Stayed at a hot spring guesthouse in Dandong, don’t want to leave
🌿 Dandong in July,
besides the Yalu River and Broken Bridge,
there are many cool hidden spots tucked away in the mountains.
This time I specifically picked a few lesser-known places,
few people, beautiful scenery, and cool weather,
sharing them with friends who want to avoid the crowds.
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🌊 Anping River Rafting | Pristine Coolness
This rafting spot is truly a hidden gem!
Unlike those commercialized rafting places packed with people,
this is a natural river channel,
the water is especially clear,
both banks lined with trees,
and you won’t get sunburned the whole way.
The rafting lasts about 2 hours,
with calm and rapid sections,
you can drift slowly in the calm parts,
enjoy the scenery on both sides,
chat with friends;
the rapid parts are thrilling,
water splashes on you,
refreshingly cool,
instantly washing away the summer heat.
My favorite part is the shallow middle section,
where you can stop for a water fight,
or just step in the water,
it’s knee-deep,
super cool.
We played there for over half an hour,
· aughing until our stomachs hurt.
💡 Rafting Tips:
· Definitely bring a change of clothes, you’ll get soaked
· Put your phone in a waterproof bag, don’t take chances
· Wear sandals or water shoes, avoid flip-flops that can wash off
· Bring a water scoop, perfect for water fights
· Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Even with shade, you can still get sunburned
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💧 Pushihe Forest Park | Natural Air Conditioning
I have to rave about this place!
Visiting in July is just so comfortable,
the mountain temperature is 7-8 degrees cooler than the city,
once inside, it feels like entering another world.
There’s plenty of streams in the park,
walking along the trails,
you hear the sound of flowing water all the way.
The water is mountain spring water,
ice cold,
the moment you step in,
you feel the chill from your feet all the way to your head,
so refreshing!
We found a pool,
sat by it all afternoon,
soaking our feet, chatting,
snacking on some treats we brought,
not thinking about anything,
just listening to birds and water sounds,
feeling completely healed.
📸 Photo Recommendations:
· The big stone lake at the entrance, water is very clear
· The waterfall cluster, small but delicate
· The wooden boardwalk in the forest, very atmospheric
⚠️ Notes:
· The park is quite large, plan to spend at least half a day
· Wear non-slip shoes, some stones are slippery
· Bring some food and drinks, supplies inside are limited
· Mosquito repellent is a must, lots of mosquitoes in the mountains
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🕳️ Tiangou Ancient Cave | 14℃ Underground World
What’s the ultimate summer cooling secret?
Of course, going into a cave!
Tiangou Ancient Cave is a 400 million-year-old karst cave,
with a constant temperature of 14℃ inside,
while it’s over 30 degrees outside,
you get a chill as soon as you enter,
so cool!
The stalactites inside come in all shapes,
with lighting that makes it look magical.
The most unique feature is the "Tiangou,"
which are round pits on the cave ceiling,
· ike pots hanging upside down,
formed by millions of years of water erosion,
very fascinating.
There’s also an underground river,
you can take a boat ride inside for a bit,
sitting in the pitch-dark cave feels like an adventure,
quite fun.
💡 Visiting Tips:
· It’s cold inside, bring a light jacket
· The ground is a bit slippery, watch your step
· The tour takes about 1.5 hours, take your time
· Hiring a guide makes it more interesting with explanations
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🏝️ Dalu Island | China’s Northernmost Island
Dandong even has an island!
I only found out this time,
Dalu Island is the northernmost island on China’s coastline,
not crowded, very quiet,
and the sea water is quite clean.
It takes about 40 minutes by boat from the pier,
the island has beaches,
where you can swim, collect shells, and watch the sunrise.
The sea temperature in July is just right,
neither cold nor hot,
stepping in the water feels very comfortable.
The seafood on the island is very fresh,
and reasonably priced,
find a fisherman's inn,
order some seafood,
sit in the courtyard,
enjoy the sea breeze,
so relaxing.
🌅 Don’t miss the sunrise!
The island’s sunrise is stunning,
the sun rises from the horizon,
turning the whole sky golden,
the sea sparkles,
the breathtaking view is worth waking up early for.
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♨️ Dongtang Hot Springs | Feel Refreshed After Soaking
Dandong’s hot springs are truly famous,
and Dongtang Hot Springs is one of the best.
The springs here are natural high-temperature springs,
with water at 78℃,
rich in various minerals,
your skin feels silky smooth after soaking.
I stayed at a guesthouse with a private hot spring,
a small courtyard with an independent soaking pool,
after dinner at night,
soaking in the warm hot spring,
watching the stars,
· istening to the insects,
all the day’s fatigue melts away.
After soaking, you sleep well,
and wake up feeling relaxed all over,
· ike you’ve been rebooted.
💡 Hot Spring Tips:
· Don’t soak too long, 15-20 minutes then rest
· Drink plenty of water while soaking to stay hydrated
· Don’t soak on an empty stomach or right after eating
· People with high blood pressure or heart conditions should be cautious
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🍲 What to Eat | Lesser-Known Local Delicacies
Besides the famous Antong Old Street,
here are some local favorites:
Yellow Clams
Dandong’s yellow clams are very famous,
tender and fresh,
delicious whether stir-fried or grilled.
A must-try, you won’t find this flavor elsewhere.
Seafood BBQ
Dandong is by the sea, seafood BBQ is a must.
Grilled squid, scallops, oysters...
fresh and cheap,
perfect for a night out with friends,
skewers and beer,
so enjoyable.
Northeast Iron Pot Stew
You can’t visit Northeast China without trying iron pot stew!
Stewed goose, ribs, fish...
cornbread around the pot,
soaked with broth,
fragrant to the core.
Korean Cold Noodles
Cold noodles are perfect for summer,
with a sweet and sour broth,
chewy noodles,
served with kimchi and beef,
one bowl cools you down completely.
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🗺️ My Three-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Itinerary
Day 1: Mountain Cool Line
Morning: Step into water at Pushihe Forest Park
Afternoon: Explore Tiangou Ancient Cave
Evening: Soak at Dongtang Hot Springs
Day 2: Rafting and Water Fun Line
Morning: Anping River rafting and water fight
Afternoon: Rest in the city
Evening: Stroll and eat at Antong Old Street
Day 3: Island Leisure Line
Morning: Boat to Dalu Island
Afternoon: Beach and seafood
Evening: Watch the sunset → Return
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💡 A Few Final Words
Dandong is truly underrated.
It’s not like those crowded popular tourist cities,
but it has mountains, sea, river, hot springs,
and unique border culture.
The best part is July is so comfortable,
cool and pleasant,
and costs are not high.
If you want a summer getaway,
but don’t want to go somewhere too crowded,
Dandong is definitely worth considering.
Spend a few days here,
hike, play in the water, soak in hot springs,
eat seafood,
and completely relax.
Life is already tiring enough,
sometimes you need to give yourself a break,
go somewhere no one knows you,
quietly stay a few days,
think about nothing,
just enjoy the moment.
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Accommodation
🏨 Dandong Huayi Hot Spring Resort Hotel
Spacious and comfortable rooms with natural hot spring pools, surrounded by green mountains and clear water, a perfect place to relax
🏨 Beihuanghai Hot Spring Resort
The only seawater hot spring in northern China, over 100 indoor and outdoor pools, karst cave + tropical rainforest style, great for kids to play all day
🏨 Dandong Jihu Hot Spring Resort Hotel
Riverside apartment-style hotel, each room has a private soaking pool, tatami rooms are very unique
🏨 Fengcheng No.12 Courtyard
A hidden gem hotel under Phoenix Mountain in Dongtang Town, private natural hot springs, tatami rooms with great ambiance