Considered a masterpiece amongst ancient Chinese military forts, Shanhaiguan was one of the first sections of the Great Wall to enjoy special protection. Thanks to government efforts on all levels, the 600-year-old fortress is as alive today as ever. In 2003, Shanhaiguan became one of the first sites to be included in the National Protection Program of the Great Wall. The program earmarked over a billion and a half yuan for the protection and renovation of the Ancient City of Shanhaiguan within five years and 200 million yuan to renovate the Shanhaiguan section of the Great Wall over two years. The 8 million bricks used to renovate the ancient Wall were ordered specially from a dozen different traditional brick production bases around the country. Additionally, all the materials and techniques used in the renovation were identical to the originals. Builders endeavored to preserve the structures’ past magnificence with as much authenticity as possible everywhere, including the 6,000 meters of the ancient city wall, as well as traditional private residences and more than 100 quadrangles that date back to the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

From atop the lofty Bell and Drum Tower, one can still recognize the original grid-shaped layout of the historic city. Thanks to the efforts of the local government, the ancient city has regained life with strong Ming and Qing architectural styles. Four of the city’s primary boulevards, lined with ancient archways and structures, each intersect – the Century-Old Chinese Street in the east, Culture and Art Street in the west, Specialized Commercial Street in the south, and Bar Theme Street in the north. The four contrasting streets combine tradition and chic while injecting prosperity and modernity into the ancient city.

In addition to the protection of its surviving cultural relics and ancient architecture that attest to the city’s visual beauty, Shanhaiguan has also taken measures to protect its pieces of intangible heritage, which represent the city’s soul. This principle has been persistently followed in urban construction and protection, and its effectiveness is manifest in Shanhaiguan, which has become a model combination of the past and present.