Shanhaiguan Profile

Shanhaiguan District, part of Qinhuangdao City, serves as a crucial gateway connecting northeast and north China. The ancient Shanhai Pass is renowned for its titles as "the unique lock of the two capitals" and "the first pass of the Great Wall."

Shanhai Pass was historically known as Yu Pass and also referred to as Linlu Pass. In the 14th year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1381), Xu Da, the King of Zhongshan, was ordered to establish Shanhai Pass here. It is named for its geographical location—backed by the Yanshan Mountains to the north and linked to the Bohai Sea to the south.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Shanhai Pass has also received titles such as National Forest Park, National Geological Park, Home of the Great Wall Culture, Home of Meng Jiangnv Culture, and Home of Chinese Calligraphy.

Prominent attractions in Shanhaiguan District include the First Pass Under Heaven, Laolongtou, Jiaoshan, Ledao Ocean Park, and Yanse Lake Scenic Area.

At Laolongtou within the Shanhaiguan Scenic Area, visitors can marvel at the spectacular confluence of the Great Wall and the sea, feeling as if they are immersed in the torrents of history. At the First Pass Under Heaven, a plaque reading "First Pass Under Heaven" hangs prominently in the middle of the gray-tiled tower, with its strong calligraphy narrating the vicissitudes of time.

In the ancient Shanhaiguan District, one can savor local delicacies like HunguoHot Pot and Oak leaf pastry while enjoying the bustling days and tranquil nights of the ancient city. Shanhai Pass is renowned worldwide for its significant historical, cultural, and scientific value, making it a favored destination for archaeologists and enthusiasts alike. Entering Shanhai Pass, one can listen to history and feel the cultural legacy. A stroll along the seaside offers breathtaking views, allowing visitors to behold the grandeur of the Great Wall stretching for miles, while the winds blow and clouds swirl, creating a scene that inspires boundless imagination. Rich in history, embracing ancient charm

"Standing on the Gate Tower of the First Pass Under Heaven, I gaze into the distance where the Great Wall winds along the mountains; standing at Laolongtou, I listen to the waves crashing against the Great Wall, a monotonous yet rhythmic sound. While exploring Shanhaiguan, I can almost hear the whispers of ancient people beside me, feeling their determination and courage to protect their homeland. Every gray brick and every city gate is imbued with a profound sense of history, transporting me back to a time of constant warfare…" wrote Hao Bin, a visitor from Shandong, on his social media on the evening of September 28, capturing his travel experience that day.

Shanhai Pass is not only a crucial gateway connecting northeast and north China but also an important stronghold for Beijing during the Ming Dynasty. It has witnessed numerous battles and has been a contested site for generations.

With many historical sites like the First Pass Under Heaven, Laolongtou, and the Ancient City, Shanhai Pass attracts countless visitors eager to explore its rich heritage.

"In the Ancient City, there are many attractions worth seeing besides the First Pass Under Heaven. Historical buildings like Jingbian Tower, Linlv Tower, and Muying Tower have preserved the style of the Ming Dynasty, making one feel as if they are immersed in the prosperity of hundreds of years ago," said Liu Youyou, the chief of Shanhaiguan District in Qinhuangdao City.

Laolongtou, located by the Bohai Sea, consists of Ninghai City, Ruhuai Stone City, Chenghai Tower, Nanhaikou Pass, Longwuying, and Haishen Temple. The Great Wall extends directly into the sea from this point, resembling a dragon's head raised high, marking the eastern starting point of the Ming Great Wall, hence it is called Laolongtou, or Old Dragon Head.

"The Laolongtou section of the Great Wall is the only segment of the Ming Great Wall that extends into the sea," introduced Jiao Feng, deputy chief of Shanhaiguan District. Due to its scientifically chosen location and unique architecture, it is regarded as a "timeless wonder in human history."

Having endured the vicissitudes of hundreds of years, this former military strong hold, with its magnificent scenery and unique historical significance, has attracted countless scholars and emperors to visit the sea and enjoy the sights, leaving behind many poems and stories.

Five kilometers north of Laolongtou along the Great Wall lies Shanhaiguan Ancient City, the largest and most complete military defense system still existing along the Great Wall.

The thinker and scholar Gu Yanwu, from the late Ming to early Qing Dynasties, once penned a poem titled Shanhai Pass.

The Ancient City, built in 1381, comprises the GateTower, wengcheng (a semicircular or polygonal parapet that protects the gate from direct attacks), luocheng (often crowned with a tower for surveillance and directing troop movements during battles), yicheng (auxiliary fortifications), and shaoucheng (a small defensive city).along with a scattering of beacon and watch towers. Renowned for its scientifically structured, comprehensive, and intricate defense system, it stands out among the many strategic passes of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and is celebrated as "the unique lock of the two capitals" and "the first pass of the Great Wall."

The Ancient City’s "First Pass Under Heaven" gate tower has endured the trials of time, exuding a solemn charm. Each brick and tile on the tower seems to narrate endless stories to the visitors.

"Laolongtou and the First Pass Under Heaven are the most famous historic sites in our area, yet the lesser-known Jiaoshan Scenic Area is equally worth visiting," says Jiao Feng. Jiaoshan, the first mountain crossed by the Great Wall, is honored as "The First Mountain of the Great Wall."

As you climb the Great Wall, the front side offers a view over the Gate Tower and the distant sea, while the back side reveals the stunning layered landscapes of Yanse Lake, known as the "Little Guilin of the North."

"At Shanhai Pass, you can see the Great Wall over the sea, across the plains, and through the mountains—it truly is a natural museum of the Great Wall," says Hao Bin. For those who love cultural relics and, especially, the Great Wall, Shanhai Pass is a must-visit destination.

In recent years, Shanhaiguan District has protected and developed the Great Wall and other cultural sites based on principles of "scientific planning, strict preservation, heritage transmission, and reasonable utilization," ensuring sustainable development.

Today, as you walk along the upgraded Drum Tower Street in Shanhai Pass Ancient City, you’ll find photography studios, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, traditional-style guesthouses, food stalls, and cultural shops lined up in abundance. These features, along with the ancient-style architecture, clock tower, city walls, and other cultural relics, come together to create a vibrant charm within a subtle, traditional ambiance.

Nestled among mountains and waters, Shanhai Pass is a showcase of natural beauty

Shanhai Pass District, embraced by mountains and bordered by water, offers stunning scenery that changes with the seasons.

In spring, melting snow and blooming wildflowers adorn the landscape. Summer brings lush trees and gentle sea breezes, while autumn offers a colorful display of leaves and the fragrance of ripening fruits. Winter wraps everything in a breathtaking white layer of snow.

At the foot of Changshou Mountain, visitors are greeted by towering peaks and striking rock formations. As they venture through the mountain, hidden caves and clear springs reveal themselves along the way. During the Ming Dynasty, Fan Zhiwan visited and inscribed characters on a cliff, describing the mountain’s formidable terrain as one that could defend against vastly larger forces—a lasting tribute to its majestic landscape.

As the main attraction of Changshou Mountain, Xuanyang Cave captivates visitors with its natural beauty. "It is a naturally formed, tunnel-like granite cave—wide at the entrances and narrow in the middle," said Jiang Libin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Shanhaiguan District Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television, while guiding reporters up Changshou Mountain on September 30. The unique charm of Xuanyang Cave lies in its intricate structure, featuring caves within caves, openings outside the main cave, and skylights at the top.

Inside Xuanyang Cave, clusters of stalagmites rise in diverse shapes, resembling a mysterious underground palace. The cave walls are smooth, covered in green moss, and engraved with inscriptions left by visitors over the centuries.

Along the main chamber’s side is a smaller passage. As one ascends the steps, the passage narrows, and the light dims, making it hard to distinguish day from night outside. After a few dozen steps, sunlight suddenly beams through two openings in the cave’s ceiling, illuminating the interior—a feature ancient travelers called "Xuandong Peeking at Heaven," giving Xuanyang Cave its name.

Exiting Xuanyang Cave, visitors can ascend the mountain along the Changshou River’s banks. Occasional rock formations seem to block the path until, turning a corner, a crack appears in the mountain wall, known as the "Little Stone Gate." Stepping through and looking up, one sees the sky framed by two sheer walls, a view called the "One-Line Sky through Stone Gate."

Water brings added charm to the mountains. To the northwest of Shanhaiguan District lies Yanse Lake, a place of tranquil beauty where mountains and water merge seamlessly. The lake is like a meticulously crafted painting spread quietly before visitors, a testament to nature’s artistry.

Yanse Lake spans 15 square kilometers and resembles a vast mirror, reflecting the towering cliffs and steep ridges along its banks. Under the warm sunlight, the water sparkles like countless scattered pearls, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Visitors can take a cable car ride that glides above a verdant forest, with the lake appearing like a shimmering mirror below. Alternatively, a boat ride offers a different perspective; as the vessel weaves through the lake, it alternates between narrow passages and open vistas, evoking the poetic sentiment of "After endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out, suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow, bright flowers and a lovely village."

In addition to the stunning landscape, Yanse Lake boasts another must-see attraction—Niaoyu Forest. This area is home to over a hundred species of rare birds, including black swans and red-crowned cranes. Strolling through, one can listen to the melodious chirping and watch the birds dance gracefully, as if stepping into a fairy tale world.

At Shanhai Pass, the seaside scenery is a must-see

On October 1, as the sun rose, it illuminated the Laolongtou. On this day, visitors can enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the sea. If the tides are low, vast stretches of the seafloor are exposed, allowing for a fun day of crabbing and clam digging, bringing the joy of a fruitful harvest.

Entering the Ledao Ocean Park, located by the sea, visitors can watch marine animal performances and capture memorable photos with the animals.

"If you want to have a fun-filled day, you can enjoy the land carnival and water activities within the park; if you prefer a quieter experience, you can sit by the sea and feel the gentle sea breeze," said Wang Shuo. He noted that Ledao Ocean Park is perfect for family outings, allowing parents to play with their children and take leisurely strolls with their elders, enjoying the happiness of family companionship.

In the Shanhaiguan District, the diverse topography includes mountains, rivers, and lakes, with the northern mountainous area boasting a national-level forest park and a national geological park covering 5,192 hectares. The mother river of Shanhai Pass, the Shihe River, flows through the area, naturally forming South Shihe Island. Every year, during the migratory season, flocks of birds stop at South Shihe Island to rest and replenish, making the area a paradise for bird photography enthusiasts.

Cultural and tourism integration: Experience the cultural atmosphere

On September 28, at the Shanhaiguan Scenic Area near Laolongtou, the "Song of the Sea and Mountains of China" cultural performance took place as scheduled. The event showcased the cultural heritage and contemporary features of the Ancient City of Shanhaiguan through a variety of artistic forms.

"The charm of the Ancient City lies in its centuries-old heritage, with every brick and tile telling a story," said Lu Hong, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Shanhaiguan District Tourism and Culture Bureau. During important festivals, Shanhaiguan District organizes various activities to enrich the supply of tourism products.

Every Spring Festival, the Ancient City of Shanhaiguan hosts the "China·Shanhaiguan Ancient City New Year Fair," featuring a market for New Year goods, a folk custom temple fair, and a Lantern Festival lantern fair. Visitors can experience the festive atmosphere while exploring the attractions.

On the second day of the second lunar month, the Festival of Longtaitou, which literally means "dragon raises head,"takes place at Laolongtou, featuring the traditional ritual of "Dotting the Dragon's Eyes" to pray for a smooth year. Visitors can touch the dragon head for blessings, symbolizing freedom from worries.

In middle of lunar April, the Meng Jiangnv Temple hosts a fair where visitors can enjoy traditional performances like storytelling with clappers and big drum songs, sample local delicacies, walk the road of blessings, tie blessings ribbons, and ring the blessing bell to pray for peace, happiness, and good fortune.

"Even our local specialties, like the Hunguo Hot Pot and big cherries, have their own festivals," Lu Hong noted, adding that events like the Shanhaiguan Hunguo Hot Pot Festival and Shanhaiguan Cherry Festival cater to visitors' taste buds.

"I found that there are many live performances in the Ancient City, and it would take half a day to visit them all," said Han Tingting, a tourist from Beijing. A live ancient performance called Tales of the Gate Tower felt like a time machine, transporting her back to the Ming Dynasty.

"We have deeply explored the historical stories of Shanhai Pass and upgraded to launch the immersive performance activity Walking Towards Yu Pass, presenting the rich cultural heritage of Shanhai Pass from multiple perspectives. The interactive equestrian performance 'Rage for Glory' allows visitors to immerse themselves in the grand historical narrative," said Liao Xuemei, Chairwoman of the Shanhaiguan First Pass Tourism Development Company. They strive to create a cultural experience site along the Great Wall, a place for the inheritance of the Great Wall spirit, a vacation destination, and a preferred site for educational tours, continuously enhancing consumer activity and fully unleashing the vitality of Shanhaiguan's tourism industry.

"The rich night tour offerings of the Great Wall are also a major attraction for visitors," introduced J Jiang Libin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Shanhaiguan District Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television. Tourists can enjoy romantic starry music performances in front of the military division and stargaze at the luxurious campsite of Laolongtou.

The large-scale light and shadow show View the Shanhai Pass, set against the backdrop of the wall of the First Pass Under Heaven, integrates modern sound, light, and electrical technology, creating an immersive park experience that leaves visitors reluctant to leave.

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Legally and scientifically protecting cultural relics

On September 29, around 4 PM, Zhang Peng, a Great Wall protector in Shanhaiguan District of Qinhuangdao City, arrived near the Sandao Pass section of the Great Wall. He skillfully assembled and connected a drone from his equipment box, then pressed the control button. As the drone stirred up a light dust cloud, it flew steadily toward the winding Great Wall on the cliff, beginning its routine inspection.

"This is an information annotation software that provides basic information for each section of the Great Wall during inspections, including the location and name of each segment, as well as the surrounding natural environment. This is a patrol status recording software that logs whether there are any natural or human-made damages and tracks the patrol route," Zhang explained. Using drones and other new technologies, he is regarded as a "2.0 version of a Great Wall protector."

In recent years, Shanhaiguan District has integrated new technologies into Great Wall inspections. Protectors utilize drones, big data, and specialized software to safeguard the ancient structure.

"The drone can capture and document the overall view and details of the Great Wall from all angles. It is also equipped with a loudspeaker, allowing us to remind tourists to behave civilly while flying," introduced Guo Ying, Deputy Director of the Shanhaiguan Great Wall Museum and President of the Shanhaiguan Great Wall Society.

While carrying out protection patrols with drones, the Great Wall protectors also installed information annotation and patrol status recording software on their mobile phones to accurately monitor the conditions of the inspected sections in real time, log the patrol routes, analyze road conditions, and document the inspection process.

"The Great Wall, ancient cities, and other cultural relics are our most precious tourism resources and the wealth left to us by our ancestors. Protecting them is essential for sustaining the development of the tourism industry," stated Jiang Libin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Shanhaiguan District Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television.

At the Zhendong Tower of the First Pass Under Heaven, real-time devices are used to monitor its settlement, deformation, inclination, vibrations, and groundwater seepage. Additionally, cloud monitoring is implemented to promptly and accurately provide data regarding the stability of the city platform and tower, as well as water content.

Beyond high technology, Shanhaiguan District also promotes the lawful and prosperous development of tourism. It has established the first Great Wall Cultural Protection Court in the country, advancing the legal restoration of the Great Wall and Ancient City construction. The establishment of this court marks a significant step toward the rule of law in Great Wall protection, providing strong legal support for the centralized judicial protection of Great Wall cultural resources.

In recent years, the Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Ancient City Protection Regulations have been officially implemented, emphasizing that cultural heritage, leisure tourism, and traditional habitation should guide the protection of the ancient city. The aim is to maintain the historical authenticity, architectural integrity, cultural continuity, and sustainable living of the ancient city, allowing more cultural relics and heritage to come to life.