Other Facilities

Qinhuangdao city has a glorious history and it is the only city in China honored with the name of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (the First Emperor of Qin Dynasty around 200 B.C.).

Qinghuangdao, North China’s famous seaside getaway, is one of the first 14 coastal cities in China to be opened to the outside world. It is renowned for Shanhaiguan Pass, the formidable military stronghold during the Ming Dynasty and Beidaihe, a well-known summer resort. Qinhuangdao seaport is not frozen during the winter and it is an important foreign trade port. The State Council proclaims Qinhuangdao as “China Outstanding Travelling City”.

Shanhaiguan Pass is a national tourist attraction and the first strategic pass at the eastern end of the Great Wall. Shanhaiguan Pass consists of a main castle, two supporting castles one in the north and one in the south, and two semicircular protective walls in front of the main castle, the town of Weiyuan and the town of Ninghai. Today most of these structures are still well preserved, while others, such as the wall of Ninghai, the Calm Sea Tower built on the town wall and the Laolongtou Great Wall, where the Great Wall meets the sea, have been restored.

Beyond the Shanhaiguan Pass, the Great Wall stretches eastward until it dips into the sea at a place called Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head). Tourist attractions in the vicinity include the Jiaoshan Section which has the Great Wall meandering along the mountain ridges, Shanhaiguan Great Wall Museum which has some interesting pictures, relics and clothes depicting the life story of this snaking construction, and a temple dedicated to Meng Jiangnu, one of China's devoted heroines.

The scenery around Beidaihe is also beautiful. Mountain. Lianfeng, which is the background of the beach, has two peaks covered by abundant green pines and cypresses. Lush vegetation, strange caves, decorated pavilions, secluded paths and winding bridges cover the mountain and make it unique and appealing. Looking down from Wanghaiting (Seaside Pavilion) at the top of the hill, one can see the misty sea in all its majesty and feel carefree and joyous. Moreover, Beidaihe is one of nine famous sun-rise watching spots in China. The Yinjiao Pavilion, on the northwest beach of Beidaihe, is the best place to watch the sun rise. Another way to witness this beautiful morning event is out the window of one of the local trains.