Dandong was awarded the 2011 "National Garden City", according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China. This is the first national-level city award received by Dandong of Liaoning province.

Dandong has reconstructed all its parks and built new ones. After construction was completed, the citywide layout had improved significantly, particularly Qingnian Lake Park, Yalu River Park and Guomenwan Park are transformed into recreational places for local citizens.

In 2011, the Dandong municipal Party committee and municipal government planned to build a civilized, environmental friendly and prosperous city for the period of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).

The city will make efforts to boost Dandong as a National Health City, National Environmental Protection Model City, and National Civilized City as well in the next 5 years. The city will accelerate its infrastructure and improve urban functions by restructuring roads, water and gas production facilities, regulating rivers as well as building a sewage treatment plant and refuse landfill.