Yalu River Broken Bridge
Liaoning Sheng
The Yalu River Broken Bridge, located in Dandong, Liaoning Province, China, is a historically significant railway bridge originally constructed in 1911 by the Empire of Japan. It was the first bridge to span the Yalu River, connecting the Chinese city of Dandong with Sinuiju in what is now North Korea. The bridge played a crucial role in linking Japanese-ruled Korea to the Eurasian rail network, facilitating transportation from Busan to Europe. The original structure consisted of twelve steel truss spans, including a swing span to allow tall ships to pass. During the Korean War, American bombing severely damaged the eight spans on the North Korean side, which were later dismantled, leaving only four spans on the Chinese side. These remaining spans have been preserved and converted into a historical site and viewing platform since 1993, allowing visitors to walk partway across the river and gaze into North Korea. The bridge is marked by visible war damage, serving as a poignant reminder of the conflict. It is designated as a Major National Historical and Cultural Site of China and attracts tourists interested in history and geopolitics.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Yalu River Broken Bridge is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons. The viewing platform offers unique perspectives of North Korea across the river, so bringing binoculars is recommended. Modest entrance fees apply with possible discounts for students and seniors. Guided tours are available to provide historical context and enhance the visitor experience.
Faits intéressants
- •The bridge was originally 944.2 meters long with 12 spans, including a swing span to allow ships to pass.
- •It was the first bridge to connect Korea with the Eurasian rail network, linking Busan to Calais by rail.
- •The bridge was heavily bombed by over 100 B-29 bombers during the Korean War in 1950.
- •The remaining four spans on the Chinese side bear visible shrapnel marks and war damage.
- •The bridge was converted into a tourist viewing platform in 1993, allowing visitors to see North Korea across the Yalu River.
Histoire
Built in 1911 by the Empire of Japan, the Yalu River Broken Bridge was the first bridge across the Yalu River, connecting Japanese-ruled Korea with China.
During the Korean War (1950-1953), the United States Air Force bombed the bridge multiple times to disrupt Chinese troop movements, severely damaging the spans on the Korean side.
After the war, North Korea dismantled its damaged portion, while China preserved the remaining four spans.
In 1988, the bridge was declared a municipal heritage site by Dandong, and in 1993, it was refurbished and opened as a tourist attraction with a walkway and viewing platform.
Guide du lieu
Remaining Bridge Spans and Walkway1911
The preserved four spans on the Chinese side of the Yalu River form a walkway and viewing platform where visitors can walk out over the river and observe the North Korean side.