This impressive museum provides a thorough chronological history of the Wall, going into architectural features and including interesting scale models of the walled town and surrounding Great Wall locations. Plenty of photos and artefacts, as well as English captions.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.02 MILES
Although a heavily restored section of the Great Wall, Jiao Shan (角山, Jiǎo Shān) nevertheless offers an excellent opportunity to hike up the Wall’s first…
6.8 MILES
In a mountain valley 15km north of Shanhaiguan stretches the only section of the Great Wall ever built over water. Normally the Wall stopped at rivers, as…
3.35 MILES
Famous across China (although a little overhyped if we're being honest), Old Dragon Head, 4km south of Shanhaiguan, is where the Great Wall meets the sea…
0.22 MILES
The Great Wall's main gate as it snaked down the mountains towards the sea, the First Pass served as Shanhaiguan's east gate and principal watchtower. Two…
3.81 MILES
A well-known Ming reconstruction of the original Song-dynasty temple, this sight is dedicated to Lady Meng. Based on a famous Chinese folk tale, Meng…
0.19 MILES
The Wang Family Courtyard House is a large, 18th-century hútòng-style residence faced by a spirit wall. Inside is an amateur display of period furnishings.
1.09 MILES
This simple Taoist temple is a 800m walk outside the town walls from the west gate. You might have to wake up the avuncular attendant to let you in; if…
Nearby attractions
1. Wang Family Courtyard House
0.19 MILES
The Wang Family Courtyard House is a large, 18th-century hútòng-style residence faced by a spirit wall. Inside is an amateur display of period furnishings.
0.22 MILES
The Great Wall's main gate as it snaked down the mountains towards the sea, the First Pass served as Shanhaiguan's east gate and principal watchtower. Two…
1.09 MILES
This simple Taoist temple is a 800m walk outside the town walls from the west gate. You might have to wake up the avuncular attendant to let you in; if…
2.02 MILES
Although a heavily restored section of the Great Wall, Jiao Shan (角山, Jiǎo Shān) nevertheless offers an excellent opportunity to hike up the Wall’s first…
3.35 MILES
Famous across China (although a little overhyped if we're being honest), Old Dragon Head, 4km south of Shanhaiguan, is where the Great Wall meets the sea…
3.81 MILES
A well-known Ming reconstruction of the original Song-dynasty temple, this sight is dedicated to Lady Meng. Based on a famous Chinese folk tale, Meng…
6.8 MILES
In a mountain valley 15km north of Shanhaiguan stretches the only section of the Great Wall ever built over water. Normally the Wall stopped at rivers, as…