Shanhaiguan Pass is an ancient pass located in Qinhai City, Hebei Province, and it is the eastern starting point of the Great Wall of China. It is also one of the most famous passes in Chinese history. It is not only a military fortress but also a city that carries a heavy history and cultural memory. The city is ancient and majestic, with a style of ancient architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The streets inside the city are crossing and intersecting, and ancient buildings such as the Bell and Drum Tower, the Yingshen Gate, and the Wangyang Pavilion are arranged in a harmonious way, creating a picture of ancient charm. Here, not only does history speak, but culture is also passed down through generations.
The First Pass in the World
The arrow tower of the First Pass is the most iconic building of Shanhaiguan Pass, known as "The First Pass in the World." It rises high into the sky, with a grand and imposing appearance. The large signboard hanging inside, "The First Pass in the World," leaves people with a deep sense of respect. The four corners of the tower are decorated with various animal-shaped spires. On the north, east, and south sides, there are a total of 68 arrow holes, showcasing the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient military defense. To the north and south of the tower are the Jingbian Pavilion, the Muying Pavilion, the Linglu Pavilion, and the Weiyuan Hall, forming the majestic "Five Tigers Guarding the East," which is truly breathtaking.
Bell and Drum Tower
The Bell and Drum Tower is located at the center of the ancient city and is a significant landmark of Shanhaiguan Pass. It consists of the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, and the Wenchang Pavilion, all combined in a unique design. The Bell and Drum Tower is not only a building for ancient timekeeping but also a favorite place for scholars and literati to climb and enjoy the view. The Wenchang Pavilion inside houses the God of Wenchang, symbolizing success and fame, and conveys a wish for a bright future. The architectural style of the Bell and Drum Tower is very rare within the country. It has witnessed the changes of Shanhaiguan Pass through the ages and carries the aspirations of people for a better life.
Yingshen Gate
The Yingshen Gate is the western gate of the ancient city of Shanhaiguan, also known as the Yingshen Pavilion. It was built during the Ming Jiajing period. The name "Yingshen" comes from the view of the capital city in the distance. The signboard on the top of the pavilion, "Xiangai Ruzhuang," was personally inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, symbolizing the vast imperial grace and the spread of auspiciousness in all directions. Today, the Yingshen Pavilion stands proudly, witnessing the historical changes of Shanhaiguan. It is not only the gateway of the ancient city but also a bridge connecting the past and the present, allowing people to feel the weight of history and the inheritance of culture.
Wangyang Pavilion
The Wangyang Pavilion is a city tower on the southern gate of the pass, named after its southern view of the sea. It was once the commercial center of Shanhaiguan. However, during the Japanese invasion of China, it suffered severe damage. After restoration, it stands again as a symbol of the protection and development of the ancient city. The pavilion houses the historical records of the anti-Japanese resistance in YanGu, reminding people of the heroic and tragic history. The architectural specifications of the Wangyang Pavilion are the same as those of the arrow tower of the First Pass. It is a wooden structure with a nine-spire sloping roof, with a width of three rooms and a depth of two rooms, covering an area of 326 square meters. It is an important part of the ancient city of Shanhaiguan.
Shanhaiguan is not just a city, but a reflection of a historical era. It witnessed the military defense of the Ming Dynasty and the transportation route of the Qing Dynasty, and it is also an important node in modern Chinese history. Here, every ancient building and every stone tells the story of the past, allowing people to feel the weight of history and the inheritance of culture. This is the echo of history, the accumulation of culture, and the home of the soul. Whether one is walking along the streets of the ancient city or standing on the arrow tower to look afar at the sea, one can feel a sense of calm and solemnity, as if time has stopped and history continues here. Shanhaiguan is a city worth to be savor, and a history worth remembering.
