Shanhaiguan Scenic Area

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Spot Introduction

Shanhaiguan stands as the eastern starting point of the Great Wall, named for its location between the Yanshan Mountains and the Bohai Sea, and is renowned as the “First Pass Under Heaven”. This place is not only a crucial pass of the Ming Great Wall but also an outstanding representative of ancient military defense systems, integrating Great Wall culture, coastal defense culture, and gate city culture.

The construction of Shanhaiguan began in the 14th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1381) under the direction of General Xu Da. It underwent continuous repairs and improvements during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The perimeter of the gate city is approximately 4 kilometers, with walls standing 14 meters high and 7 meters thick. There are four gates, among which the East Gate, named “Zhendong Gate”, is the most majestic, adorned with a giant plaque inscribed “The First Pass Under Heaven”. The entire gate city is laid out with rigorous precision, boasting a complete defensive system comprising the gate city, barrel vault, outer city, and wing city, forming a unique layout of “one pass and three cities”.

As the most important military fortress at the eastern end of the Ming Great Wall, Shanhaiguan played a pivotal role in history. It guarded the strategic passage connecting North China and Northeast China, serving as a vital military defensive barrier during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1644, a fierce battle between Li Zicheng and Wu Sangui took place here, directly influencing the historical course of the dynasty transition from Ming to Qing.

The architectural art of Shanhaiguan is also distinctive, blending military defense with architectural aesthetics. The gate city’s buildings, constructed of brick and wood, feature upturned eaves and carved beams, exhibiting both the grandeur of military architecture and the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional buildings. In particular, the “First Pass Under Heaven” gate tower, adorned with a double-eaved hipped roof, exudes a magnificent aura and has become the iconic structure of Shanhaiguan.

Today, Shanhaiguan stands not only as a significant historical and cultural heritage but also as a renowned tourist destination.

景点介绍

Visitors can climb up the city gate tower to overlook the Bohai Sea and experience the grandeur of “the unique lock and key to two capitals, the first pass of the Great Wall”. Inside the scenic area, there is also a Great Wall Museum, which displays a large number of precious artifacts and historical materials, allowing visitors to deeply understand the culture of the Great Wall.

必游景点

  1. The First Pass Under Heaven

    • Ming Dynasty Fortress Complex
    • City Gate Tower Exhibition Hall
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  2. Old Dragon Head

    • Where the Great Wall meets the sea
    • Ruins of the Great Wall on the water
    • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes

  3. Jiaoshan Great Wall

    • The highest point of Shanhaiguan
    • Ming Dynasty Beacon Tower
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  4. Guan Di Temple

    • Ming and Qing Dynasty Architectural Complex
    • Display of Guan Gong Culture
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

参观建议

  1. Best Touring Route

    • The First Pass Under Heaven → Guan Di Temple → Jiaoshan Great Wall → Old Dragon Head
    • It is recommended to start from the fortress and end at Old Dragon Head

  2. Visiting Schedule

    • Climb Jiaoshan to watch the sunrise in the early morning
    • Watch the sunset at Old Dragon Head in the evening
    • Avoid the peak of tourist traffic at noon

  3. Practical Tips

    • The steps of Jiaoshan Great Wall are steep
    • Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended
    • Prepare sunscreen and windproof gear

交通指南

  • High-speed rail: About 3 hours from Beijing Station to Shanhaiguan Station
  • Self-drive: Take the Jingha Expressway and exit at Shanhaiguan
  • City transportation: Accessible by Bus 25
  • Attractions: Connected by scenic sightseeing buses

周边美食推荐

  1. Shanhaiguan time-honored snacks
  2. Bohai Bay seafood
  3. Characteristic dumplings of Guandong
  4. Snacks on Guancheng Street

特别提醒

  1. The slope of Jiaoshan Great Wall is steep, so do what you can.
  2. The sea breeze is strong, so keep warm.
  3. Be careful during high tide at Old Dragon Head.
  4. It is recommended to carry a wide-angle lens for photography.
  5. Tickets can be booked online with discounts.
  6. Parking spaces in the scenic area are limited.
  7. It is recommended to visit during off-peak hours.
  8. Prepare sufficient drinking water.