Shanhaiguan
Where the Great Wall Meets the Sea
For those interested in seeing where the mountains meet the sea, Shanhaiguan is the place to go. This city was once a Ming dynasty stronghold, and its garrison-like remains are still evident today. China’s Great Wall has captivated visitors for centuries, and the sections in Shanhaiguan are striking – even for those who have hiked Badaling. The Great Wall Museum also deserves a visit. If the children are up for it, leave the crowds behind and trek across the less preserved sections of the wall or to the Qixian Monastery.