With smog strangling the strength of the sun, it seemed like Dandong's days might never be described as bright and twilight slid effortlessly into night.
On came the lights and with them the city seemed to come to life, becoming simultaneously more lively and cheery.
The China-North Korea Friendship Bridge became more friendly, though gaudy, with its lights gently cycling through the primary colours.
A nightly, musically enhanced fountain show provided a pleasant backdrop:
But it wasn't clear if the purpose was to entertain the (few) tourists, the locals or to show off to the North Koreans across the river.
There were plenty of locals about, but most didn't pay much attention to the fountains, entertaining themselves, often in group activities like this tai chi group:
