Private tour: Discover Shanhaiguan Great Wall and Old Dragons Head by Bullet Train with Lunch

You will be met by your private guide at your hotel who will escort you to the railway station to take the speedy bullet train to Shanhaiguan station. Your guide will not travel with you on the train, the journey is around 2 hours and 30 minutes and upon arrival a local guide will meet and transfer you to the magnificent Shanhaiguan Great Wall.

Shanhaiguan Pass was constructed in the Ming Dynasty as a fortress to defend against attack by Mongolian tribes. The most important defence was the eastern wall where the Zhendong Tower, the ‘First Pass under Heaven’ is located. The ancient town within the pass is a treasure trove of well-maintained old buildings still in the traditional style. Your guide will give you an insight into the area as you visit the impressive Gate House, the Bell and Drum Tower in the center of the walled town and the exceptional Great Wall Museum where you can learn about the history and culture of the area.

Lunch will be arranged by your guide at a local restaurant in Shanhaiguan town.

After lunch travel a short distance by private car to visit Laolongtou, known as ‘Old Dragon’s Head’, where the east end of the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea. The fortress here has a rich history dating back to 1368 when the Ming Dynasty Emperor Hongwu ordered the construction of Ninghai Fortress at Laolongtou to defend against attacks and looting from either land or sea. In the Qing Dynasty peace came to the region and these sections of the wall became a scenic spot for emperors to visit. Explore the towers of the fortress walking as far as the 'Entering Sea Stone Wall' where the sea laps around the partly submerged wall.

After discovering the delights of Laolongtou, you will be transferred back to the station for the return bullet train to Beijing. On arrival you will be met by a private car and a guide for a transfer back to your Beijing Hotel.