Let’s take a trip to Moon Island, a spot that might not pop up on your standard travel itineraries but is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Dandong, China.
It’s one of those places that, while not on the tourist radar, has a quirky charm and some fantastic views that are just too good to pass up. So, buckle up as we delve into the gem in the rough.
What’s the Deal with Moon Island?
First off, let’s not be coy: Moon Island is right on the doorstep of North Korea, just a stone’s throw away across the Yalu River. This river isn’t just any stream; it’s the line that separates these two countries and has a rich, complicated history. Moon Island, like many other islands in this area, had a bit of a wrestling match for ownership.
The diplomats decided that whoever had more people on the island when negotiations were done would claim it. As a result, we have Moon Island under Chinese sovereignty, while Hwanggumpyong, a nearby island, belongs to North Korea despite it being right next to China.
The island has transitioned from its somewhat ambiguous past into a fully fledged residential and tourist area. It’s now a blend of modern apartment buildings and some nicely styled European houses, creating an interesting contrast that makes for a colorful backdrop as you explore.
Housing: What’s Here?
So what can you expect when you poke around Moon Island? Well, the housing situation is a mixed bag. You’ll see shiny new apartment blocks that have popped up all around, giving a modern feel to the place. Some of these are quite impressive if you’re on the right side, offering a view over to the industrial part of Sinuiju, North Korea.
Now, you might be thinking, “Great! Let’s sign me up for a flat!” But hold your horses! Information about leasing or buying here is scarce—you won’t find much online in English. And while the locals might be friendly, the island has a few quirks: parking is limited and, bizarrely, the underground car parks are closed. A bit of a conundrum, right?
Plus, the lighting can be a bit dim in some of the apartments and houses. So if you’re looking for a vibrant, bustling neighborhood, you might be ever so slightly jumping the gun with Moon Island.
What Can You Do? Facilities on Moon Island
On the practical side of things, Moon Island does offer some facilities that cater to daily life. You’ll notice school buses crisscrossing the neighborhood—although they don’t seem to be in particularly high demand at the moment. There are also regular buses, but word on the street is they don’t seem to be making many rounds.
If you’re feeling peckish, there are various Chinese-style shops to browse and some eateries, though their busyness can vary. The famous Vienna Hotel might catch your eye when you stroll through—fun fact: during my visit, it looked more like a ghost town than a bustling getaway. You’ll also stumble upon some dance schools and an art museum thrown into the mix, although the foot traffic didn’t indicate it was a cultural hub just yet.
We’re talking about a small town atmosphere here, with wide-open spaces ripe for potential growth and redevelopment. You can practically hear the gears turning as commercial spaces await their first tenants. If the local economy picks up, you can bet there’ll be even more to enjoy in the future.
The Views of Moon Island: A A DPR Korea Watchers Paradise
One of the highlights of Moon Island is undeniably the views. If you stroll across the bridge leading to the island, you’ll find several spots that give you a front-row seat to the North Korean border. Grab hold of those binoculars provided and immerse yourself in the unique opportunity to gaze into North Korea—snap photos and savor this rare experience.
The sight of Sinuiju’s industrial landscape is fascinating, to say the least, and the perspective is certainly one for the books.
Nightlife: Time to Get Social
When the sun dips below the horizon, Moon Island transitions into a lively hotspot for nightlife. You’ve got a range of cozy cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating that overlooks the Yalu River and, you guessed it, North Korea! The scene is buzzing with locals and visitors alike, especially as the street food vendors come out to play, firing up BBQs and serving up delicious bites.
If you’re in the mood for a drink, don’t miss the Live House! Imagine a sprawling German-style beer house where the beer flows freely, and live music fills the air. It’s particularly lively during the summer months, but hey, music knows no season. Picture yourself with a cold one in hand, enjoying some tunes while gaze dreaming about what lies on the other side—and let me tell you, it’s a surreal experience that I have now seen and coveted for over 15 years of coming to Dandong.
Overall I feel that this island offers, much like the New Yalu River Bridge and New Town huge potential, particularly when we are pumping our North Korea Tours.
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