Chinese culture.
Tasty Delicacies: Food stalls offering traditional dragon boat festival dishes.

Annual event in February featuring swans and ice sculptures on the frozen lake.

Natural Beauty: Stunning scenery of swans amidst ice sculptures.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal location for capturing breathtaking winter landscapes.
Cultural Activities: Chinese folk art performances and traditional music.

Extravagant fireworks display over the Friendship Bridge during National Day.

Magnificent Show: Beautiful and colorful fireworks illuminating the night sky.
Cross-border Display: Coordinated firework displays on both Chinese and North Korean sides.
Cultural Performances: Chinese and Korean music, dance, and other performances during the event.

Celebration of the natural wonder known as the Tiger Leaping Gorge in autumn.

Natural Beauty: Stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in the gorge.
Cultural Performances: Traditional music, dance, and other performances from local ethnic groups.
Hiking Opportunities: Guided hikes along the gorge for spectacular views.

Festival held during Chinese New Year featuring hundreds of illuminated lanterns.

Lantern Light Display: Beautiful and intricately designed lanterns along the river.
Cultural Performances: Chinese folk art performances, music, and dance.
Food Market: Traditional dishes and snacks offered during the festival.

Summer event showcasing beautiful lotus blooms at Binshui Mountain.

Natural Beauty: Stunning lotus flowers in various colors.
Cultural Performances: Chinese folk art, music, and dance during the festival.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal location for capturing stunning lotus flower photographs.

Annual event featuring talented jade carvers from around the world.

Jade Art Masterpieces: Incredible and creative jade artworks showcased.
Carving Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of jade carving techniques.
Jade Market: Vendors selling jade carvings, tools, and other related products.

Winter event where brave participants swim in the frozen Yalu River.

Adventure and Bravado: Test your courage by swimming in freezing temperatures.
Cultural Performances: Chinese folk art, music, and dance during the festival.
Photography Opportunities: Unique chance to capture winter swimming action photographs.

Annual event featuring musicians from various countries performing along the Yalu River.

Musical Variety: Wide range of music genres and styles showcased.
Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to learn about different cultures through music.
Scenic Location: Beautiful performances along the Yalu River and bridges.

Annual event showcasing artworks from around the world.

Artistic Diversity: Wide range of art genres and styles represented.
Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to learn about different cultures through art.
Art Market: Vendors selling original artwork and related products.

Annual event featuring dragon dances by different teams from China and other countries.

Cultural Exchange: Opportunity to learn about different Chinese ethnic groups through dance.
Magnificent Performances: Grand and colorful dragon dances showcased during the festival.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal location for capturing stunning dragon dance photographs.

Annual event featuring Peking Opera performances by various troupes.

Artistic Mastery: Awe-inspiring performances by skilled actors and musicians.
Cultural Insight: Gain insight into Chinese history, culture, and traditions through Peking Opera.
Photography Opportunities: Unique chance to capture traditional Peking Opera performances.

Annual event for photographers to capture stunning images of the Yalu River and bridges.

Scenic Beauty: Beautiful landscapes and architecture for photography.
Photography Workshops: Workshops with professional photographers to improve skills.
Cultural Exchange: Meet and interact with other photographers from around the world.