Transportation

Closer Connections: Passenger Trains Resume Between Beijing and Pyongyang

CGTN (Global Business)
CGTN (Global Business)•Mar 12, 2026

Why It Matters

Restored rail links could boost bilateral trade, tourism and regional economic activity while signaling a cautious thaw in cross-border engagement that carries diplomatic and supply-chain implications. Increased connectivity may accelerate commercial and cultural exchanges that benefit border cities like Dandong.

Summary

China and North Korea have resumed international passenger train services, reinstating routes between Beijing and Pyongyang and daily runs between the border city of Dandong and Pyongyang. Dandong, a major Chinese trading hub opposite North Korea’s Sinuiju, saw locals and tourists gather to watch the first crossings, underscoring local enthusiasm for restored connectivity. Residents and officials said the service will ease travel for Liaoning province residents and revive a longtime channel for people-to-people visits, trade and cultural exchanges. Analysts view the restart as a sign of a gradual reopening of land transport links between the two countries.

Original Description

International passenger train services between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) resumed on March 12. Passenger trains now run between China's capital Beijing and the DPRK's capital Pyongyang, with daily services also operating between the Chinese border city Dandong and Pyongyang. Dandong is one of China's largest trading hubs with the DPRK. Across the Yalu River, the city faces the DPRK's Sinuiju – just a bridge away. In the morning, many locals and tourists gathered along the Chinese riverside to watch the train crossing the bridge.
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