On October 15, the New Yalu River Bridge connecting Dandong, Liaoning Province, and Sinuiju in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) officially opened. The 3,026-meter bridge has four lanes for two-way traffic. Fully funded by China, the main structure was completed in 2014 but sat idle for 12 years because the DPRK side lacked supporting border facilities. In 2026, the supporting facilities were completed, and traffic tests were successfully conducted.

The new bridge is designed to handle 20,000 vehicles and 50,000 passengers per day, alleviating freight pressure on the old bridge, reducing logistics costs, and boosting border trade development in Dandong. At this stage, the bridge is primarily used for freight transport; rail traffic continues to use the old bridge, and self-drive tourism to the DPRK is not yet permitted.