Located at the eastern origin of the Great Wall, Dandong in northeast China's Liaoning Province proudly holds the title of China's largest border city. Gazing towards the Yalu River, it shares a border with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. As the Yalu River gracefully meanders downstream, it converges with the Yellow Sea, fostering unique local products and regional charm in Dandong.

Peach blossoms in Hekou Village of Kuandian County, Dandong City, northeast China's Liaoning Province. [Photo by Bi Yanwei]

Yanhong peach in Hekou

Yanhong peach blossoms every late spring, turning Dandong's Hekou Village into a vibrant destination during its peach blossom festival. With clear spring skies and the humming of wild bees, it becomes the ideal destination for spring outings. There's even a beautiful belief — standing under a blooming peach tree during this season ensures good luck in love, hastening the discovery of true love. If one marries in the autumn of that year, even the fruits for the wedding feast — "Yanhong peaches" — would be ready. After Hekou peach blossoms fall, they bear Yanhong peaches, a renowned local fruit.

The village of Hekou, along the Yalu River bank, stands as a testament to the region's historical connection with river navigation. Starting from 1677, the Yalu River basin, the birthplace of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), endured over two centuries of governmental restrictions. Only in modern times were the constraints lifted, allowing the Yalu River to resume its role as an important water transportation system.