Shanhaiguan Pass [Qinhuangdao]

Built in 1381 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Shanhaiguan is a town situated in the northeast of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. It adjoins the Bohai Sea to the southeast and the Yanshan Mountain to the northwest. The city wall of Shanhaiguan is still well-preserved. While the Shanhaiguan Pass is now the main entrance to the town, in the Ming Dynasty the area to the north of Shanhaiguan was not Chinese territory. Following the complex physical features of this area, the northern area was once part of the defensive system of the Great Wall.

Now, however the Shanhaiguan Pass has become a famous attraction in China. As a Chinese saying goes, 'He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.' There is truth in this saying because, if you do not visit the Shanhaiguan Pass, you will not understand the military power of ancient China. At present, there are six primary tourist spots here, including the First Pass under Heaven, Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head), the Temple of Mengjiangnu, the Jiaoshan Mountain, the Changshoushan Mountain (Longevity Mountain) and the Yansaihu Lake. Among them, the First Pass under Heavens and Laolongtou should be visited first.

Also in close proximity the Shanhaiguan Pass is the Great Wall Museum, which displays military relics and details the history of the Shanhaiguan Pass.

Admission Fee: CNY 40 (May to Oct.)
CNY 35 (Nov. to the next Apr.)
Opening Hours: 08:10 - 16:00
Bus Route: Bus No.25 (get off at Shanhaiguan Pass Station)