The Yalu River Broken Bridge, known as the “断桥” in Chinese, is the remaining structure of the original Yalu River Bridge that was destroyed during the Korean War. This bridge holds historical significance as the first bridge built over the Yalu River, constructed by the Japanese colonial government in Korea. Construction began in May 1909 and was completed in October 1911.
The bridge was built under contentious circumstances. In 1905, Japanese officials determined the need for a bridge across the river. They began foundational work on the Korean side of the Yalu River in 1909, leveraging ongoing negotiations with the Qing Dynasty government in China to pressure them into compliance. By April 1910, the construction on the Korean side was already halfway done, and the corrupt Qing government, under duress, allowed Japanese builders to commence work on the Chinese side in Dandong (formerly known as Andong) in May 1910. The bridge opened to traffic in October 1911, marking a significant engineering achievement as the first bridge across the Yalu River.
In April 1937, the Japanese colonial authorities constructed a second railway bridge upstream, known today as the “Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge,” which became known as the “sister bridge” to the original Yalu River Bridge.
The bridge played a crucial role during the Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950. Following the outbreak of war and subsequent American intervention, the bridge became a vital transportation route for Chinese troops. On October 19, 1950, under the leadership of General Peng Dehuai, the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army crossed the Yalu River to aid North Korea.
Due to its strategic importance, the bridge became a target for American airstrikes. On November 8, 1950, U.S. Air Force bombers launched a devastating attack, severing the bridge in half and causing a portion of it to fall into the river. Subsequent bombings on November 14 resulted in the destruction of three of its piers, effectively rendering the bridge unusable. By February 1951, the bridge was entirely demolished, leaving behind only four remaining piers on the Chinese side.
Today, these remnants, known as the Yalu River Broken Bridge, stand as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous history of the Korean War, marked by bullet holes and scars from airstrikes. They serve as a silent witness to the struggles and sacrifices of that era, embodying the enduring legacy of the conflict.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 20.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0415-2122145 |
Location and Transportation
The Yalu River Broken Bridge is located in Dandong City, Liaoning Province, specifically at Jiang’an Road along the banks of the Yalu River in the Zhenxing District.
