Shanhaiguan – First Pass Under Heaven

About

The First Pass Under Heaven (Tianxia Diyi Guan) is the eastern terminus of the Ming-dynasty Great Wall, built in 1381 under general Xu Da. Its gate tower, Zhenyuan Tower, carries a huge horizontal plaque reading "First Pass Under Heaven," each character about one meter square, traditionally attributed to Ming calligrapher Xiao Xian. Visitors can climb the tower for views over the old walled town and the wall itself; the fortified walls, barbican, and nearby Great Wall Museum are well preserved. It is a different ticketed site from the nearby Old Dragon Head (where the wall meets the sea) and from the free-to-enter Shanhaiguan Old Town — don't confuse them.

Highlights

• Climb Zhenyuan Tower
• "First Pass Under Heaven" plaque
• Ming-era city wall & barbican
• Great Wall Museum
• Jingbian & Muying towers

Getting there

By train & bus

Take a train to Shanhaiguan Station, then walk about 15 minutes to the old town's east gate (First Pass Under Heaven); within the city, buses run to stops near the old town — check current routes via local transit info.

By car

Exit the Beijing-Harbin or Beijing-Shenyang Expressway at Shanhaiguan and follow signs to the old town; about 30-40 minutes from downtown Qinhuangdao.

Open in Google MapsOpen in Amap (works in China)

Address 河北省秦皇岛市山海关区天下第一关城楼(山海关古城东门)
Show the Chinese address to your driver.

Before you go

• The city wall has many steep steps — wear comfortable shoes, and elderly visitors and children should take care.
• The wall gets very sunny at midday in summer — visit in the early morning or evening and bring sun protection.
• First Pass Under Heaven, Old Dragon's Head, and Shanhaiguan Old Town are separate attractions with separate tickets — check the exact name before buying to avoid confusing First Pass Under Heaven with Old Dragon's Head (where the Great Wall meets the sea).
• If you plan to visit Old Dragon's Head or the Great Wall Museum too, compare whether a combo ticket is better value.
• Peak season and holidays draw large crowds — check the official WeChat account or booking platforms for the day's opening status and reservation requirements.
• The wall offers open views, great for photographing the "First Pass Under Heaven" plaque and the old town skyline — avoid the harsh midday light.

Tickets Adult ticket around ¥40-50 (price varies by channel and whether it's a combo ticket); a common combo ticket (covering Old Dragon's Head, First Pass Under Heaven, Wangyang Tower, Ying'en Tower, the Bell and Drum Tower, and the shuttle) costs more, around ¥130. Free or discounted admission for children under 6 or 1.2m, seniors over 70, active-duty military, people with disabilities, and blood donors. Whether advance online booking is required could not be confirmed — check the official WeChat account or platforms like Ctrip/Meituan for the current policy.

Hours Peak season (May 1 - October 31): 07:00-18:00; off-season (November 1 - April 30): 07:30-17:00 (sources vary slightly — check the official WeChat account or ticketing platform for the day's posted hours before you go).

Frequently asked

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