China Hitchhiking Adventure: Dandong to Dalian

Don't Try to Hitchhike the NORTH KOREA Border 🇰🇵

Destination:ChinaProvince:LiaoningCity:Dandong
Don't Try to Hitchhike the NORTH KOREA Border 🇰🇵
Jack Aynsley Travel2024-12-2933 min

📍Dandong, China-North Korea Border

We decided to hitchhike from Dandong, China, on the border with North Korea, to Dalian—over 200 miles away, a journey that should take around 4 hours by car. It sounded like a solid plan, but things didn’t exactly go smoothly.

We managed to catch one ride early on, but then ended up completely stranded on a dusty path in the middle of nowhere. With the North Korean border just behind us and no traffic in sight, the journey quickly turned into something we didn’t quite expect.

Do we make it to Dalian, or are we left out in the sticks? Watch to find out how this wild adventure unfolds.

--- Jack Aynsley Travel
December 29, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00North Korea border intro
  2. 0:13Hitchhike attempt begins
  3. 2:09Hitchhiking difficulties
  4. 3:10Fruit merchant encounter
  5. 4:40Finding a main road
  6. 6:03Taxi driver interaction
  7. 8:10Perfect bananas
  8. 15:32Kind family helps
  9. 24:24Walking to train station
  10. 28:01Arrival in Dalian

Jack Aynsley Travel's China hitchhiking adventure near the North Korea border goes hilariously wrong! Unexpected challenges, kind strangers, and a stunning journey highlight this unforgettable experience.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1When hitchhiking in China, start at major roads or intersections for better visibility and easier pick-ups. Increase your chances of success by positioning yourselves strategically where drivers can safely pull over. (0:38)
  2. Tip 2Explore local bars and restaurants along your route. It's a great way to experience local culture and potentially meet people who might be able to help you on your journey. (1:35)
  3. Tip 3Budget-conscious travelers should consider affordable food options like chocolate croissants. They offer a good balance of taste and value, especially during long journeys. (2:28)
  4. Tip 4In China, road signs often use a combination of Chinese characters and pinyin (romanization). Learning some basic pinyin can help you understand directions and road names. (4:54)
  5. Tip 5Be mindful of the time and distance involved in your hitchhiking plans, especially if you have time-sensitive commitments like attending a sporting event. Have backup plans in place. (5:03)
  6. Tip 6Pay attention to the quality of local produce. You may find unexpectedly high-quality fruits and vegetables in unexpected places, offering a delicious and refreshing experience. (8:27)
  7. Tip 7Chinese petrol stations can be surprisingly well-equipped, sometimes offering more than just fuel. You might find snacks, drinks, and even instant noodle facilities. (18:08)
  8. Tip 8Always have a backup plan for transportation. High-speed rail in China is efficient and reliable, offering a viable alternative to hitchhiking. (24:24)

Jack Aynsley Travel's latest adventure takes an unexpected turn as he attempts a hitchhike along the China-North Korea border. What starts as a seemingly straightforward journey to Dalian quickly transforms into a test of endurance and resourcefulness. Facing unexpected challenges, Jack and his companion encounter the kindness of strangers and the unique beauty of the Chinese countryside, ultimately reaching their destination by train. This video is a captivating blend of travel mishaps and heartwarming moments, offering a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of adventure and the resilience of the human spirit.

More about the current video:( 30 / 33 )

Don't Try to Hitchhike the NORTH KOREA Border 🇰🇵

This video documents Jack Aynsley Travel's attempt to hitchhike from Dandong, China, along the North Korean border to Dalian. The journey, initially planned as a 3.5-hour car ride, turned into an unexpectedly challenging adventure. The initial leg of their journey was relatively smooth, but they soon found themselves stranded on a remote road with little to no traffic. Despite the initial setbacks, the spirit of adventure remained high. The pair's interactions with local people, while not resulting in a ride to Dalian, demonstrated the kindness and curiosity of the Chinese people. They encountered helpful locals offering assistance, even though none could take them all the way to Dalian. The video highlights the striking contrast between the initial plan and the reality of the situation, showcasing the unpredictable nature of travel. Their attempts at hitchhiking were hampered by the unusual route and the lack of traffic traveling in their direction. Their persistence, despite numerous failed attempts and the dwindling time before their intended football match in Dalian, is commendable. Eventually, they resort to taking a high-speed train, missing the football match but experiencing the efficiency of China's high-speed rail system. The video concludes with their arrival in Dalian and a tour of their surprisingly affordable hotel, providing a stark contrast to the earlier struggles of their journey. The unique details of the journey, from the perfect bananas to the roadside interactions, create a memorable and engaging narrative. Jack's personal insights and emotional moments throughout the adventure add depth and authenticity to the story. The unexpected discoveries, local interactions, and authentic experiences make this a truly unique travelogue.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How long did it take to get to Dalian?
A: It was supposed to be a 3.5 hour drive, but because we hitchhiked, it took way longer and we ended up taking a high-speed train.
Q: What was the most difficult part of the hitchhiking journey?
A: Definitely getting stranded on a dusty road with almost no traffic. It was frustrating, and we ended up walking for a long time.
Q: What was the best part of the trip?
A: Meeting all the kind people along the way who tried to help us, even if they couldn't take us all the way to Dalian. And those perfect bananas!
Q: What did you think of the hotel in Dalian?
A: It was amazing! A huge duplex apartment for only 30 quid a night. It was such a relief after the long journey.
Q: Would you recommend hitchhiking along the North Korea border?
A: Absolutely not! It's way too difficult and unpredictable. Just take the train!

China Hitchhiking Adventure: Dandong to Dalian

📍Dandong, China-North Korea Border We decided to hitchhike from Dandong, China, on the border with North Korea, to Dalian—over 200 miles away, a journey that should take around 4 hours by car. It sounded like a solid plan, but things didn’t exactly go smoothly. We managed to catch one ride early...

China Hitchhiking Adventure: Dandong to Dalian Border Trip

In this thrilling travelogue, Jack and Paige embark on an ambitious hitchhiking journey from Dandong, China, near the North Korean border, to Dalian. Their seemingly straightforward 200-mile trip takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves stranded on a remote road, with the North Korean border looming. This adventurous duo's struggle to find transportation and their ultimate success or failure makes for a captivating watch. Will they reach their destination, or will their daring plan leave them stranded?

Attractions in this video: Halong Bay