Enjoyable trip to Dandong

[Tom Riggle]

The trip itself was not without its irritations, but that would be a different story.

But we really liked Dandong. For me, at least, the highlight was waking up that hill to the pagoda on the summit. It was a little over a km. There was plenty of good nature, larches, aspens, interspersed with the occasional park feature like bump car rides and kiosks. Also a moderate amount of people, so you never are alone - at least on the main paved wide path that circles up to the top. These Chinese parks remind me of Germany, the nature is somewhat tamed, lots of people walking leisurely. What is different is the way the people here act. Aside from the loud spitting, there are also those who make these loud yells (for some religious/psychological reason), those who make the taichi motions - and also knots of people playing hacky sack with a badminton birdie.

Aside from our enjoyable Spaziergang ("stroll") up the wooded hill we also ventured down to the riverfront district, all within walking distance. The riverside promenade was well paved and appointed with statues - some of them a bit whimsical - and other ornaments, edifying edifices, and civic geegaws. Also, the closer our approach to the historic bridge, plenty of frozen but energetic vendors, trying to sell us (likewise) frozen fruits (assumedly valid) North Korean currency, racy and/or historical pictures, and other items.

Pictures of Dandong - and a few obligatory nods to North Korea - are here. (This is my ongoing Flickr stream, so the top page will no longer be of Dandong but of more recent images.)

Tags: Dandong 丹东 China 2012 February Liaoning Province border 辽宁 辽