山海关浑锅诨Shanhaiguan Mixed Hot Pot : A Legendary Feast of Mountains and Seas Beneath the Great Wall!
If you’re looking for a hot pot experience that combines mountain treasures with fresh seafood, then Shanhaiguan Mixed Hot Pot will absolutely amaze you! This isn’t just any hot pot — it’s a culinary feast born at the starting point of the Great Wall, where every bite blends the richness of the mountains with the freshness of the sea.
1. Origins & History
The story of Shanhaiguan Mixed Hot Pot began in the Ming Dynasty. Soldiers stationed at the Great Wall braved the bitter cold by cooking mountain delicacies together with seafood from Bohai Bay, creating a nourishing and flavorful dish. This reflects the wisdom of “living by the mountain, living by the sea” — bringing Shanhaiguan’s unique geography into one legendary pot.
2. Cultural Significanc
In Shanhaiguan, this hot pot represents inclusiveness and reunion. Locals say: “One pot blends mountain and sea, five flavors unite past and present.” Beyond being a must-have dish for winter warmth, it’s the top choice for family gatherings and festive banquets. On Shanhaiguan tables, the Mixed Hot Pot symbolizes balance, harmony, and the meeting of land and sea.
3. Key Ingredients
- From the Mountains: Free-range chicken, wild mushrooms, bamboo shoots
- From the Sea: Bohai prawns, sea cucumber, scallops, squid
- Special Additions: Handmade meatballs, local pickled cabbage, marinated tofu
- Cooking Vessel: Traditional copper charcoal hot pot — evenly heated, preserving original flavors
4. Cooking Metho
This dish is built layer by layer, like a mountain-sea fusion:
Pickled cabbage base → Mountain layer (chicken, mushrooms) → Seafood layer (prawns, shellfish) → Meatballs & tofu → Poured over with a rich broth made from chicken bones & fish bones → Slow-simmered over charcoal → Eaten as it cooks, growing richer with every bite!
5. Flavor & Taste
The first sip of broth gives you earthy richness from mountain ingredients, followed by a burst of seafood freshness. Pickled cabbage adds a refreshing tang that balances the flavors, while the handmade meatballs bring a delightful chewiness. The ingredients mingle together to create a clear yet deeply flavorful broth, layered with taste and endlessly satisfying.
6. How to Eat
The best way is to drink the soup first, then enjoy the ingredients! Pair it with Shanhaiguan’s famous sesame flatbread, dipping it into the broth. Locals love adding chive flower sauce and garlic paste for extra flavor. Pay attention to the broth — it evolves as you eat, from light and fresh to rich and bold.
7. Where to Tr
Head straight to the ancient city of Shanhaiguan, the birthplace of this hot pot!
- Top Restaurants: Qinghe Hot Pot (清河浑锅), First Pass Under Heaven Hot Pot (天下第一关浑锅)
- Price: Around 100–150 RMB (≈15–22 USD) for 3–4 people
When ordering, just say: “Yào yí gè Shānhǎi hún guō, duō jiā hǎixiān!” (“One Shanhaiguan Mixed Hot Pot, extra seafood please!”). Don’t miss asking the restaurant for the freshest seasonal ingredients.
8. Traveler’s Tips
- English Name: Shanhaiguan Mixed Hot Pot
- Best Season: Autumn and winter — perfect for warming up
- Recommended Pairing: Local almond milk drink, cooling and soothing
- Special Experience: Many restaurants have dining views of the Great Wall — enjoy hot pot and history in one setting!
DIY Home Recipe
- Prepare chicken broth with ginger and scallions
- Place pickled cabbage at the bottom of the pot
- Layer chicken and mushrooms in the middle
- Add seafood like prawns, scallops, or squid on top
- Finish with meatballs and tofu, simmer for 20 minutes
- Serve hot and enjoy with sesame flatbread and garlic-vinegar dip
🔥🐚 Taste the Meeting of Mountains and Seas 🏔️🌊
Shanhaiguan Mixed Hot Pot is more than food — it’s a living testimony of geography, history, and culture. Rich, hearty, and full of meaning, it’s a must-try feast on your China food journey. Don’t forget to snap a photo and post: “Today I tried a Great Wall hot pot where mountains meet the sea — so delicious I forgot to take more pictures!”
