In winter, come to Qinhuangdao to see mountains, seas and passes. Admire the majesty of Jiaoshan Mountain, the desolation of the sea and the grandeur of Shanhaiguan.
Qinhuangdao has many mountains. Jiaoshan Mountain is not the most outstanding one, but it becomes the most special one because of the Great Wall. The Jiaoshan Great Wall was built in the fourteenth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty and was presided over by General Xu Da. Today’s Great Wall has been restored. It is more than 4 kilometers long. The whole is flat and wide, winding on Jiaoshan Mountain in the shape of a ‘factory’.
Jiaoshan is the first mountain that the Great Wall crosses from Laolongtou, passes through Shanhaiguan and goes north. It is also known as ‘the first mountain of the Great Wall’. It is not as famous as Laolongtou. But if you are tired of the crowds and want to find a quiet place, this is a good choice. Looking into the distance from the Great Wall, there are many peaks and ridges, and the scenery is magnificent and vast. Four kilometers is not long. Looking from one end to the other, it seems that there is a long history and many vicissitudes of life.
What makes Qinhuangdao, a tourist city, stand out among many competitors is the sea. To see the sea, naturally one has to go to Laolongtou. Laolongtou is the eastern starting point of the Great Wall. Qi Jiguang built a stone city about 7 zhang deep into the sea here. From a distance, it looks like a dragon’s head probing into the sea and making waves.Hence, it is named ‘Laolongtou’. After a long time and turmoil, not many of the original stone tablets remain in front of Chenghai Tower, the commanding height. Among them, the Tang tablet ‘Heaven Opens Sea and Mountains’ is extremely precious. These simple four characters accurately depict the geographical situation of Shanhaiguan. After reading it and then looking at the scenery, one naturally feels the sea and mountains depending on each other, the terrain is majestic, and the field of vision is suddenly widened.
The Great Wall extends deep into the sea and has stood for hundreds of years. When coming to Laolongtou, it is hard not to be shocked by the tall and majestic city wall and impressed by its weather-beaten temperament.
When Shanhaiguan is mentioned, the title of ‘the first pass under heaven’ comes to mind reflexively. This pass was built during the Ming Dynasty. The city is square in shape and not large in area. The city wall is towering and solid, with defensive facilities such as archery towers, enemy towers, and corner towers. It is easy to defend but difficult to attack, which is why it was highly valued during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The passage under the city wall is dark and deep, indicating the considerable thickness of the city wall. Entering the city, one can climb the city wall and overlook the whole picture of Shanhaiguan, or look into the distance at the majestic Jiaoshan Great Wall. One can also enter the pass city and embark on an immersive journey through time in a city full of ancient charm.Winter is often overlooked as a travel destination, but we defy that notion. Who says winter isn’t a good time for traveling? In fact, it’s the perfect season to visit Qinhuangdao and immerse yourself in the winter romance of the north.
Come to Qinhuangdao in winter, and you’ll see the mountains, seas, and passes in a way that’s uniquely beautiful. The stark contrast of the snow-covered landscapes against the sea’s icy blue creates a picturesque scene that’s hard to forget. Experience the charm of the north’s winter, where the cold air is crisp and the views are breathtaking.
So, don your warmest clothes and head to Qinhuangdao for a winter adventure you won’t soon forget.
