Qinhuangdao秦皇岛

Overview

Qinhuangdao is located in northeastern Hebei Province, named after Emperor Qin Shi Huang's eastern inspection tour. It is one of China's first coastal open cities. The eastern starting point of the Great Wall, Laolongtou, extends into the Bohai Sea, while Shanhaiguan is known as the 'First Pass Under Heaven.' Beidaihe has been a summer retreat for over a century. Geziwo Park offers stunning sunrise views and bird watching. With cool summers and a 162km coastline, it is one of northern China's most important coastal tourism cities.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Shanhaiguan Pass (First Pass Under Heaven)

The eastern starting pass of the Ming Great Wall, known as the 'First Pass Under Heaven.' The commanding gate tower offers panoramic views of both sides of the pass.

Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head)

The only section of the Great Wall extending into the sea, like a dragon dipping into the waves. Jinglu Terrace and Nanhaikou Pass ruins are well preserved.

Beidaihe Seaside

A century-old summer resort with soft sandy beaches and clear waters. Tiger Stone Park and Biluota Bar Park are popular spots, perfect for evening seaside strolls.

Geziwo (Pigeon Nest) Park

Beidaihe's best sunrise viewing spot, where Chairman Mao wrote famous poetry. Yingjiao Pavilion offers superb sea and bird watching views.

Nandaihe Entertainment Center

A comprehensive resort combining beach, amusement rides and sand activities. The Xianluo Island cross-sea cableway spans 1km, popular for photos and sea flying experience.

Food & Snacks

Qinhuangdao Grilled Squid

Signature snack at Beidaihe night markets. Fresh squid grilled over charcoal with secret sauce, aromatic and irresistible.

Swimming Crab

Qinhuangdao coast is rich in swimming crabs, fattest in autumn. Steaming preserves the original flavor, sweet and firm meat.

Boluoleaf Cake

Traditional Shanhaiguan pastry wrapped in boluo leaves with starchy skin and filling, fragrant and delicious, a local specialty.

Mantis Shrimp

Abundant in Qinhuangdao coastal waters, plumpest in spring. Thin shell, thick meat after steaming, delicious and worth the peeling effort.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Great Wall (Shanhaiguan Section) (1987) — Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Shanhaiguan is the eastern starting point of the Great Wall, known as 'First Pass Under Heaven'. The Wall enters the sea here forming the Old Dragon Head, making it one of the most representative passes of the Great Wall defense system.
• Changli Ground Yangge Dance (2006) — Traditional folk dance from Changli County, Qinhuangdao, inscribed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006. Known for its brilliant clown performances with exaggerated and humorous movements, flexible footwork, one of Hebei's most representative folk dances.
• Shanhaiguan Legend of Meng Jiangnu (2006) — Folktale from the Shanhaiguan area, inscribed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006. The tragic story of Meng Jiangnu traveling thousands of miles to find her husband and her tears bringing down the Great Wall—one of China's four great folktales. The Jiangnu Temple at Shanhaiguan is an important memorial site.

Practical Tips