Shanhaiguan Old Town
山海关古城
About
Built in 1381 during the Ming dynasty, Shanhaiguan Old Town sits at the eastern end of the Great Wall and was a key military pass, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." The walled town keeps Ming-and-Qing-era streets and courtyards, with the East Gate watchtower, a bell-and-drum tower, and former military offices. Entry to the town is free; the watchtower and some historic buildings charge separate admission. It suits history and architecture fans, families, and photographers, and pairs well with Old Dragon Head and Jiaoshan Great Wall.
Highlights
- First Pass Under Heaven watchtower
- Ming-Qing old streets
- Bell and Drum Tower
- Former Ministry of War office
- Commander's residence
- Wang family courtyard
Getting there
- By train & bus
- About a 15-minute walk from Shanhaiguan Railway Station to the old town; local buses also run to the Shanhaiguan Old Town stop.
- By car
- Take the Shanhaiguan exit off the G1 Jingha Expressway, about a 10-minute drive to the old town; it's roughly 15 km from Qinhuangdao Station and 18 km from Beidaihe Station, and about 300 km (roughly 3.5 hours) from Beijing.
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Address 河北省秦皇岛市山海关区东大街1号
Show the Chinese address to your driver.
Before you go
- Walking through the old town is free; climbing the First Pass Under Heaven gate tower requires a separate ticket.
- There are plenty of snack stalls and gift shops inside, so you could easily spend half a day browsing.
- It pairs well with Old Dragon's Head and Jiaoshan Great Wall on the same day, since all three are close together.
- Peak-season holidays get crowded — mornings and evenings are quieter and give better light for photos.
- The steps up the gate tower are steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
Tickets Entry to the old town itself is free. Climbing the First Pass Under Heaven gate tower costs ¥60. A combo ticket covering the First Pass Under Heaven, the Ministry of War Branch Office, the Bell and Drum Tower, and other sites costs about ¥50. The Arrow Tower alone is about ¥40. Walking through the old town is free; visiting the paid sites — the gate tower, the Ministry of War Branch Office, etc. — requires a separate ticket or combo pass. Children under 1.2m, seniors over 70, active-duty military, and people with disabilities enter free with ID; minors aged 6-18 and students get half price — check the ticket window for current details.
Hours The old town is open all day; paid sites like the gate tower are roughly 08:30-17:00 (hours shift slightly by season, so check official channels before you go).
Frequently asked
Do I need a ticket to enter the old town?
No, the old town itself is free to enter; you only need a ticket for specific sites like the First Pass Under Heaven gate tower.
Are the old town and Old Dragon's Head the same place?
No, Old Dragon's Head is where the Great Wall meets the sea, about 5 km south of the old town, and requires a separate trip.
How long does it take to see the old town?
Walking the streets alone takes about 1.5-2 hours; add the gate tower and various courtyards and it's closer to half a day.
Nearby in Shanhaiguan
Planning a visit to Shanhaiguan Old Town?
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