G331 Border Highway
A national highway along the border rivers with North Korea and Russia in Northeast China, running from the mouth of the Yalu River in Dandong to the Arctic Village of Mohe, known as “the most beautiful border road in Northeast China.”
National Highway 331 begins in Dandong, Liaoning, and runs along China's northern border to Altay in Xinjiang. It covers more than 9,000 kilometers. The northeastern section, from Dandong to Mohe (about 3,700 kilometers), is the most popular with self-drive travellers and is the main focus of this entry.
The route starts in Dandong at the mouth of the Yalu River, then follows the river upstream through Kuandian, Ji'an (site of Goguryeo remains) and Linjiang to Changbai County and the southern foot of Changbai Mountain. From there it follows the Tumen River through Tumen and Hunchun, where Fangchuan offers the famous view of three countries at once, then heads north through Dongning and Suifenhe to Khanka Lake. Along the Ussuri River it passes Hulin and Raohe to Fuyuan on Heixiazi Island, the first place in China to see the sunrise. Then it follows the Heilong River through Tongjiang, Luobei, Jiayin, Heihe and Huma, and reaches the Arctic Village of Mohe.
The highlights are the river scenery and the border communities: Korean villages, Hezhe fishing villages, and border cities at official crossings, along with the primeval forests of Changbai Mountain and the forest seas of the Greater Khingan. In recent years, sections have been upgraded to second-class roads with lookout points, but some stretches are still narrow and winding. Travel in sections, and allow 12–20 days for the full route. Some border areas have border checks, so carry your ID and do not photograph military facilities. Winter brings ice and snow to the north, where temperatures can fall below −30°C.