It is situated in the east of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, forming a pass of strategic importance at the eastern end of the Great Wall. Shanhaiguan became known as the First Pass Under Heaven since ancient times. It was set up by General Xu Da in 1381 (the 14th year of the Ming Hong Wu reign) when a castle was erected here. Shanhaiguan was shaped like an irregular trapezoid with a gate on each side, namely Zhendong, Yingen, Wangyang and Weiyuan. The south and north wings are fortifications where soldiers were stationed. Outside the east and west gates are outer walls to strengthen the defense of the castle. The average height of the Shanhaiguan Great Wall is 11.6 meters, its width over 10 meters. It is built of rammed earth faced with bricks. A horizontal board with the inscription for "First Pass Under Heaven" in the calligraphy of the Ming dynasty scholar Xiao Xian hangs on the second story of the Gate Tower. There are two small fortifications, one in the south, the other in the north. They are the same shape and size. Together with towers at the northeast and southeast corner, they present a solemn majesty.
Five kilometers to the east of Shanhaiguan, the starting point of the Great Wall dips into the sea like a dragon's head. Piling 10 meters high and dipping 21 meters into the sea, the rocks chum the surging waves. Hence the name Old Dragon Head came into existence.
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