In winter, come to Qinhuangdao to see mountains, sea, and the pass. Admire the grandeur of Jiaoshan, the desolation of the vast sea, and the imposing presence of Shanhaiguan. Qinhuangdao boasts numerous mountains, and while Jiaoshan may not be the most outstanding, it is the most unique due to the Great Wall. The Jiaoshan Great Wall was constructed in the 14th year of the Hongwu era during the Ming Dynasty, under the supervision of the general Xu Da. Today, the restored Great Wall stretches over 4 kilometers, wide and flat, meandering in the shape of a ‘factory’ on Jiaoshan. Jiaoshan is the first peak the Great Wall crosses after Laolongtou, over the Shanhaiguan, and to the north, earning it the title of ‘The First Mountain of the Great Wall’. It may not be as famous as Laolongtou, but if you’re tired of the crowds, this is an excellent choice for tranquility. From the Great Wall, you can gaze upon the layered peaks and vast, beautiful landscapes. Although 4 kilometers is not a long distance, looking from one end to the other feels like gazing across the long history and the vicissitudes of life. What sets Qinhuangdao apart from other tourist cities is its sea. Naturally, to see the sea, one must visit Laolongtou. Laolongtou is the eastern starting point of the Great Wall, where Qi Jiguang built a stone city about 7 zhang deep into the sea, resembling a dragon’s head diving into the ocean, hence the name ‘Old Dragon Head’. After years of turmoil, many of the stone tablets that once stood in front of the highest point, Chenghai Tower, have been lost, making the Tang tablet ‘Heaven Opens the Sea and Mountains’ particularly precious. These four words precisely depict the geographical situation of Shanhaiguan. After reading, when you look at the scenery, you naturally feel the interdependence of sea and mountains, the grandeur of the terrain, and a sudden expansion of your view. The Great Wall extends into the sea, standing firm for hundreds of years. Arriving at Laolongtou, it is hard not to be impressed by its towering and majestic walls, and to be captivated by its weathered charm. Mentioning Shanhaiguan, one immediately thinks of the title ‘The Number One Pass Under Heaven’. This pass was built during the Ming Dynasty, with the city in a square shape, not large in area, but with towering and sturdy walls equipped with arrow towers, enemy towers, and corner towers for defense, making it easy to defend and hard to attack, which is why it was highly valued during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The dark and deep passage under the city wall shows the considerable thickness of the wall. Entering the city, you can climb the wall to overlook the entirety of Shanhaiguan, or gaze at the imposing Jiaoshan Great Wall. You can also enter the city to immerse yourself in a journey through time within the ancient city. Who says winter is not a good season for travel? Come to Qinhuangdao in winter to see mountains, sea, and the pass, and to witness the winter romance unique to the north.
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