Dandong history

The history of the city of Dandong is closely interwoven with its strategic location on the Yalu River, which serves as a natural border with the Korean Peninsula. For centuries, this territory has been an important outpost and trading hub in Northeast China.

Although the name "Andong" ("Pacified East") was used for this area as early as the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century, the modern city received its formal status much later. In 1876, during the Qing Dynasty, Andong County (安东县) was officially established to strengthen control over border territories and manage growing trade. In 1937, the urbanised part of the county was separated into the distinct city of Andong. The city received its current name, Dandong ("Red East"), in 1965.

The city's development was defined by several key factors. Its geographical location on the banks of the border river, the Yalu, transformed Dandong into a key transport and trade hub connecting China and Korea. From the late 19th century, the city became an important centre for border trade, particularly in timber floated down the river. Its status as a port city contributed to rapid economic growth. Furthermore, as a border city, Andong (now Dandong) played a significant military and political role, especially in the first half of the 20th century. The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge stands as a symbol of its strategic importance.

Initially, Dandong's economy was built on logging and river trade. Over time, it evolved into a diversified industrial centre with developed textile (including silk production), paper, and food industries. Culturally, the city has always been a place where Chinese and Korean traditions blend, which is reflected today in its architecture, cuisine, and population demographics, featuring a significant Korean community.

Key Milestones in the History of Dandong

The history of Dandong, formerly known as Andong, is rich in events linked to its strategic position on the border. The city has repeatedly been the centre of important political and military events, which is reflected in its chronology.

• 668 AD — During the Tang Dynasty, the Andong Protectorate ("Pacified East") was established in this region, marking the first historical mention of this name.
• 1876 — During the Qing Dynasty reign, Andong County was officially founded to strengthen border control and trade management.
• 1909 — Construction was completed on the first railway bridge across the Yalu River, which later became known as the "Broken Bridge".
• 1934 — The authorities of Manchukuo created the Andong Province, with Andong County serving as its administrative centre.
• 1937 — The urbanised part of the county was separated into the independent city of Andong, marking a significant step in its administrative development.
• 1943 — Construction was completed on a new, more modern bridge across the Yalu River, known today as the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge.
• 1949 — Following the establishment of the PRC, the city of Andong became the administrative centre of the newly created Liaodong Province.
• 1950 — With the outbreak of the Korean War, the city became a key strategic point and rear base for the Chinese People's Volunteers.
• November 1950 — During air raids by the US Air Force, the old 1909 bridge was partially destroyed; it has been known as the "Broken Bridge" ever since.
• 1954 — Liaodong Province was merged with Liaoxi Province to form the unified Liaoning Province, and Andong received the status of a prefecture-level city.
• 1965 — The city of Andong was officially renamed Dandong, which translates to "Red East".
• 1993 — The "Broken Bridge" was restored and opened to tourists as a historical monument symbolising the events of the Korean War.
• 2010 — Construction began on the New Yalu River Bridge, intended to expand transport links between China and the DPRK.

Key Stages in Dandong's History

The history of Dandong, located on the border of China and the Korean Peninsula, is filled with events that defined its strategic and economic significance. The city, known in the past as Andong, has journeyed from a military outpost to a major trade and industrial centre.

• Establishment of Andong County (1876). During the Qing Dynasty, a county was officially established to strengthen border control and regulate growing trade, laying the administrative foundation for the future city. Although the name "Andong" ("Pacified East") had been mentioned in the region as early as the 7th century, this event was the starting point for urban development.

• Construction of the First Bridge (1909–1911). The erection of the railway bridge across the Yalu River transformed Andong into a key transport hub in Northeast China. This event gave a powerful impetus to the development of logistics and industry in the region.

• Period of Industrialisation (1930s). In 1937, the urbanised part of the county was designated as the separate city of Andong. During the Manchukuo period, the foundations of the modern street network were laid, and many administrative buildings were constructed, defining the architectural appearance of the old districts.

• Role in the Korean War (1950–1953). The city became a crucial rear base for the Chinese People's Volunteers. In November 1950, as a result of American bombing, the old railway bridge was partially destroyed; known since then as the "Broken Bridge", it is one of the city's main symbols.

• Renaming of the City (1965). The city of Andong was officially renamed Dandong, which translates to "Red East". It bears this name to this day.

• Transformation into a Tourist Centre (1990s). In 1993, the "Broken Bridge" was restored and opened to tourists as a historical memorial, marking the beginning of the development of tourism infrastructure. The city began to attract travellers with its unique border atmosphere.

• Modern Economic Development. Today, Dandong is an important centre for international trade, handling a significant portion of the trade turnover between China and the DPRK. The construction of new transport arteries, such as the New Yalu River Bridge, underscores its growing role in the economy of Northeast Asia.

The architectural landscape of Dandong represents a multi-layered canvas bearing the marks of various historical eras. Since the active development of the city began only in the late 19th century, its built environment lacks ancient Chinese ensembles, but clearly demonstrates the shifting political and economic vectors of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Development of the Late 19th – Early 20th Century: Japanese Influence

The foundation for the urban plan of modern Dandong was laid during the period of Japanese control, when the city, then named Andong, became an important administrative and logistical centre of Manchukuo. During this time, the street grid was established, and numerous buildings were constructed in a style combining elements of Western Neoclassicism, Art Deco, and Japanese Constructivism. These structures—primarily administrative buildings, residences for officials, and public institutions—can still be found in the old districts of the city. They are characterised by strict lines, massive forms, and functionality.

The Soviet Period and Socialist Urban Planning (1950s–1980s)

After the establishment of the PRC, and especially during the years of close cooperation with the USSR, the architecture of Dandong, like many cities in the country's northeast, experienced strong Soviet influence. This period was marked by the appearance of standardised residential blocks and monumental public buildings in the spirit of Socialist Realism. The main principles were simplicity, functionality, and standardisation. The primary focus was on rapidly providing housing for the population and creating industrial zones, which formed many of the city's modern districts.

Modern Architecture (From the 1990s to Present)

With the onset of the Reform and Opening-up policy, Dandong entered an era of rapid construction growth. The cityscape began to change swiftly with the appearance of high-rise residential complexes, modern glass-and-concrete shopping and entertainment centres, and office buildings. The new developments contrast with historical quarters, creating an eclectic yet dynamic city image. A striking example of modern engineering thought is the New Yalu River Bridge, symbolising Dandong's economic ambitions in the 21st century.

Engineering Structures as Symbols of Eras

A special role in Dandong's architectural landscape is played by its famous bridges across the Yalu River. Each of them is not merely a transport object but a significant monument of its time:

• The "Broken Bridge" (built in 1911) — The surviving part of the first railway bridge, an example of early 20th-century industrial architecture. Today, it stands as a historical memorial.
• The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge (1943) — An operational road and rail bridge, designed in the utilitarian style of the mid-20th century, which has become the main symbol of cross-border ties.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Dandong

The city of Dandong, with its rich and strategically important history, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many famous individuals across various fields—from military affairs and politics to arts and sports. Here are some of them:

• Fan Changlong — A high-ranking military and political figure. He served as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the PRC, making him one of the most influential figures from Dandong in modern Chinese military history.
• George Wang (1918–2015) — Actor and producer. A native of Dandong, he built a unique international career, starring in dozens of Italian films, primarily in the Spaghetti Western and adventure genres.
• Liu Yuning — Popular singer, actor, and frontman of the group Modern Brothers. He began his career with street performances in Dandong that were broadcast online, achieving nationwide fame and becoming one of the bright stars of the modern Chinese pop scene.
• Huang Jingyu — Renowned actor and model. Born in Dandong, he gained wide recognition for his roles in popular TV series and box-office hits such as "Operation Red Sea".
• Li Na (Fencer) — An athlete specialising in épée fencing. She represented China in international competitions, including the Olympic Games, and stands as a shining example of the sporting talent nurtured in Dandong.
• Wang Shipeng — Former professional basketball player. He was a key player for the Guangdong Southern Tigers and the Chinese national team, with whom he participated in the Olympic Games and World Championships.
• Yu Zhenwu (1931–2023) — General of the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army of China. His military career, which began during the Korean War era, is closely tied to the history of Dandong as a border and strategically vital city.