Shanhaiguan

Shanhaiguan, also known as the first pass under heaven, is located in the northeast of Qinhuangdao. The Shanhaiguan pass was built in the Ming dynasty, leaning against the Yanshan mountains to the north and facing the Bohai sea to the south. It is a complete defensive system and an important military fortress in ancient times. The terms "inside the pass" and "outside the pass" commonly used in ancient times were demarcated by Shanhaiguan. Shanhaiguan is one of the important passes in the eastern section of the Ming Great Wall, echoing Jiayuguan in the western section as the head and tail of the wall. It is honored as the "first pass under heaven".

The perimeter of Shanhaiguan pass is approx. 4 km, connected to the Great Wall. The Ming dynasty city walls within the ancient town are well-preserved, with most main streets and alleys retaining their original appearance, making the town more elegant and quaint. The most striking feature is Zhen Dong tower on the east gate of the pass, also known as the "first pass under heaven tower". The tower stands tall on the Great Wall, commanding a panoramic view. Climbing the tower offers a bird's-eye view of Shanhaiguan and the scenery outside the pass.

Surrounding Zhenyuan tower stand structures like Jingbian tower, Linlü tower, Muying tower, Weiyuan hall, the urn-shaped defense system, Dongluo city, and the Great Wall museum. The layout of these ruins offers insights into ancient Chinese city defense architecture. Afterwards, stroll into the old town to sample local snacks while experiencing Shanhaiguan's distinctive customs.

Shanhaiguan is not only a military fortress with a long history, but also a picturesque tourist and summer resort with pleasant climate. The attraction features over 90 developed historical sites, with the Great Wall as the main thread, including several scenic areas such as "Laolongtou", "Meng Jiangnu temple", "Jiaoshan", "Longevity mountain", "Yansai lake", and "Wang family compound". These attractions are conveniently located close to each other with good transportation, allowing for an easy sequential visit.