The Yalu River used to be called Ba Water, and was given the present name in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) for its crystal-clear water and winding its way in the shape of a duck head. It lies between China and North Korea as a boundary river, starting from Baitou Mountain, the highest peak of Changbai Mountains on the border of the two countries in the southeast of Jilin Province in China and running southwestward into the sea at Donggou County in Dandong City of Liaoning Province. It runs for 795 kilometers, and covers an area of about 400 square kilometers. Along its banks, there are five famous resorts, namely the Shuifeng Lake, the Taiping Bay, the Tiger Mountain, the Grand Bridge and the East Port. The Yalu River was selected to be a key national resort in 1988.    

The Yalu River runs through the wet region of temperate zone. It receives precipitation of 870 mm annually, and the distribution increases as it flows downstream. Every year when ice starts thawing, there will be spring flood. It is cool and humid across the whole region. Major plants are maples, Korean pines, birches, and oaks especially in downstream. There are also many wild animals. The river does not have much sand so the water is very clear. The Yalu River freezes in the winter and there are many beaches and rapid waters in the upper and middle reaches so transportation is frustrated. However, below the Shuifeng Reservoir, transportation is available and the largest port is Dandong City.

The Yalu River features beautiful scenery. Green water winds through many islands and forest-covered mountains. Birds can be seen everywhere and historical relics can be found along both banks. The 940-meter iron bridge across the Yalu River linking Dandong City and Sinuiju in North Korea was built in 1937 and was renamed the Friendship Bridge of China and North Korea in October 1990 under an agreement of two countries. On the bridge, people can enjoy many famous scenes, including the two cities on both ends. The Yalu Bridge is an important pass between China and North Korea, and also a major scenic spot.