Young Pioneer Tours
North Korea Borderlands Tour
Our North Korea Borderlands tour takes you deep into China’s remote northeast, tracing the frontier where the two countries meet. This is your chance to explore border towns rarely visited by foreigners, soak up the unique cross-border culture, feast on regional cuisine, and enjoy surreal, up-close views of North Korea from across the Tumen and Yalu River.
The journey begins in Beijing with a fast train ride to Yanji, the capital of the Korean Autonomous Prefecture in far northeast China. Here you’ll explore a fascinating city where North Korean, South Korean, and Korean-Chinese communities intersect. From Yanji, we’ll visit Tumen, a border city overlooking North Korea’s Namyang across the Tumen River, and continue north to Hunchun, where you can witness the unique tri-border point of Russia, North Korea, and China.
The ultimate highlight? A trip to the summit of Mount Changbai (or Mount Paektu, as it’s known in the North), a volcanic peak shrouded in myth and significance to both sides of the border. On a clear day, the views into the DPRK from here are unforgettable.
We’ll then begin making our way to Dandong, China’s largest border city with the DPRK. Here, you’ll walk across the broken bridge left behind from the Korean War, visit the Museum of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, and explore the easternmost stretch of the Great Wall as it dips toward the river dividing two vastly different worlds.
This tour isn’t just about landscapes – it’s about contrasts, curiosities, and the layered complexity of a relationship most people only read about. From the eeriness of half-empty towns to unexpected encounters along the road, this is China with an edge and a front-row seat to one of the world’s most secretive nations. Backed by over a decade of on-the-ground experience, our North Korea Borderlands trip is one of the most unique and eye-opening adventures you can have in China.
Monday 11th May – Beijing (China) – Yanji, Korean Autonomous Prefecture
- Arrive at Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station at your own convenience and meet your YPT guide and fellow group members at 12:00pm.
- Board on the fast train which departs at 1:12pm to Yanji city, the Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin province close to the North Korean border.
- Arrive into Yanji at 8:39pm.
- Transfer to Yanji Ibis Hotel and check-in
- Dinner at a nearby restaurant
- Explore the border city’s nightlife and overnight in Yanji Ibis Hotel
Tuesday 12th May – Yanji
Morning
- After breakfast at the hotel, your first site to explore is the Korean Folk Park of Yanbian – here you’ll see traditional Chinese Korean architecture, sample traditional foods, watch Korean dances, and possibly spectate a Korean traditional wedding ceremony.
- Explore the Museum of Yanbian, where history comes to life. Discover the rich heritage and customs of the Korean ethnic group in China, unravel the mysterious and debated history of Balhae, and gain insight into their pivotal contributions to modern enlightenment education, World War II, the Chinese Revolution, and the formation of the PRC. This museum offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing the resilience and cultural impact of the region’s people.
Afternoon
- Explore Maoershan Forest Park – a stunning Chinese national scenic area known for its breathtaking landscapes. Wander through its lush forests, home to diverse and unique vegetation, and uncover traces of ancient civilisations in the historic stone towers. The park also offers a fascinating glimpse into the Balhae period, showcasing relics that highlight the intertwined histories of China and Korea.
- Visit the West Market, the biggest indoor traditional market in Yanji where you can find every traditional Korean thing.
- Take a walk at the People’s Park of Yanji – a beloved local spot with a strong cultural atmosphere. Here offers a glimpse into everyday life in the city, you can witness people singing and dancing. They will welcome you if you join them!
- Visit Wanghong Wall – Yanji’s most popular modern hotspot, where tradition meets modernity in a vibrant fusion of art and culture. This eye-catching landmark transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, making it a must-visit Instagram-worthy destination in the city.
- Korean BBQ dinner inside Wanghong Wall overlooking the view of Yanbian University
- Overnight in Yanji Ibis Hotel.
Wednesday 13th May – Yanji –Tumen – Hunchun – Yanji
Morning
- After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head towards the North Korean border to reach Tumen – the Chinese border town city to North Korea’s Namyang town. This is where YPT were the very first travel operator to take westerners across the cold war-esque bridge back in 2012.
- During your visit to Tumen River Park and Tumen River Square, we’ll make our way to the top for a great advantage point to see both border towns.
- Below the mountain is a shop where you can buy legit North Korean made items.
Afternoon
- Lunch in Tumen before heading further north to Hunchun – the border with North Korea’s Rason and Russia’s Hassan town. At the Fangchuan Scenic Spot, you can stand at the tri-meeting point of three countries – Russia, China and North Korea. Feel the historical entanglements between them, and learn about Jilin’s transformation from a coastal province to an inland province.
- Return back to Yanji city
- Dinner at a North Korean-owned and operated restaurant
- Overnight in Yanji Ibis Hotel.
Thursday 14th May – Yanji – Changbai Mountain (Mt. Paektu) – Yanji
Morning
- Breakfast at the hotel, early morning departure and drive to Mt. Paektu (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Paektu, an active stratovolcano straddling the border of North Korea and China, is the Korean Peninsula’s highest peak at 2,744 meters. Revered in Korean mythology as the sacred birthplace of the Korean people, it holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. The mountain is crowned by the stunning crater lake, Heaven Lake, where deep blue waters and dramatic cliffs make it one of the most breathtaking natural sights in the region.
- Stop for refreshments, snacks along and photos along the way.
Afternoon
- Upon arrival we’ll have lunch
- Begin our exploration of Mt. Paektu’s iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Lake Chon (Heaven Lake), cascading waterfalls, the rejuvenating Changbaishan Hot Springs, the underground forest, Little Lake Chon, and the picturesque Green Abyss Pool. As you traverse this legendary landscape, soak in its breathtaking scenery, uncover its rich mythology, and delve into its deep historical significance.
- Return drive back to Yanji stopping for dinner along the way.
- Overnight in Yanji Ibis Hotel.
Friday 15th May – Yanji – Dandong
Morning
- Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Yanji Railway Station to board our train departing at 8:01am and arriving in Dandong at 1:55pm
Afternoon
- Visit Jinjiang Mountain Park, a scenic hilltop retreat in Dandong offering panoramic views of the Yalu River and Sinuiju of North Korea. You can also learn more about the local culture and the revolutionary history of Dandong here.
- See the New Yalu River Bridge, a bridge built in 2014 but remains unused till now. It is a modern landmark symbolising the fragile connection between modern China and North Korea across the historic river.
- Head out to explore the Dandong nightlife
- Overnight in Dandong Dantie Hotel
Saturday 16th May – Dandong
Morning
- Visit the most eastern part of the Great Wall of China at Tiger Mountain – This is famous for the ‘one meter hop’ as it is the narrowest point between China and North Korea.
- Head back into Dandong city and visit the Memorial of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea – with over 150 military hardware displayed such as Soviet tanks, jets, bombers and a Chinese steam locomotive. The memorial hall holds over 20.000 relics left over from the Korean War and gives a comprehensive view of the events that unfolded during the Korean War.
Afternoon
- Visit the Yalu River Art Museum.
- Jump aboard a boat and travel down the Yalu River, the river that separates China and the DPRK. This will give you incredible photo opportunities to take of North Korea, Sinuiju Port, the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge and the Broken Bridge that was built by the Japanese and destroyed by the Americans during the Korean War.
- After disembarking the boat, now is your chance to walk along the destroyed Friendship Bridge and see Chinese propaganda lead towards North Korea. Tour concludes with a walking tour along the Yalu River
- Overnight in Dandong Dantie Hotel.
Sunday 17th May – Dandong – Beijing
Morning
- Board the train departing 7:00am from Dandong Railway Station to Beijing Chaoyang Station arriving at 12:34pm
- Arrive into Beijing and tour concludes.
- YPT can offer accommodation, or ongoing transportation to help you get to your final destination. Please get in touch for more details.
Tour Extensions
Want to extend your YPT adventure? Join one of our great tour extensions
