After reading for so many years, there is one place that I can't help but want to visit, and that is Shanhaiguan by the Bohai Bay.
Shanhaiguan, just as its name suggests, combines the romance of mountains and seas with the imposing and majestic air that comes with the city of Shanhaiguan. Over the course of nearly 600 years of changes, it has written a history that has witnessed many vicissitudes.
"The unparalleled key to the two capitals, the first pass of the Great Wall." Shanhaiguan is an important pass at the eastern end of the Great Wall, located in the northeast of present-day Qinhuangdao. It is backed by the Yanshan Mountains to the north and faces the Bohai Sea to the south, hence its name. The main urban area is a very magnificent city page-like building, divided into four main gates. The east gate is known as "the First Pass under Heaven", and there is a plaque inscribed by Xiao Xian, a jinshi of the Ming Dynasty, hanging on the city tower.
Shanhaiguan is vast. If you don't stop to take your time to experience it and just take a cursory walk around, there will only be one feeling after you leave: it's boring
Mimi has been there for the second time this year. Summarizing the experiences of the two visits, it's really fun. Here are some suggestions for everyone:
Must-visit attractions:
Old Dragon Head: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The eastern starting point of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty in history. The Great Wall, like a giant dragon, winds through the desert, crosses the mountains, and meanders down from the Yanshan Mountains, plunging straight into the sea. This is how it got its name, Laolongtou. It was destroyed in the flames of the Opium War and restored in 1990.
But in the Laolongtou Scenic Area, apart from a section of the Great Wall that flows into the sea, the most worth visiting is this stone city built into the sea by Qi Jiguang on that day. Here, there is a restored Longwu Camp, where you can see the living quarters of the border soldiers in the past, the general's office, and so on
The former martial arts platform also developed an interactive experience area where one could enjoy activities such as horseback riding, archery, and jungle crossing
Shanhaiguan Ancient Town: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The ancient city is large, but also very low-key. It is a semi-developed ancient city where most of the indigenous people and local living habits have been preserved.
If you have time to fully explore the ancient city, it is recommended that you visit the Wang Family Courtyard and the Memorial Hall of Crossing the Pass to the East. The former was the residence of the richest man in Shanhaiguan in the past, while the latter is a huge immersive exhibition hall that is very interesting.
The first gate tower in the world: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Only when you reach the foot of the city tower will you realize that it truly lives up to the title of "the No. 1 Pass in the World". It's particularly appropriate to take photos in Hanfu here. Ladies who haven't brought Hanfu can rent at Yiguanlou Square. During the day, there is an immersive performance of the welcoming ceremony here, and at night, there is a super cool light and shadow show, which is very impressive
Jiaoshan Great Wall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
There is a very primitive section of the ancient Great Wall. It is extremely difficult to climb up this section. The stairs are mostly at a 90-degree Angle. Once you get up, you can see the Great Wall, which has endured many wars and vicissitudes, still commanding respect
About delicious food:
There are many delicious foods in the ancient town
Four Steamed Buns: The steamed buns that have been popular since 1921 have a secret recipe for the proportion of the filling, and they are a classic delicacy in the hearts of the people of Laoshanhaiguan
Hunguo: Each restaurant has its own way of making Hunguo. The base of the pot is a chicken and seafood soup, stewed with pickled cabbage, braised pork belly and seafood. I fell in love with it the first time I tried it. It was so satisfying.
Every time I go there, I always take a lot of pastries home
By the way, you mustn't miss the magnolia leaf cake this season. It's very characteristic of the local area
Regarding accommodation:
There are many homestays in the ancient city. If you want to stay in a more down-to-earth style, you can choose a local quadrangle courtyard. Last year, the owner of the Ding Family homestay where I stayed was extremely warm-hearted and could cook at home. If you want to stay in a more upscale place, you can go to Xianting Holiday Hotel. The key point is that it is right next to Yiguanlou. If you want to stay in a more distinctive place, you can go to the Great Ming General's Mansion. Each room in their home is unique. It's really amazing
Regarding transportation:
It can be reached directly from Shanhaiguan High-speed Railway Station or by taxi from Beidaihe in just about ten minutes.