What does the Old Dragon’s Head really resemble? It is not just a hill. It is a starting point of something truly great. I’m talking about the Great Wall of China. We are standing at Dragon’s Head Hill. It marks the spot where the Great Wall begins its epic journey.
The Old Dragon’s Head extends 23 meters into the sea. It looks like a dragon drinking water. Imagine that dragon right here. It was built in 1579 during the Ming dynasty. Think about the history that this hill has witnessed.
Emperors of the Qing Dynasty visited Dragon’s Head Hill. Kangxi and Qianlong stopped here. They were on their way to worship ancestors. This makes the city even more worthy. From here, you can see the Great Wall. It zigzags across the mountains like a dragon. The vast sea stretches far into the sky to the south. It feels like you could embrace the entire world.
The Old Dragon’s Head Complex has many parts. There is the Estuary Stone City. There is also Jinglu Watchtower. Wangshou Watchtower and Nanhaikou Pass are here. Don’t forget Chenghai Tower and Ninghai City. Binhai City completes the complex. Each part has its own story to tell.
Chenghai Pavilion stands out. It is a two-story building made of bricks and wood. Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong visited it. They left poems and inscriptions. A plaque displays four Chinese characters. These tablets contain poetry from famous writers.
The Nereus Temple was rebuilt in 1988. It is near the Laolongtou Great Wall. The temple includes archways and a Drum Tower. You will also find the Nereus Hall. The Hall of the Goddess of Heaven is also here. Statues of Nereus and the Goddess of Heaven are inside.
Estuary Stone City was built by General Qi Jiguang. It extends 22 meters into the sea. It was built on natural reefs. These rocks acted as foundations. It once defended against attacks.
Jinglu Beacon Tower was built in 1565. It stands 15 meters tall. There are three rooms inside. Six doors and nine windows allow ventilation. It formed a defense system with Chenghai Pavilion.
Ninghai City and Nanhaikou Pass are worth visiting. They were built in the Ming Dynasty. Watchtowers guarded the South China Sea. Nanhaikou Pass is the No.1 Pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
The Great Wall is also known as the “10,000-mile-long wall”. Tourists climb its stairs at Badaling. Some hike along wild sections. From here at Dragon’s Head Hill, the journey begins. It is more than just a wall. It is a symbol of China’s strength and history.
Old Dragon’s Head served as a military fort. It defended against land and sea attacks. The original wall was built with rice syrup, earth, sand, and lime. Imagine the workers building this massive structure.
So, as you stand here at Dragon’s Head Hill, remember its significance. It is the beginning of the Great Wall. It is a place of history. It is a symbol of China. Take a moment to appreciate the view and the stories it holds.