Where Does the Great Wall of China End?

Q: When was Laolongtou built?

This section was built in 1381 under the supervision of Qi Jiguang, a Ming-dynasty general and was considered very important in the empire's defence system, as it protected the empire from enemies coming from both land and the sea.

Q: How do you get to Laolongtou?

Once you get to Qinhuangdao Town, take bus no. 25 or a taxi, they are rather cheap. To get to Laolongtou from Shanhaiguan take bus no. 25 from Shanhaiguan South Gate Station or bus no. 21 from Ying'en Tower Station.

Discover Beijing • By LTL Team HQ • May 30, 2023

Discover the Ancient Marvel of Laolongtou: China’s Legendary Dragon Head

When you come to China, the Great Wall – built to protect China from raids and conquerors – is something you simply have to visit.

There are many sections to visit and each is appealing for various reasons – Mutianyu, for example, is one of the most popular, the best restored and very close to Beijing.

Whilst a little further out, the end of the great wall, Laolongtou, is also absolutely worth a visit.

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the East China Sea, Laolongtou holds a significant place in Chinese history and culture.

Where Does The Great Wall End – Laolongtou?
Where Does The Great Wall End – Where Is It?
Where Does The Great Wall End – How To Get There?
Where Does The Great Wall End – When Should I Go?
Where Does The Great Wall End – Why Go?
Where Does The Great Wall End – FAQ’s

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What is Laolongtou?

Laolongtou is where the Great Wall of China ends and meets the sea.

Where the Great Wall Meets the Sea

It is part of the Shanhai pass and its name “laolongtou” means Old Dragon’s Head, since some claim it looks like the head of a dragon drinking water from the sea.

This section was built in 1381 under the supervision of Qi Jiguang, a Ming-dynasty general and was considered very important in the empire’s defence system, as it protected the empire from enemies coming from both land and the sea.

DID YOU KNOW – These days laolongtou is a famous tourist destination- but luckily is never too crowded!

So, if you have an extra day to spare, don’t miss this section!

Where is Laolongtou?

The Laolongtou section is easily reachable from Beijing, although it will take you a couple of hours to get there and back.

You will first have to get to either Shanhaiguan Town (5 km southeast from Laolongtou) or Qinhuangdao Town (19 km east from Laolongtou).

I’d recommend taking the train, but be careful!

Train tickets tend to sell out really fast, so make sure you get them in in advance!

Train tickets prices range from CNY 100 to CNY 200, depending on which type of train you take (this is the price if you depart from Beijing, prices may vary if you depart from other cities).

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How to Get to Laolongtou Great Wall?

On top of the Great Wall at Laolongtou

Once you get to Qinhuangdao Town, take bus no.25 or a taxi, they are rather cheap.

To get to Laolongtou from Shanhaiguan take bus no.25 from Shanhaiguan South Gate Station or bus no. 21 from Ying’en Tower Station.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi which are always in abundance.

The tickets in the period from May to October are CY 50 and CY 20 from November to the following April.

Don’t forget to bring cash with you, you can pay with WeChat, but that requires some Chinese-language skills.

If you are still struggling with Chinese (hey, who isn’t?!), here are some simple phrases that can help you:

Wǒ yào mǎi yì zhāng piào. (我要买一张票) – I want to buy a ticket.
Wǒ yǒu xiàn jīn. (我有现金) – I have cash.
Duìbuqǐ, nǐ huì shuō yīngwén ma? (对不起，你会说英文吗?) – I’m sorry, do you speak English?
Wǒ xiǎng qù zhèige dìfāng. (我想去这个地方) – I want to get to this place.

If you go to Shanhaiguan, you can also visit the “First Pass Under Heaven”.

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When should I go to Laolongtou Great Wall?

The best time to visit this section is between May and October.

The Beach and the Great Wall

Along the seaside, there is a long stretch of golden beach.

It is a great place to escape Beijing during the scorching summer days of July and August.

It is Hebei province, after all, so it won’t be too warm, but people go there to enjoy the sea.

If you visit during the winter, prepare for snow, dress warmly and wear good walking shoes.

This section of the wall is very beautiful and very well restored.

Why go to Laolongtou?

So, why should you visit Laolongtou?

For the chance to step into a world of legends, to witness architectural wonders, to marvel at coastal beauty, and to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture.

Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime because Laolongtou is waiting to welcome you with open arms (and maybe a dragon’s roar).

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Where Does The Great Wall End – FAQ’s

Where does the Great Wall end?

Laolongtou is where the Great Wall of China ends and meets the sea.

When was Laolongtou built?

How do you get to Laolongtou?

Once you get to Qinhuangdao Town, take bus no. 25 or a taxi, they are rather cheap.

To get to Laolongtou from Shanhaiguan take bus no. 25 from Shanhaiguan South Gate Station or bus no. 21 from Ying’en Tower Station.

What is the best time to visit Laolongtou?

The best time to visit this section is between May and October.

Along the seaside, there is a long stretch of golden beach.

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Where Does the Great Wall of China End?