Dandong, the Chinese border city that faces North Korea across the Yalu River, is a barometer of ties between Beijing and Pyongyang.
While lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic led North Korea to sink into even greater isolation than usual, the resumption of cross-border rail links in recent months has triggered a pickup in activity, with freight volumes rising and local travel agencies reporting a steady stream of inquiries.
In March, the first passenger trains crossed the border since North Korea sealed its frontiers in early 2020, with four trains from Beijing to Pyongyang running each week and a daily service from Dandong.
Following the rail resumption, Air China briefly restored direct flights to Pyongyang, though the route was suspended again in April, with no official reason given.
Air China resumes direct passenger flights to North Korea after 6-year pause
