Summer self-driving to Qinhuangdao, the sea breeze gently brushes the Laolongtou

The Shanhaiguan in Qinhuangdao, Hebei, is the starting point of the Great Wall, and Shanhaiguan is known as the 'First Pass under Heaven'. Laolongtou, which extends directly into the sea, is also worth visiting. Laolongtou is located on the coast of the Bohai Sea, four kilometers south of Shanhaiguan City in Hebei Province. It is the eastern starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Laolongtou is situated on high terrain and includes the 'Stone City Entering the Sea' built by Qi Jiguang, the General of Ji Town in the Ming Dynasty. The Stone City Entering the Sea is like a dragon's head reaching into the sea, playing with the waves, hence the name 'Laolongtou'. The Laolongtou scenic area consists of the Stone City Entering the Sea, the Temple of the Sea God, and other attractions. The west wall is inlaid with recumbent steles of poems about the Chenghai Tower written by emperors and literati of the Qing Dynasty. Inside the tower, there are cultural relics unearthed from Laolongtou and inscriptions and poems by some party and national leaders. Military buildings such as the Ninghai City Parade Ground, Longwu Camp, and the General's Platform within the city display the fortress style of the Ming Dynasty. The well-preserved Ming Dynasty Great Wall ruins have unique archaeological value. This section of the Great Wall entering the sea is the only military defense system in the Great Wall that combines mountains, sea, pass, and city. It is also the only sea entry point of the Ming Great Wall and the starting point of the eastern part of the Ming Great Wall. The construction of this section of the Great Wall was mainly to prevent the cavalry from outside the pass from invading the hinterland of Shanhaiguan. These fierce cavalry often took advantage of the low tide or the dry season in winter to make a long march along the beach. The foundation of this stone city on the sea is very solid and has withstood hundreds of years of sea erosion without destruction. Ticket price: 60 yuan for adults, 30 yuan for discounted tickets. Address: Building 3, Shihe Wangjiao, Shanhaiguan District.