[2024 Qinhuangdao Attraction] Travel Guide for The First Pass Under Heaven (Updated Dec)
UNESCO World Heritage - Cultural Sites
Nighttime sightseeing
Address:
No. 1 East Street, Shanhaiguan District, Qinhuangdao City
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hours
Phone:
0335-5258000,0335-5259000,4006033566
A university student guide to eating and sightseeing in Qinhuangdao.
⛱️Transportation
Ticket prices vary depending on the train and seat type. Students can enjoy a 50% discount! (Students, use your student ID!!!)
• 🚄Transportation in the city: Qinhuangdao has a very developed public transportation system. You can use a bus card or mobile payment to conveniently visit various attractions.
⛱️Accommodation
• 🏠Recommended areas: Jinmeng Bay or Beidaihe, close to the sea and convenient transportation. (It's best to be right by the sea! You can watch the sunrise and sunset! It's super romantic!!!)
• 🏠Accommodation type: Budget sea view apartment or youth hostel, about RMB 150–200 per person per night, economical and with a sea view.
⛱️Itinerary
DAY 1:
• Morning: Arrive in Qinhuangdao, take a taxi to the hotel, and take a short break.
• Afternoon: Visit Jinmeng Bay and enjoy the beach and sea.
• Evening: Go to Qinhuang Alley to taste local snacks, such as cold noodles with stinky tofu and roasted pig's trotters.
DAY 2:
• Morning: Go to Laohushi Beach and enjoy the morning beach scenery.
• Noon: Have lunch near Laohushi, and try the local seafood! It's delicious and fresh😋
• Afternoon: Visit Aranya Chapel and Lonely Library, great for taking photos!
• Evening: Go to Gongfuzhuang Night Market and continue to taste delicious food, such as grilled gluten and fried skewers.
DAY 3:
• Early morning: Go to Dove Nest to watch the sunrise and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the seaside.
• Morning: Visit Shanhaiguan and Laolongtou to learn about the history and culture of the Great Wall. (These roads are basically mountain climbing, with no shade! Remember to apply sunscreen! Especially in July and August, it's really sunny! It's easy to get sunburned!)
• Noon: Have lunch near Shanhaiguan and taste local specialties.
• Afternoon: Return to the hotel to pack your luggage and prepare for the return trip.
⛱️Food
• 🍝Recommended restaurants: Xiaojie Affordable Seafood, Yiwangjin Seafood, etc., moderately priced and authentic
• 🍜Night market snacks: Qinhuang Alley, Liuzhuang Night Market, Gongfuzhuang Night Market, etc., a wide variety of snacks at affordable prices
⛱️Travel guide
• 🏄🏻♀️Beach fun: Laohushi Beach, Jinmeng Bay, and other places are great places to enjoy the beach and sea
• 🎥Photo spots: Aranya Chapel, Lonely Library, Xigang Garden, and other places are great places to take photos
• ⛩️History and culture: Shanhaiguan, Laolongtou, and other attractions are great places to learn about the history and culture of the Great Wall
⛱️Notes
•‼️Sunscreen: The ultraviolet rays are strong by the sea, so be sure to take sun protection measures
•‼️Transportation: Plan your itinerary and transportation in advance to avoid wasting time and energy
•‼️Safety: When playing by the sea, pay attention to the tides and waves to ensure your safety
FreeWanderingWanderer
Don't go to Shanhaiguan lightly, unless you know these things
💫 Shanhaiguan is known as one of the 'Three Wonders of the Great Wall of China', echoing with Jiayuguan far away. In the 14th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1381), Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the construction of the city and the pass here, making it a military stronghold that guarded the throat of Northeast and North China. It is named Shanhaiguan because it is surrounded by mountains and sea.
Shanhaiguan is known as the 'First Pass Under Heaven', with the plaque written by the famous Ming Dynasty calligrapher Xiao Xian. The city wall of Shanhaiguan is about 4 kilometers long, connected to the Great Wall, with the city serving as the pass. The city wall is 14 meters high and 7 meters thick, with four main city gates and various defensive structures, including the 'First Pass Under Heaven' arrow tower, Jingbian Tower, Muying Tower, Linlu Tower, Wengcheng, and the 1350-meter-long Ming Dynasty Plain Great Wall.
💡Location: Shanhaiguan is located in Shanhaiguan District, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province.
🚗Transportation: You can take a train to Qinhuangdao Station, then transfer to bus No. 33 or take a taxi for half an hour to Shanhaiguan. Taxi fare is around 30 yuan.
🎫Tickets: 50 yuan for adults, around 60 yuan for Laolongtou Scenic Area. There are also various combo tickets available.
✨Opening hours:
Daytime: 7:30 - 17:30
Nighttime: 18:00 - 21:30
🚘Parking fee: 5 yuan/hour.
🌟Must-visit attractions:
- 'First Pass Under Heaven' arrow tower: Majestic and grand, it is the iconic building of Shanhaiguan.
- Laolongtou: Extending into the sea, the scenery is spectacular.
- Jingbian Tower, Muying Tower, Linlu Tower, etc.: Each has its own characteristics, showcasing the charm of ancient military architecture.
- Wengcheng: Experience the defensive layout of ancient cities.
- Wang Family Courtyard: Located in the ancient city of Shanhaiguan, also known as the Folk Museum, it is a typical Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard. With a building area of more than 2000 square meters, it has 4 courtyards and 59 rooms, carrying rich historical and cultural connotations.
- Crossing the Northeast Experience Park: Vividly restores the scenes of the Northeast migration period, allowing people to immerse themselves in that turbulent history.
💡Tips:
- Check the weather in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you may need to walk long distances within the scenic area.
- You can bring some food and water, as the prices inside the scenic area are relatively high.
- Protect cultural relics, do not touch or damage them at will.
Harper Martinez James
The Dragon's Eye of the Great Wall - Shanhaiguan Ancient City
When I went to Shanhaiguan Ancient City, I didn't expect there to be so many people inside. I had been to the ancient city before, but I only visited the First Pass Under Heaven and didn't explore the inside of the ancient city.
This time, I entered through a small gate slightly west of the south gate and walked to the south gate, Cheng'en Gate, then headed north along the main street. I passed the Bell and Drum Tower and reached the north gate, the First Pass Under Heaven. To go inside required a ticket, and since I had been up to the pass tower before, there was no need to go again.
I sat nearby for a while and then started to head back. I bought two old popsicles from Shanhaiguan, which tasted just like the ones I used to eat as a child. I walked west from the Bell and Drum Tower all the way to the west gate. I wanted to walk along the city wall back to the parking lot, but it seemed too hot with little shade along the way. So, I went back into the city and walked south along the west wall, which was cooler. I exited the city again through a small gate.
GERALD COOK
Hey guys, the hot summer is coming, are you looking for a place to escape the heat? today i
Hey guys😎, the hot summer is coming, are you looking for a place to escape the heat🤔? Today I will recommend to you a super summer resort - Qinhuangdao🤩! With blue sky and white clouds👀, blue sea and golden sand😋, it is simply a paradise in summer👏💗!
There are many interesting attractions in Qinhuangdao👇:
1. 🏖Anaya: Full of literary and artistic atmosphere👒.
2. 🌊Laohu Rock Park: Delicate beach👣 and clear sea water.
3. 🌳Pigeon Nest Park: a great place to watch the sunrise👍.
4. 🐳Shanhaiguan: It has a long history👏 and profound culture.
5. 🌸Xianluo Island: It is like a fairyland👀, so beautiful.
6. 🎡Biluota Sea Bar Park: Super lively at night😎.
7. 🐾Lianfeng Mountain: Dense forests👒 and fresh air.
8. 🌺Strange Building and Garden: Unique style👍, unique.
9. 🌌Fishing Island: Enjoy a seafood feast👏.
10. 🐦Bird Museum: Learn about various birds👀.
🕙Opening hours: The opening hours of different attractions are slightly different👒. You can check the official website of the scenic spot for details😋.
👍Reason for recommendation:
The climate here is pleasant👏 and the scenery is beautiful👀, making it an excellent choice for summer vacation😎.
🚶Travel route:
Day 1: Aranya - Laohu Shi Park👣.
The next day: Pigeon Nest Park - Shanhaiguan - Xianluo Island👒.
The third day: Lianfeng Mountain - Strange Towers and Gardens - Fishing Island👏.
🎒Preparation before departure:
Bring sunscreen👒, sunglasses🕶, swimsuit👙, etc.
🍱Local food:
1. 🐟Steamed sizzling crab: The meat is tender😋 and delicious.
2. 🍤Spicy fried clams: Spicy and delicious👍, one bite after another.
3. 🥘Four steamed buns: Thin skin, big filling👀, and rich soup.
4. 🌮Shanhaiguan Muddy Pot: Rich in ingredients👒 and mellow taste.
5. 🍘Sesame sesame pancakes: crispy on the outside and tender on the inside👏, fragrant.
6. 🍜Seafood noodles: Delicious seafood goes perfectly with noodles😎.
7. 🥗Daihe Xiang Seafood Dumplings: Full of fillings👍, delicious.
8. 🍧Second Sesame Seed Sesame Pancakes: Sweet and delicious👀, endless aftertaste.
🎁Local specialties:
1. Dried seafood👒
2. Shell carving👏
3. Pearl👀
4. Paper-cut👍
5. Quince leaf cake
6. Shanhaiguan artificial amber
Accommodation recommendations:
I would like to recommend some special B&Bs in Qinhuangdao👇👇👇
🎈 [House by the Sea] 🌊 This B&B is right on the seaside. You can see the sea as soon as you open your eyes 😍. The room is super warm and cozy 🤩, making you feel as comfortable as at home 👏.
🎈【Forest House】🌳 Surrounded by forests🙌, the air is fresh🌸, very suitable for relaxing body and mind👒.
🎈 [Retro Inn]🎐 The decoration style is very unique👀, as if you have traveled back to ancient times🤔, and the photos are very photogenic📷.
🎈【Starry Sky Room】✨ You can lie in bed and watch the stars at night👍, it’s super romantic💕!
🎈 [Garden B&B] 🌺 has a beautiful garden 👒 with all kinds of flowers blooming 🌸 to make you feel happy 😋.
🎈 [Parent-child B&B] 👨👩👧 There are many children's play facilities 🎡, which is very suitable for bringing children to stay 👏.
🎈 [Literary B&B]📚 is full of artistic atmosphere👀, which can make you feel the strong literary atmosphere🤩.
🎈 [Pet-friendly B&B]🐶 You can bring your pets to stay with you😎, which is very considerate💗.
🚩Travel Notes:
Pay attention to safety👯♂️ and abide by the regulations of the scenic area.
Dear friends😎, Qinhuangdao is really a great summer resort👍, come here and enjoy the cool summer🤩💗!
The unparalleled land that locks the two capitals, the first pass of the Great Wall! "Shanhaiguan"
The obsession with Shanhaiguan has been long-standing. Do you still remember? Twenty years ago, the cover of the 100-value mobile phone recharge card was Shanhaiguan. At that time, my family ran a business hall, and I saw Shanhaiguan every day. Twenty years later, I brought my parents to Shanhaiguan. My dad came here for the first time in 1996, and in the blink of an eye, twenty-eight years have passed!
This is my first time to Shanhaiguan, so I will take you on a deep tour of Shanhaiguan, the first pass under heaven, from the perspective of a first-time visitor.
🗓Itinerary:
First, remember to book tickets in advance. I booked the tickets on 🐬. After booking the tickets, exchange them at the ticket office of the scenic spot.
About parking🅿️: The charging standards during the peak season (from July 1 to August 31 each year) are:
Small vehicles: 10 yuan/hour, with a maximum charge of 40 yuan for 24 hours.
Large vehicles: 20 yuan/hour, with a maximum charge of 60 yuan for 24 hours.
The charging standards during the off-season (from September 1 to June 30 of the following year) are:
Small vehicles: 5 yuan/hour, with a maximum charge of 20 yuan for 24 hours.
Large vehicles: 10 yuan/hour, with a maximum charge of 30 yuan for 24 hours.
📝Tips:
The parking lot here is still far from the ticket office, and it takes about ten minutes to walk. When you go in, go directly to the Shanhaiguan ticket exchange office first. After exchanging the tickets, go directly to Shanhaiguan. It is recommended to buy a joint ticket, which includes the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Crossing the East.
🌟Highlights:
Shanhaiguan, located in the northeast of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, is one of the important military defense facilities in ancient China and the eastern starting point of the Great Wall. Its geographical location is extremely important, with Yanshan to the north and the Bohai Sea to the south, guarding the throat of the North China Plain and the Northeast region. It has always been a place of strategic importance. The defense system of Shanhaiguan includes city walls, gate cities, guard cities, and enemy towers, forming a tight military defense network. Its architectural style is majestic and spectacular, with the city wall being 14 meters high, 7 meters thick, and about 4 kilometers in circumference, surrounded by a moat. There are four city gates, with the east gate known as the "First Pass Under Heaven," which is the iconic building of Shanhaiguan.
After exchanging the tickets and entering, when you reach the top, you will see the place where it says "First Pass Under Heaven." Inside, there are the true inscriptions of these words. It is said that when the inscription was written, a dot was missed, so a cloth soaked in ink was thrown up to make up for it, and you can see this difference upon close observation.
⭐After visiting Shanhaiguan, the next stop is recommended to go straight to Crossing the East. Crossing the East is a large-scale real-life restoration of one of the most famous human migrations in history, where people started to migrate due to natural disasters to seek a livelihood.
Inside, wax figures, texts, and real photos from that time introduce this human feat. It is worth seeing. At the exit, you can take free photos. The small photos are free, but the large ones need to be purchased, costing about 20 yuan each.
⭐After coming out of Crossing the East, you can visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. After that, you can take the scenic area's car to other places for free. Just show your ticket to take the car. You can also ask to be taken to the parking lot.
This is a cultural attraction. If you like history and cultural attractions, you must come to Qinhuangdao to take a look.
jacobaurora
From June to August, it's time to head to the beach, and I recommend going to Qinhuangdao
June to August is the best season to visit the beach, and this year I've chosen the beautiful Qinhuangdao, a seaside resort destination full of surprises.🌊🌅
🌞City Introduction:
Qinhuangdao, the pride of Hebei, is not only an important port city but also the backyard garden and famous summer retreat for Beijing and Tianjin. It boasts a rich history and culture, as well as beautiful beaches waiting for you!🚢☀️
🗺Geographic Location:
Located in the northeastern part of Hebei Province, bordering the Bohai Sea to the south and adjacent to Beijing and Tianjin to the west, it was named after Emperor Qin Shi Huang's eastward tours and is filled with a mysterious historical aura.🧭🌐
🚆🛬Travel Guide:
Shanhaiguan Station, Qinhuangdao Station, Beidaihe Station/Qinhuangdao Airport, multiple options make it convenient to arrive.🚆✈️
👑Must-Visit Attractions:
The 'First Pass under Heaven' and 'Laolongtou' are the symbols of Qinhuangdao, especially Laolongtou, where the magnificent sight of the Great Wall entering the sea is not to be missed!🏰
🗺Three-Day Tour Itinerary:
DAY1: JInmeng Bay→Huanhai Road→Pigeon Nest→Seascape
DAY2: Xigang Garden→Tiger Stone→Laolongtou→Shanhaiguan→Qinhuang Alley
DAY3: Aranya→Qilihai Wharf
Aranya Route: North Gate II→Lonely Library→Aranya Church→tagi Apple House→Sand Dune Art Museum→Fourth Canteen 📚⛪🍎🖼️🍽️
TIPS:
1. Qinhuangdao is indeed crowded in June! But it's also genuinely cool for a summer retreat! Go on a spontaneous trip!🌾💨
2. Coastal cities have a large temperature difference between day and night, with strong sunlight and UV radiation during the day, so remember to keep warm and protect yourself from the sun.🧥🌞
NatureExplorerExtra
I rarely use the word 'stunning' to describe a place!
Shanhaiguan, this important pass on the Great Wall, not only carries a wealth of historical stories but also boasts magnificent natural scenery. If you only have one day, this special forces-level guide will take you to deeply experience the charm of Shanhaiguan.
One-day tour itinerary:
Start from Jiaoshan Great Wall, pass through Laolongtou, then to the ancient city of Shanhaiguan, and end with the light show of 'The First Pass under Heaven'.
Jiaoshan Great Wall:
As the 'First Mountain of the Great Wall', the steep climb and the beautiful view from the top of Jiaoshan Great Wall are definitely worth a try.
Laolongtou Scenic Area:
The ancient architecture, beaches, seascapes, and the Great Wall extending into the sea here are perfect for photography and experiencing history.
Ancient City of Shanhaiguan:
Stroll through the streets of the ancient city, explore historical and cultural sites such as the Bell and Drum Towers, and watch the large-scale epic cultural performance 'The Great Wall'.
The First Pass under Heaven Scenic Area:
Climb the city tower to overlook the ancient city, watch live-action shows during the day, and enjoy light shows and themed activities at night.
Transportation:
Easily reach each scenic area by self-driving or taking bus No. 33/25.
Accommodation Recommendation:
Stay in a courtyard house B&B within the ancient city to deeply experience the local charm.
Food Exploration:
From authentic breakfasts to delicious barbecues and halal food, the local cuisine of Shanhaiguan will definitely satisfy your taste buds.
Tips:
These food shops are popular with locals and are very busy, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
SerendipityRhapsody
Hebei Travel Hidden Gems: Don't you really want to check out these forgotten beauties?
Travel plan is as follows:
Day 1:
- 08:00 Departure, drive to Chengde City, Hebei, with an estimated journey of about 2 hours.
- 10:00 Arrive in Chengde City, first visit the Mountain Resort to understand the history and culture of the Qing Dynasty's royal gardens. The tour is expected to last about 2 hours.
- 12:30 Taste local specialties in Chengde, such as lamb soup and buckwheat noodles.
- 14:00 Drive to the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, visit the Tibetan-style architecture, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism culture. The tour is expected to last about 1.5 hours.
- 16:00 Drive back to Chengde City and check into a hotel for rest.
Day 2:
- 08:00 Departure, drive to Qinhuangdao City, Hebei, with an estimated journey of about 2 hours.
- 10:00 Arrive in Qinhuangdao City, visit the Beidaihe Scenic Area, and enjoy the seaside scenery. The tour is expected to last about 2 hours.
- 12:30 Taste local specialties in Beidaihe, such as seafood, fried chicken, etc.
- 14:00 Drive to the Shanhaiguan Ancient City, visit the Ming Dynasty Great Wall ruins, and learn about ancient Chinese military history. The tour is expected to last about 2 hours.
- 16:30 Drive back to Qinhuangdao City and check into a hotel for rest.
Day 3:
- 08:00 Departure, drive to Zhangjiakou City, Hebei, with an estimated journey of about 2 hours.
- 10:00 Arrive in Zhangjiakou City, visit the Chongli District, and learn about the Winter Olympics facilities and culture. The tour is expected to last about 2 hours.
- 12:30 Taste local specialties in Zhangjiakou, such as oat noodles and lamb spine.
- 14:00 Drive to Shangyi County, visit the Ulan Butong Tourism Area, and enjoy the grassland scenery. The tour is expected to last about 2 hours.
- 16:30 Drive back to Zhangjiakou City and check into a hotel for rest.
This travel plan avoids crowded places, focusing mainly on natural scenery and cultural customs, while considering the needs of the elderly and children, hoping to bring you a pleasant travel experience.
KAIDEN WATTS
A day trip to Shanhaiguan!
Once guarded by Wu Sangui, the ancient city of Shanhaiguan, which I used to see on TV as a child, is now within sight to witness the 'First Pass under Heaven' for myself. After getting off at Shanhaiguan Railway Station, you can walk to the ancient city of Shanhaiguan, about two kilometers away, and you will reach an entrance to the city. There are many entrances to the ancient city of Shanhaiguan! However, there are quite a few touts after leaving the train station, so pay attention and discern carefully!
The ancient city of Shanhaiguan is free to enter, but there is a fee to climb the towers. You can buy a combined ticket. The ancient city of Shanhaiguan is not very large; three hours is more than enough to tour around and also learn a bit about history!
ElectroWiz
Spending New Year's Eve at Shanhaiguan
Visiting the renowned 'First Pass under Heaven', Shanhaiguan, in winter has a unique charm. The decision to spend New Year's Eve here is because it is the easternmost part of the Great Wall. Welcoming the dawn of the New Year here, we also send our best wishes to all friends!
Shanhaiguan, more like a 'jar city' from the past - surrounded by tall and sturdy walls, inside are well-arranged village houses. Climbing up the city wall, you can overlook the scenery inside the city. This form is similar to the city walls of Xi'an and Nanjing.
What you need to do is to walk quietly on the city wall and feel the history. 🙏
LENNON FRENCH
## Meets the majestic world's first pass in this hot July. From Jingbianlou to the Arrow Tower, from the Bell and Drum Tower to the Wang Family Courtyard, the bustling crowds, the sweaty but still happy photographers, the children who listened carefully to the lectures... all complained about the charm of the worlds first pass. I walked under the wall and sold the "soldier" of the customs. I had a sense of time and space. Through the hot air, I seem to see the mottled and gleaming years of Shanhaiguan...
xiao_lv_tu.
In China, the only place named after the merger of mountains, seas and customs is Shanhai Customs. The steepness of the mountains, the breadth of the sea and the majesty of the customs are here, forming a magnificent landscape that combines natural scenery with human history. The Shanhaiguan under the night, the tourists are exhausted, the lights are on, and it is more like a smoke, like a dream.