Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Located 70 kilometers (43 miles) from downtown Beijing, the Huanghuacheng Great Wall stands out as the only lakeside Great Wall section in the capital. It meanders along rolling ridges and encircles the serene Haoming Lake, allowing visitors to relish both the grandeur of northern landscapes and the gentle charm of southern style. Haoming Lake divides the Huanghuacheng Great Wall into several segments, with two parts now submerged underwater, creating a unique spectacle of an ancient city wall half-immersed in water. This distinctive feature has earned it the nickname “Water Great Wall”.

Here, there are serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, the magnificent Great Wall and a wealth of tourist facilities, making it an ideal place for hiking and sightseeing.
 

 When summer arrives in full bloom, the entire village below is awash in a sea of yellow wild flowers (“yellow flower” is “huanghua” in Chinese). Hence the village name Huanghuacheng (Yellow Flower City in English), and by turn the Great Wall section acquires its name.

Huanghuacheng Great Wall  Photos

 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. 
 Embracing the clear Haoming Lake, this section is 12.4 kilometers (7.7 miles) in length and partly submerged.

 A reservoir dam was built on the former site of Xishuiyuguan Pass, near the entrance to the scenic area.
 

Compared to other parts, the Huanghuacheng Great Wall is an ideal hiking destination. Despite having numerous steps, their gradient is relatively gentle. This allows you to choose between an easy or more challenging trail, depending on your physical condition.
 Surrounded by mountains and adjacent to the Great Wall, Haoming Lake is a natural spring-fed body of water. Spanning about 20 hectares (50 acres) with a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet), it presents a broad and serene expanse. In spring, apricot blossoms encircle the lake, casting a soft pink reflection on its surface. To explore the lake, visitors can choose from various watercraft, including sightseeing boats, pedal boats, and speedboats, each providing a different perspective of this idyllic landscape.

Price:

Yacht	One-way	CNY 30
	Round-way	CNY 55
Sightseeing boat	One-way	CNY 25
	Round-way	CNY 45
Pedalo	CNY 120 per hour It can accommodate up to 5 peopleand requires a deposit of CNY 300.

 Nestled in the center of the scenic area, the peninsula is embraced by lush mountains and encircled by water on three sides. This prime location offers the optimal vantage point for viewing the underwater expanse of the Great Wall. Cloaked in verdant foliage, the peninsula boasts a serene and idyllic environment, with terrain so flat that it stands as an ideal heaven for camping and picnicking.

Submerged Great Wall

Great Wall at Huanghuacheng

Home to over 100 ancient chestnut trees, this garden was planted by soldiers stationed in Huanghuacheng during the Ming Dynasty. Among them, the “King Tree” is particularly notable. At over 800 years old and with a diameter exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet), it stands as a symbol of longevity. The garden reaches its pinnacle of beauty in autumn when the leaves turn a glorious golden. This season also offers the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of chestnut-picking and tasting.
 Taking a helicopter ride provides a unique and thrilling way to view the Great Wall as it winds around Haoming Lake, along with the magnificent surrounding lakes and mountains. Each helicopter can accommodate up to three passengers. The price for this experience ranges from CNY 1,000 to 6,000 per aircraft, depending on factors such as flight duration and additional services.
 The magnetic slide moves at a moderate speed, giving you a sensation similar to riding a sightseeing train. During the ride, you can overlook the Great Wall and the lake below. This makes it an especially appealing option for family tourists, including the elderly and children.

Fare: One-way: CNY 80; round-way: CNY 120
 The glass bridge cleverly connects the chestnut garden to the highest beacon tower. Made of transparent glass, it offers an exciting walking experience. As you traverse it, the blue-rippling lake beneath your feet creates a captivating and somewhat dizzying view, adding an extra layer of adventure to your exploration of the area.
 

There are many ways to tour the Huanghuacheng Great Wall. You can choose to travel via boat, magnetic slide and other means, or explore on foot along the lakeside plank road or by hiking on the Great Wall. Here are several recommended tour routes:

Huanghuacheng Great Wall Map

East Gate → Cruise Boat Dock → Take a cruise boat to the peninsula → Beach → Chestnut Garden → Take the magnetic slide to the Observation Deck →Observation Deck → Take the magnetic slide back to the Chestnut Garden → Glass Bridge → Great Wall → West Gate

This route combines multiple tour methods like cruising, using the magnetic slide, and hiking on the Great Wall. It's not overly tiring and allows you to experience most of the must-visit spots and popular amusement facilities at the Huanghuacheng Great Wall. You can relish the view of the Great Wall while cruising, overlook it from the Observation Deck, and get up close to it during the Great Wall hike. The integration of these methods provides a more comprehensive experience.
 

East Gate → Cruise Boat Dock → Take a cruise to the peninsula → Beach → Chestnut Garden → Take the magnetic slide to the Observation Deck → Observation Deck → Take the magnetic slide back to the Chestnut Garden → Peninsula → Take the cruise back to the Cruise Boat Dock → East Gate

This route does not involve any hiking on the Great Wall. However, you do have the option to ascend the Great Wall from the Observation Deck if you want. With the help of cruise ships and magnetic slides, your tour will be more relaxing. Activities such as having a picnic on the peninsula and playing games on the beach will add fun to your family trip.
 

West Gate → Lakeside Ring Plank Path → Peninsula → Beach → Chestnut Garden → Jade Pool → Black Dragon Pool → Jade Pool → Observation Deck → Great Wall → Glass Bridge → Great Wall → West Gate
This route takes you on a complete loop around the entire scenic area on foot, allowing you to enjoy all the attractions. It requires good physical fitness as no transportation is used.

 

Generally, the period from May to October boasts the most pleasant temperatures, making it a comfortable time for a visit. Huanghuacheng Great Wall offers charm throughout all four seasons. In spring, peach blossoms burst into bloom, blanketing the area in a soft, pink hue. Summer brings an array of water sports, inviting visitors to cool off and enjoy the refreshing environment. Autumn paints the landscape with a riot of colorful red leaves, creating a breathtaking sight. In winter, the frozen river surface presents a scene of unique tranquility and charm.

Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Summer

Beacon Tower, Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Adult	CNY 60
Children under 1.2 m (3.9 ft.)	Free of charge
Aged 6 - 18 or over 60	CNY 30

 You can purchase tickets for the Huanghuacheng Great Wall either on its official website or WeChat account. However, it should be noted that the online ticket-purchasing platform has no English version, and tickets must be bought at least two hours in advance. Alternatively, paper tickets are available for purchase on-site. Nevertheless, you usually have to queue up, and there's no assurance that tickets will still be in stock. Therefore, to ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance through a third-party travel agency.

April to October	Monday to Friday	08:30 - 17:00
	Saturday, May 1 - 7, and October 1 - 7	08:00 - 18:00
	Sunday	08:00 - 17:00
November to March	Sunday	8:30 - 16:30

 

Option 1: Dongzhimen ⇔ Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Departure Schedule: Fridays through Mondays
Route:
- Departs from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub at 07:45. 
- Makes a stopover at Shaoyaoju Station at 08:15.
- Arrives at Huanghuacheng at 09:40.
- At 14:40, passengers gather for the return trip.
- The bus arrives at Shaoyaoju at 16:00 and then reaches Dongzhimen Transportation Hub at 16:30.
Fare: CNY 80 for a round-trip
Driving Duration: 2 hours

Option 2: Mu Bus: Swissotel ⇔ Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Departure Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Route: 
- The bus departs at 8:00 from the Swissotel, which is 50 meters east of Exit C of Dongsishitiao Station, Line 2 of the subway. 
- It arrives at Huanghuacheng Great Wall at 10:00. 
- At 16:00, passengers should gather at the visitor center of the scenic area for the return journey.
- The bus arrives at Hang Seng Bank at 18:30.
Fare: CNY 40 for a single trip, CNY 80 for a round-trip
Driving Duration: 2 hours

Notes: The departure times of the above two tourist buses may change with the season. Please book and confirm your tickets two days in advance on the official website of Mu Bus or Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch.
 

Route：
-At Dongzhimen Transportation Hub Station, take the 916 Express bus to Nanhuayuan Sanqu Station.
-Walk about 300 meters (330 yards) west and transfer to the H21 Huairou - Huanghuacheng special line at Nanhuayuan Siqu Station.
-Get off at the terminal station, Xishuiyu Station.
-Walk about 500 meters (550 yards) north to the entrance of Huanghuacheng Great Wall.
Driving Duration: 3 hours
Fare: 
Bus No. 916 Express: CNY 12; Bus H21: CNY 9
Operating Time：
Bus No. 916 Express: From Dongzhimen: 5:50 - 20:00; To Dongzhimen: 4:30 - 18:50
Bus H21: From Huairou: 5:35 - 18:20; To Huairou: 06:10 - 19:05
 

1. The peninsula features a barbecue area where you can bring your own food and water for a barbecue.
2. It's advisable to bring an extra set of clothes, enabling you to change in case your clothes get wet during water activities.
3. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
 

 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