Starting from Beijing: route 1

Back on the road, the next stop is Liaoning's provincial capital Shenyang, where you can stay for a night to replenish your food and drink supplies. Before approaching Dandong, pass by a city called Fengcheng, named after the picturesque Fenghuang (meaning phoenix in Chinese) Mountain. The mountain's steep cliffs attract many hikers who love challenges. Visiting in the autumn may reward you with the extra bonus of scenes of mountains covered with red and yellow leaves.

Dandong in Liaoning province is a city along the Yalu River bordering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Its scenic views, mild weather and mixed culture make it a popular driving destination for the week-long holiday. And because of the unpolluted water resources, Dandong is rich with tasty and fresh seafood. Along the route to Dandong, you will get to enjoy scenic and cultural spots in the country's northeast part.

The Yalu River Costal Wetland National Reserve in Dandong is a heaven for migrant birds. Chen Hao/For China Daily

Night scene of Dandong. Photos Provided to China Daily

The Yalu River bank in Dandong is also decorated with colorful lights at night. Along the bank, you can get to the broken bridge that used to connect China and DPRK, or you can peep at the sights on the other side of the river. Or take a river cruise for a relaxing tour of the city.

If time permits, Tianhua Mountain is another good choice. The mountain offers nice views, with clear and clean water running in between the valleys.

If you go: Take Beijing-Harbin (G1) highway to Shenyang. Tangshan, Qinhuangdao and Panjin are on route. Then from Shenyang, take Dandong-Fuxin (G1113) highway to Dandong.