Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Huanghuacheng is the only lakeside Great Wall in Beijing. It is one of the top destinations for a Great Wall hiking tour. Visitors can also take a boat to appreciate the Great Wall at Huanghuacheng from a different angle. Located 70 kilometers (45 miles) away from Beijing city proper, it takes about 1.5 hours to get there by private car and 2 - 3 hours by public bus.
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Basic Facts of Huanghuacheng Great Wall
When summer arrives in full bloom, the entire village below is awashed in a sea of yellow wild flowers ('yellow flower' is 'huanghua' in Chinese). Hence the village name Huanghuacheng (Huanghua City in English), and by turn the Great Wall section acquires its name.
The construction commenced in 1404, two years before the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) moved its capital to Beijing, and continued for 188 years.
Mountainous terrain nearby makes it strategically placed as the northern gateway to Beijing.
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Solid large flagstones in the body of the wall have withstood the wear and tear from both nature and man.
Embracing the clear Haoming Lake, this section is 7.7 miles (12.4 kilometers) in length and partly submerged.
A reservoir dam was built on the former site of Xishuiyuguan Pass, near the entrance to the scenic area.
Like other sections, partial segments are only submerged after the dam have caused a rising of water level and leading to today's special feature.
There is a lush chestnut garden at the mountain foot. It was planted by soldiers of the Ming Dynasty, who were assigned to stand guard in Huanghuacheng.
| Admission Fee | ||
| CNY 60 for adults; free for children less than 3.9 feet in height or below 6 years old. | ||
| Opening Hours | April to October | Weekdays: 8:30 – 17:00 |
| Weekends, May 1 to 7, and October 1 to 7: 8:00 – 18:00 | ||
| November to March | 8:30 – 16:30 | |
How to Tour Huanghuacheng Great Wall
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| Huanghuacheng Great Wall Map (Click to enlarge) |
There is a boardwalk on the hill facing the scenic area. You can see everything while wandering along the walk. The experience is pleasing with lush trees and clear lake by your side.
Half way down the boardwalk, you will find a small island against the hill. At the center of the scenic area, it is the best vantage point. There is a wharf, where you can board a cruise to enhance your experience.
| Yacht | CNY 30 / per person / one-way |
| CNY 55 / per person / round-way | |
| Sightseeing Boat | CNY 25 / per person / one-way |
| CNY 45 / per person / round-way | |
| Pedalo | CNY 100 / h (for four people) |
| CNY 120 / h (for five people) | |
| Rowing Boat | CNY 80 / h (for four people) |
Climbing this section is not challenging. But it is in serious disrepair.
There is an ancient hilltop tower named Dongliushi Tower to the east of the dam. It is the highest point, providing a bird's-eye-view of the whole scenic area.
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When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit this section is from April to October. The weather is pleasant in April, May, September, and October. With its lush plants and clear lake, it is also suitable for summer.
How to Get to Huanghuacheng Great Wall from Downtown Beijing
Mu Bus
Tip: Prior reservation on the offical web of Mu Bus is required.
Bus No. 916:
Take bus no.916 or 916 Express at Dongzhimen to Nanhuayuan Sanqu in Huairou, and then walk to the nearby Nanhuayuan Siqu to board the bus H21 to the final stop Xishuiyu. Walk north for a couple of minutes to the scenic area. The whole transfer takes about 2-3 hours.
| Bus No. 916 | Bus No. 916 Express | Bus H21 | |
| Fare | CNY 12 | CNY 12 | CNY 6 |
| Operating Time | From Dongzhimen:6:00 – 21:30 To Dongzhimen:4:30 – 19:00 | From Dongzhimen: 5:50 – 20:00 To Dongzhimen: 4:30 – 18:50 | From Huairou: 5:35 – 18:20 To Huairou: 06:10 - 19:05 |
Special Sightseeing Bus: It's available on weekends and holidays from April to October. From Dongzhimen: The bus departs at 07:45 from Dongzhimen Public Transit Hub near Dongzhimen subway station on line 2. The round-trip bus ticket costs CNY 80. The bus returns to Beijing at 14:40 and stops at Shaoyaoju and Dongzhjimen metro station.
Where to Eat
There is a grill in the scenic area. You can bring your own food and ingredients there. Or you can buy food inside. Price there is fair.
| Site Fee | CNY 5 / per person |
| Oven (including coals) | CNY 150 / once |
You can also eat in the local villagers' houses near the scenic area. Most of them also provide accommodation.
Further Reading
Hiking from Huanghuacheng to Xishuiyu
Great Wall of China in Huairou, Beijing
Wild Great Walls in Beijing
12 Popular Beijing Activities to Beat the Summer Heat
8 Most Beautiful Places in Beijing in Autumn