Shanghaiguan Pass

Located in northeast Qinhuangdao City, Shanhaiguan Pass nestles at the foot of Yanshan Mountain facing the Bohai Sea in the east. As the artery from the northeast to North China, it is so named because it lies between the mountain and the sea. In peacetime it is an artery for economic and cultural communication inside and outside of the pass, while in wartime it has always been an area of contention. Therefore, it is also called “the First Pass under Heaven”. With a perimeter of over eight Chinese miles, the city of Shanhaiguan Pass has a gate on each of the four sides, with its east gate called “Zhendong”, or the gate of “the First Pass under Heaven”. Shanhai Pass is an integral part of the Great Wall, and the city extant features the Ming-style architecture, the same as the Great Wall segment, fortresses and beacon towers nearby. These constructions together guards the principal Shanhaiguan Pass and forms an integrated engineering defense system, which makes the pass a town of military importance at east Great Wall and reflects the excellent skills of the ancient Chinese in architectural art and military affairs.

The Shanhaiguan Pass Scenic Spot is a famous historic and cultural ancient city as well as summer resort. It features six beauty spots within the area, including Laolongtou (Old Dragon Head), the Temple of Lady Mengjiang, Jiaoshan Mountain, the First Pass under Heaven, Longevity Mountain and Yansai Lake.