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Shanhaiguan, also known as Yuguan and Linluguan, is located 15 kilometers northeast of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. It is one of the northeastern passes of the Ming Great Wall. Before 1990, it was considered to be the eastern starting point of the Ming Great Wall. It is known as one of the "three wonders" of the Great Wall of China (Shanhaiguan in the east, Zhenbeitai in the middle, and Jiayuguan in the west), "the first pass in the world", "the throat of the border counties, and the guarantee of the capital", and it echoes Jiayuguan thousands of miles away and is famous all over the world.
Shanhaiguan City, with a circumference of approximately 4 kilometers, is connected to the Great Wall. The city wall, 14 meters high and 7 meters thick, serves as a pass. It features four main gates and various defensive structures, including the Arrow Tower, known as the "First Pass in the World," the Jingbian Tower, the Muying Tower, the Linlu Tower, the Wengcheng, and the 1,350-meter-long Ming Dynasty Plain Great Wall.
Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Guancheng
Shanhaiguan Pass, built in 1381 AD during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, is the centerpiece of the Great Wall. It takes on an irregular trapezoidal shape, with arc-shaped corners at the northwest and southwest corners, and lacks corner towers. Its walls have a circumference of 4,727 meters, a height of 14 meters, and a thickness of 7 meters. Four gates are located on each of the four sides: the Zhendong Gate (also known as the "First Pass Under Heaven") in the east, the Ying'en Gate in the west, the Wangyang Gate in the south, and the Weiyuan Gate in the north. Each of these four gates has a tower atop its platform.
city gate
Shanhaiguan had four gates: the eastern Zhendong Gate, the western Ying'en Gate, the southern Wangyang Gate, and the northern Weiyuan Gate. All four gates remain, with the eastern gate, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven," being the best preserved. Atop the gate platform stands the First Pass Tower, a tower designed as an arrow tower.
Wengcheng
There are urn cities outside the four gates of Shanhaiguan City. Now only the urn city of the East Gate remains, with a circumference of 318 meters. The urn city gate opens to the south and forms a right angle with the first arch gate.
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
50 yuan in peak season
Combined ticket (including Laolongtou and Tianxia Diyiguan Ancient City Experience Tour): 120 yuan
Combined ticket (including Meng Jiangnu Temple and the First Pass in the World Ancient City Tour): 90 yuan
Combined ticket (including Laolongtou and Meng Jiangnu Temple): 90 yuan
Combined ticket (including Meng Jiangnu Temple, Meng Jiangnu Temple, and the First Pass in the World Ancient City Experience Tour): 200 yuan
Peak season 07:00-17:30
Off-season 07:30-17:00
Shanhaiguan is a historical town located in Hebei province, famous for its strategic position where the Great Wall of China meets the Bohai Sea. It has been a military stronghold for centuries, playing a key role in the defense of northern China. The town's significance is highlighted by the iconic "First Pass Under Heaven" and its proximity to the sea, symbolizing the convergence of land and water defenses in ancient China.
Shanhaiguan is located in Qinhuangdao, Hebei province, China. The easiest way to get there is by taking a train or bus from Qinhuangdao city, which is about 30 minutes away. You can also take a taxi or a private car from the city center. There are no direct metro lines, but buses and taxis are widely available.
Shanhaiguan is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are fewer.
The entrance fee for Shanhaiguan attractions, including the Great Wall and museum, is around 50-100 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via official tourism websites or travel agencies. Some discount tickets may be available for students, seniors, or children.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons like summer or holidays. You can book tickets online a few days in advance to secure your spot and avoid long queues.
To fully explore Shanhaiguan, including the Great Wall, the Shanhaiguan Pass, and the museum, you will need around 3 to 4 hours. If you're also planning a boat trip to the Old Dragon's Head, you may need additional time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and can be arranged at the entrance. Audio guides in English and Mandarin are also available for a more immersive experience of the Great Wall and surrounding sites.
The best viewpoints include the Shanhaiguan Pass, offering a panoramic view of the Great Wall and the surrounding landscape. The Old Dragon’s Head provides a unique spot where the Wall meets the sea, perfect for coastal and historical photography.
Night visits are not typically available, but special tours or events may be held during holidays or peak seasons. It is recommended to check the official website for any special evening activities or light shows during your visit.
Shanhaiguan can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially in the morning before 11:00 AM. Avoid visiting during national holidays when tourism peaks.
There are restrooms available throughout the area. Small food stalls and snack shops offer basic refreshments, but you may want to bring your own water and snacks. There are also souvenir shops selling Great Wall-related merchandise.
The main areas, including the Shanhaiguan Pass and the museum, are accessible to elderly visitors and families with children. Some parts of the Great Wall may involve climbing stairs, which could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It is best to inquire about accessibility at the entrance.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, and credit/debit cards can be used at most facilities. It is still a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in case of internet issues.
Inside Shanhaiguan, there are a few small restaurants and food stalls offering local Chinese snacks and meals. For more dining options, you can explore Qinhuangdao city, which has a variety of restaurants serving both Chinese and international cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at some local restaurants, but the selection may be limited. Halal options are also available in the nearby city, especially in areas with a Muslim population.
There are several hotels in Qinhuangdao city, which is a short drive from Shanhaiguan. These range from budget to mid-range hotels. For a more luxurious stay, you can find high-end hotels in the city center or near the coast.
There are several souvenir shops selling Great Wall-themed items such as miniatures, T-shirts, and traditional Chinese crafts. Popular souvenirs include items featuring the Great Wall and local folk art.
After visiting Shanhaiguan, taxis, buses, or private cars are the best options for continuing your trip. Qinhuangdao city is easily accessible, and from there, you can travel to nearby attractions by public transport or hire a car for further exploration.
