Did you know there’s a section of the Great Wall right by the ocean? This section is where the Great Wall begins!
It’s called the Old Dragon’s Head (Laolongtou 老龙头) because of its appearance. It’s just 2.5 hours away from Beijing in Hebei Province, so it’s a perfect day trip to see a unique section of the Great Wall.
How To Get To Laolongtou Great Wall
To get to this part of the Great Wall, take a train to Shanhaiguan 山海关. If you’re coming from Beijing, there are many trains from Beijing Railway Station and Beijing South Station and it will take around 2 – 2.5 hours depending on the train.
Once you arrive at Shanhaiguan, you can take a short 10 minute taxi to the Laolongtou Entrance. The entrance fee is 50 RMB and is usually open 7:00am – 6:00pm depending on the time of year.
Things To Do at Laolongtou Great Wall
Aside from walking on the Great Wall of course, you can enjoy the beach nearby and have a walk around! There are many little shops for food and drinks here. There is also a nearby temple you can check out.
If you have extra time, there is another part of the Great Wall in Shanhaiguan with more hiking and mountain views.
Visit the Great Wall by the Ocean
Laolongtou is a fantastic section of the Great Wall to visit if you’re looking for a unique and interesting section.
Looking for more information about other sections of the wall to visit? Check out my guide Which Section of the Great Wall Should You Visit?
Rachel Meets China 
Really a unique place 🥰
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I lived in China for a year and a half. And while I had the opportunity to see so many cool and interesting cultural and historical sights, the one regret I have after being back in Canada for over three years now is not getting to see the Great Wall of China. I’ve been to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Lama Temple, the Yanoda Rainforest, and Guan Yin Statue in Hainan Island, and traveled to Mount Tai’shan during National Holiday to climb this ancient Buddhist mountain. Living and teaching English in China has been to date the most rewarding experience of my life.
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Wow that’s great that you still saw so many things during your time here! I would like to visit Taishan as well, maybe this year!
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Hiking Mount Tai’shan is for those who are very physically fit. I spent the entire morning climbing those ancient stairs stopping to get pictures, food, and water along the way. It was early October. The weather was still quite humid, but at the top of the mountain, the weather was chilly. I visited the ancient Buddhist temple at the peak, chatted with some of the monks for a few minutes before making my ascent amongst throngs of people wearing multicolored rain ponchos. Let me tell you, I was sore for three days afterward. But it was worth it and I’d do it again.
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Wow. Fascinating as always.
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I’ve never heard of this part of the Great Wall before. Thanks for sharing Rachel. I also subscribed to your YouTube.
Great content!
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Hi! Thanks for reading, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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You’re welcome
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I remember visiting when part of the sea was frozen (boy it was cold) but stunning. This was a part of the Wall I always ensured my visitors went.
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Oh wow! I bet even frozen it was very beautiful!
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As a Chinese who has lived in Beijing for 25 years, I don’t know this beautiful place.
Thank you for sharing. I will go there next holiday.
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Yes I highly recommend! It’s very nice!
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Did you just go to LaoLongtou? didn’t visit Shanhaiguan（山海关）？ Qinhuangdao city has many places to see:
it has many sections of the great wall like jiaoshan great wall (角山长城）、jiumenkou great wall（九门口长城） and other wild sections of the great wall.
the city is also famous for its seashore in northern China.
and the mountain area around the city is amazing though not very famous
wonderful mountains like zushan（祖山）、bingtangyu（冰糖峪）、changshoushan（长寿山）、jieshishan（碣石山）are all worth to visit,very photogenic.
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