[2025 Suizhong Attraction] Travel Guide for Jiumenmen Water Great Wall Scenic Area (Updated Jul)

[Mid-Autumn Self-driving Nine Gates Water Great Wall] I took my mooncakes from Dalian, sat on the high-speed rail and joined my parents, and drove the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday together. After the autumn rain, I came to the Great Wall on the water in Jiumenkou! Located on the outskirts of Yuzhong County, the Great Wall of Jiumenkou Water is located at the junction of Liaoning and Hebei provinces. It was built in Beiqi and expanded in the early Ming Dynasty (1381). It is connected to the Great Wall in the direction of the Southern Shanhaiguan, and has been extending northward to the Jiujiang River, and then built a huge spanning river bridge over a hundred meters, named after the city's nine diarrhea gates.

Who says Northeast China only has Snow Town? This low-key **coastal old town** in Huludao, Liaoning, hides **ancient Ming Dynasty city walls, a Great Wall built on water, and a seafood feast for just 70 RMB per person**. Perfect for summer escapes with fewer crowds and stunning views, plus easy access via high-speed rail! Here’s my firsthand guide—just follow along 👇 🔥 Must-Visit Spots (Photo-Worthy!) 1. **Xingcheng Ancient City**: Truly lives up to its title as the "First Ancient City Beyond the Pass"! **Cobblestone paths, historic archways, and the Governor’s Mansion**—climb the city walls for a panoramic view and feel transported to a Ming Dynasty battlefield. The stories of Yuan Chonghuan’s resistance against the Qing Dynasty come alive here. (Ticket: 50 RMB; 3 hours enough to explore.) 2. **Jiumenkou Water Great Wall**: The only "Great Wall on water" in China! This 100-meter bridge spans the Jiujiang River with nine floodgate arches that are awe-inspiring. Explore military tunnels, hike up for mountain vistas, and snap epic photos. (A UNESCO World Heritage Site—don’t miss it!) 3. **Dongdaihe + Xingcheng Beaches**: - **Dongdaihe**: Pristine beaches! **Fine sand, fewer crowds**—go crabbing, feast on fresh seafood (10 RMB for cooking at local farms), and indulge in **sea urchins and mantis shrimp**. - **Xingcheng Beach**: Dubbed the "Second Beidaihe" for good reason! A 1.5 km golden sandy shore with breathtaking sunrises 🌅, plus swimming and jet skiing. (Ticket: 5 RMB—worth it!) 4. **Juehua Island**: The **largest island in Liaodong Bay**, nicknamed "Little Putuo of the North"! Discover **Tang King Cave and Longgong Temple**, hike the island’s boardwalk for rocky coastal views, and be moved by the sunset fishing boats. (Ferry ticket: 120 RMB, includes attractions.) 5. **Hidden Treasures**: - **Ling Mountain Scenic Area**: A sacred site blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism! Hike, breathe in fresh air, and visit ancient temples shrouded in mist. - **Huludao Ancient Town**: Family-friendly! **Paint opera masks, try gourd pyrography**, and enjoy lively folk performances. 🍤 Foodie Radar - **Seafood Feast**: Head straight to **Dongdaihe farmhouses**! Fresh flower crabs, oysters, and abalone cooked to order—**70 RMB per person for a feast** (must-try: garlic scallops + spicy clams). - **Local Flavors**: In Xingcheng Ancient City, try **grilled tofu skin and old-school sweet-and-sour pork**—crispy outside, tender inside, just 10 RMB per serving. 📌 Pro Tips - **Transport**: Take the high-speed rail to **Huludao North Station**, then Bus 1 to the beach. For attractions, rent a car (200 RMB/day). - **Stay**: Beachfront homestays from 100 RMB/night; for hot springs, choose **onsen hotels** (heavenly in winter snow!). - **Avoid Pitfalls**: ✅ July-August is fishing ban season—visit after September for the freshest catch. ✅ Juehua Island ferries are limited—check weather and book ahead. ✅ Hanfu rentals in the ancient city cost 30 RMB/hour—great for photos! 🌤 Experience mountains, sea, the Great Wall, and ancient towns in one trip, feast on seafood so fresh it dances, and spend just 500 RMB for 2 days! Come before the crowds—be the first to brag on social media! > *"When the sea breeze sweeps over 600-year-old walls, and you bite into just-caught crab, you’ll understand—Liaodong’s romance is salty."* 💙

Day 1 My journey began at Shanhaiguan Pass (山海关), famously known as the "First Pass Under Heaven." Unlike the often crowded sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, Shanhaiguan offered a rare and refreshing experience — I could explore the ancient fortress and climb the wall with almost no other tourists around. The peacefulness made the atmosphere truly special. Standing atop the massive stone ramparts, I marveled at the immense architecture stretching far into the horizon, where the wall blends seamlessly into the rugged mountains. The combination of weathered bricks, watchtowers, and the dramatic natural landscape created stunning photo opportunities at every turn, untouched by crowds. It felt as though I was stepping back centuries, absorbing the profound history and strategic importance this pass once held as the eastern gateway guarding the empire. Day 2 I ventured to the less well-known but equally breathtaking Jiumenkou Great Wall (九门口长城). This unique section is famed for its integration with the surrounding mountains and sea, where fortress gates are nestled into steep cliffs and the wall meanders along jagged ridges. Again, I was fortunate to find the site relatively quiet, allowing me to truly appreciate the beauty and engineering of this fortress without the usual hustle of tourists. The panoramic views of valleys, forested slopes, and distant sea were simply mesmerizing. The blend of natural and man-made defenses was a perfect reminder of the ancient military ingenuity that went into protecting the realm. I highly recommend visitors to include Jiumenkou in their itinerary — it’s one of China’s most photogenic Great Wall sections and an unforgettable experience for those seeking beauty and history in a serene setting.

Dongdaihe: The Hidden Gem of Bohai Bay, A Holiday Paradise Where Sea Breezes Meet Ancient Charm Along the shores of Bohai Bay at the border of Liaoning and Hebei lies a coastal haven yet to be over-commercialized—Dongdaihe. Here, you'll find golden sands as fine as powder, azure waters shimmering with waves, and the lingering aura of millennia-old Jieshi relics alongside the weathered marks of the ancient Great Wall. Known as the "purest coastline in northern China," Dongdaihe is the ideal escape for residents of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei to leave the hustle behind and embrace the mountains and sea. From the rustic joy of beachcombing to the lively charm of fishing villages at the foot of the Great Wall, from the grandeur of seaside sunrises to the romance of stargazing under open skies, this place captures the most authentic essence of a northern coastal retreat. I. Natural Gifts: The Pristine Coastline and Ecological Wonders of Bohai Bay Dongdaihe boasts 36 kilometers of undeveloped coastline with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, a rare "blue sea" area in northern China. Zhimao Bay Beach: The star attraction of Dongdaihe, its silk-soft sand and gentle shallows make it perfect for family fun and beachcombing. At dawn, witness the "first rays of sunlight over Bohai," and at low tide, the shore teems with tiny crabs, starfish, and seashells—a natural playground for kids. Jieshi Beach: Famous for Cao Cao's poem "Viewing the Vast Sea," which mentions "east of Jieshi, I gaze upon the boundless ocean." Towering Jieshi formations stand in the sea, where crashing waves create a spectacular spray—ideal for photography and ocean views. Yintai Mercury Ocean Park: A one-stop destination with a bathing beach, water park, and RV campsite, featuring rainbow slides, sand motorcycles, and other attractions for families and groups. Jiumenkou Great Wall (Water Great Wall): A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the wall winds across the Jiujiang River, creating the surreal sight of "a wall walking on water, water flowing through the wall." Climb the wall for panoramic views of mountains and sea, where history and nature intertwine. II. Cultural Heritage: Echoes of Millennia-Old Jieshi and the Great Wall Dongdaihe is not just a natural wonder but also a repository of history and culture. Jieshi Palace Ruins: The remains of a Qin and Han imperial retreat, with unearthed tiles, pottery, and foundations revealing its past as a key site for emperors' "eastern sea rituals." Nearby stone inscriptions bear poems by literati across dynasties. Qiansuo Ancient Town: A Ming-era military fortress with intact walls, gates, and cobblestone lanes. Explore ancient residences, the Garrison Office, and Guan Yu Temple to soak in the quiet charm of this "frontier town." Yong'an Gorge Great Wall: An unrestored wild section where wildflowers bloom amid crumbling walls. Hike to the top for sweeping views of sea and mountains—a hidden gem for trekkers. Meng Jiangnu Temple: Nestled in Wangfushi Village, legend says the heartbroken Meng Jiangnu gazed at the Great Wall from here. Incense drifts through the temple, where steles and statues recount her tragic love story. III. Immersive Experiences: From Seaside Thrills to Fishing Village Serenity Seaside Adventures Beachcombing: Check tide tables and hunt for clams, crabs, and shells at Zhimao Bay or Jieshi Beach. Bring buckets, shovels, and gloves for the best haul. Water Sports: Try sailing, jet skiing, or kayaking at Yintai Mercury Park, or charter a yacht for open-sea excitement. Stargazing Camping: At campsites like Kaisa Beach or Jieshi Beach, sleep under starry skies and wake to ocean waves—pure romance. Fishing Village Life Homestay Experience: Stay in family-run guesthouses at Zhimao Bay or Yangjia Village. Feast on fresh seafood, mend nets, or join fishing trips to embrace local culture. Seafood Market: Visit predawn markets (e.g., Wanjia Town) for live crabs, shrimp, conch, and oysters—buy to cook or have them prepared on-site. Handicrafts: In Suizhong County, try gourd pyrography or dough figurine-making to craft marine-themed souvenirs. Festivals Jieshi Cultural Tourism Festival (Summer): Features folk performances, seafood feasts, and beach concerts. Great Wall Hiking Event (Autumn): Trek Jiumenkou and Yong'an Gorge for history-meets-nature thrills. IV. Travel Tips: A Practical Guide Best Time to Visit June-August: Peak beach season (25-30°C), great for swimming and water sports. September-October: Crisp weather, plump seafood, ideal for hiking and photography. April-May: Quiet with migrating seagulls and blooming peach blossoms. Transport High-speed rail: Arrive at Shanhaiguan or Dongdaihe Station (some routes), then a 20-minute taxi to the coast. Drive: ~4 hours from Beijing, ~3.5 hours from Shenyang. Navigate to "Zhimao Bay" or "Yintai Mercury Ocean Park." Bus: Limited services from Suizhong County to Zhimao Bay—better to drive or hire a car. Tickets & Costs Zhimao Bay/Jieshi Beach: Free. Jiumenkou Great Wall: ¥40 (students half-price). Yintai Mercury Park: From ¥50 (extra for water activities). Seafood: Peak-season mantis shrimp ~¥30-50/jin, crabs ~¥60-100/jin—compare prices. Stay & Eat Accommodations: Zhimao Bay homestays (¥100-300/night, meals included), Kaisa Platinum Hotel (luxury sea-view rooms), beach campsites (¥50-100/tent). Must-Try Dishes: Steamed crabs, spicy mantis shrimp, sea urchin egg custard, mackerel dumplings, Suizhong water tofu. Night Markets: Zhimao Bay (BBQ/seafood stalls), Wanjia Town (local snacks). Tips Sun Protection: Strong UV—pack sunscreen and hats. Nights are cooler. Beachcombing Safety: Wear non-slip shoes, avoid deep water, and mind tide times. Eco-Friendly: Dispose of trash properly to protect marine life. V. Itinerary Ideas 2-Day Family Trip Day 1: Zhimao Bay beachcombing → Yintai Mercury Park → seafood dinner at a homestay. Day 2: Sunrise at Jieshi Beach → Jiumenkou Great Wall → depart. 3-Day Deep Dive Day 1: Zhimao Bay → Qiansuo Ancient Town → Meng Jiangnu Temple → homestay. Day 2: Jieshi Palace Ruins → Yong'an Gorge hike → seafood market → beach camping. Day 3: Water sports at Yintai Mercury Park → depart. Dongdaihe’s beauty lies in Bohai Bay’s purity, Jieshi’s timeless gravitas, and the warmth of fishing village life. Without Sanya’s crowds, it offers northern shores at their most genuine; without Qingdao’s artsiness, it resonates with history beneath the Great Wall. Pack your bags—let Dongdaihe’s breezes refresh you, its fishing lights spark joy, and this mountain-sea rendezvous become your most healing summer memory. "The waters ripple, mountains and isles stand tall"—two millennia ago, Cao Cao penned these lines here. Today, you too can sleep to the lull of waves.

🍀Jiumenkou Water Great Wall is located in Suizhong County, Liaoning Province 💰Ticket price is CNY 40, half price for children is CNY 20, and there are far fewer free and discounted policies compared to Hebei. 🚙The main way to get to the scenic area is by car, as there are no buses. You can also charter a car. In addition, it is quite cold in the mountains in winter, so there are very few tourists. ⏰The tour takes about 1.5-2 hours. 🏞There is a large square directly opposite the scenic area, facing the nine gates. Jiumenkou Great Wall is a section of the Ming Great Wall, built during the Wanli period, and has a history of more than 600 years. Its construction method broke the convention of building the Great Wall "without interruption when encountering mountains, and breaking when encountering water." It uses huge stone strips to build 8 shuttle-shaped bridge piers, forming 9 water gates, presenting the wonder of "breaking when encountering mountains, and not breaking when encountering water." 🅿️There is a parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area, CNY 10/time. Local farmers will set up stalls to sell their own fruits and vegetables, and the local customs are quite simple. ⛳️In short, it is quite good to drive here and make a trip along the way. On the one hand, it reduces fatigue and allows you to rest, and on the other hand, it adds a touch of fun to the journey home!💐

Panjin-Jinzhou-Huludao, six days of fun! This super practical guide will take you to three places, making your trip easy and full of joy! / 🚩Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive in Panjin and check in to the hotel After arriving in Panjin, take a private car to the hotel, arrange accommodation, and get ready for an exciting journey! DAY 2: Red Beach National Scenic Corridor Spend the whole day immersed in the magnificent scenery of Red Beach and feel the magic of nature. DAY 3: Guta Park - Liaoshen Campaign Memorial Hall - Bijia Mountain Visit the ancient pagoda, pay tribute to the heroic martyrs of the Liaoshen Campaign, and climb the beautiful Bijia Mountain. DAY 4: Guandong Hulu Ancient Town - Xingcheng Seaside Scenic Area - Longhuitou - Xingcheng Ancient City Shuttle through the ancient Guandong Hulu Ancient Town, feel the seaside style, and then visit the ancient Xingcheng Ancient City. A day full of activities. DAY 5: Jieshi Palace Ruins - Jiumenkou Water Great Wall Explore the ancient Jieshi Palace ruins, experience the history, and then visit the spectacular Jiumenkou Water Great Wall to feel the grandeur of ancient fortifications. DAY 6: Laolongtou On the last day, focus on visiting Laolongtou to learn more about the stories and legends of this historical landmark. / Travel tips: - Photo spots: Red Beach, Bijia Mountain, enjoy the beautiful scenery and leave your travel footprints! 📸 - December climate: Panjin-Jinzhou-Huludao is cold in winter, remember to wear thick clothes to keep warm! ❄️ - Airport transportation: Huludao Airport is not far from the city center, and taxis or buses are very convenient! 🚖 - Specialty recommendations: Panjin river crabs, Jinzhou dried tofu, reasonably priced, take them home and enjoy! 🎁 - Tidal flat guide: Check the tide table in advance, go to the tidal flat when the tide is low, and harvest a lot of seafood! 🦀 - Accommodation recommendations: Huludao city center hotels are cost-effective, with complete surrounding facilities, and comfortable to stay in! 🏨 / Panjin's red beach and green reeds, Jinzhou's historical charm, and Huludao's seaside style, a three-city trip, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Liaoning! 🌟

#greatwall

This should be a seaside resort that most people will miss! And I have to highly recommend it! Photo taken in June 2020, it was also a coincidence. Due to a flight change to Qinhuangdao, I switched to a train at the last minute, and then... 20 minutes drive from Shanhaiguan Railway Station, I discovered a place called 'Dongdaihe'! Actually, this is Huludao! And it's not in Hebei! It's already in Liaoning! If it weren't for this chance encounter, I would never have known about this place! After arriving, I found out that Huludao is such an interesting place! Extremely low prices, fresh seafood, seaside homestays with stunning views... niche historical and cultural attractions... and there's even... a World Cultural Heritage site! Huludao, originally just a transit point, made me stay for five whole days! It only takes about 20 minutes to get to the easternmost end of the Great Wall - Shanhaiguan; and the Jiumenkou Great Wall on Huludao is a very niche World Cultural Heritage site. Climbing the authentic water Great Wall is quite interesting! I also went to~~ One of the most well-preserved Ming Dynasty ancient cities in China: Xingcheng The world's first leaning tower is on the way to Xingcheng, called the 'Qianwei Leaning Tower' Its inclination and age are both greater than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and it's especially fun to take pictures Go find Cao Cao's 'East to the Jieshi Mountain to view the vast sea', and when you find the Jieshi, you also find the stunning seascape. If you like horse riding, take a ride along the sea, it's quite a different kind of fun! Compared to the well-known Beidaihe, this place is less crowded and quiet, with low consumption, yet on the same coastline. Although the beauty of Aranya is indeed impressive... But, the price for one night there is enough to stay in Dongdaihe for ten days!

Located at the junction of Hebei and Suizhong County, the Jiumenkou Great Wall connects Hebei and Liaoning. This is a place with stories, but these stories are quite tragic. Walking on the Great Wall and into the tunnel feels like crossing to the ancient battlefield, experiencing the feelings of the ancients, and sighing at today's life.