Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head) is the most eastern end of the Great Wall. It is 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of Shanhai Pass, and extends about 23 meters (75 ft) into the Bohai Sea, like a dragon dipping his head drinking water from the sea, hence its name.

Laolongtou is an important part of the miliary defense system of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, and also a key attraction of the Shanhai Pass.


Standing at the Laolongtou Great Wall, to the north, visitors can see it zigzagging over the rolling mountains, while looking to the south, it is the vast expanse of the sea stretching far away.

History: The sight's name derives from a legendary stone-carved dragon head that used to face the sea. It was built in 1579 in the Ming Dynasty. Unfortunately the original wall has long since crumbled away, and what stands today is a 1980s effort by the authorities to replicate the original. By the shore, the Changtai Tower, and the Temple to the Sea Goddess that sits in its center, was originally built in 1579, but is now covered with replica soldiers in Qing Dynasty costumes.



Travel Essentials

When to go

The Laolongtou is 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of Shanhai Pass, which is located in Qinhuangdao City, nearly 300 km (186 miles) east of Beijing. China Highlights use high-quality air-conditioned private transport to take the hassle out of getting to the wall.

What to Wear
What to Bring

Walking Conditions
The Great Wall at Laolongtou is well preserved, and therefore walking conditions pose no risks.

Nearby Attractions: Beidaihe Scenic Area in Qinhuangdao City.
There are also many attractions to see in Beijing City.