Found at the coastal border of modern-day Hebei and Liaoning provinces, Shanhaiguan’s name refers to its position at the meeting of mountains (shan) and sea (hai), The location where the wall meets the Bohai Sea is nicknamed "Old Dragon's Head" (Laolongtou). Throughout Chinese history, the pass served as a frontline defensive outpost against ethnic groups from Manchuria, including the Khitan, Jurchen and the Manchus. In 1381, the construction of the new fortress – the ‘First Pass Under Heaven’ was led by Ming general Xu Da, who was also responsible for the building of Juyongguan, Mutianyu and essentially most of what we recognise as the Great Wall of China today. For nearly three centuries, it proved vital in protecting the capital and its interests.

The Great Wall of China zigzags in northern China from Laolongtou (Old Dragon's Head) by Bohai Sea all the way to the desert in western China. Jiaoshan is the first mountain it climbs, so it is known as the "First Mountain of the Great Wall". The high and precipitous Jiaoshan Great Wall was first constructed in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), with a history of over 600 years. It is located about 2 miles (3 km) to the north of Shanhaiguan, and about 5 miles (8km) north of Laolongtou. Some sections have been renovated for visitors' convenience, while others are wild and genuine.