Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is located in Huairou District, 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from downtown Beijing. In Chinese, “huanghuacheng” means “the city of yellow flowers”. This section was so named because mountains and fields around the wall are full of wild yellow flowers in spring and summer. Huanghuacheng is the only Great Wall section in Beijing that is connected with water, which enables tourists to obtain a rare visiting experience by viewing the Great Wall during a boat ride.
Why Choose to Visit Huanghuacheng Great Wall:
- It is the only lakeside Great Wall of China. That is what makes Huanghuacheng stand out from all the Great Wall sections throughout the country. Embraced by rolling mountains, the Haoming Lake separates Great Wall at Huanghuacheng into three segments, presenting a unique view as the wall resembles a giant dragon playing with water.
- Besides the Great Wall, visitors can enjoy the superb natural scenery consisting of azure blue lakes, serene ponds, verdant mountains, deep valleys…There are lots of natural sights, like the Chinese Chestnut Garden of the Ming Dynasty, Green Jade Pool and Black Dragon Pool, to offer more delights to your trip.
- A wide choice of entertainment activities is available in the scenic spot, such as painted sightseeing boat, yacht, rowing boat and pedalo. It is also workable to camp out near the reservoir and participate in some bonfire party, which will leave good memories for tourists.
Basic Facts about the Huanghuacheng Great Wall:
- The construction work of this section started in 1404 and took 188 years to complete.
- It stretches for 12.4 kilometers in total with around 50 watchtowers distributed along the ramparts.
- Huanghuacheng Great Wall was of great military and historical significance in ancient times. It served as the northern gate of the ancient city of Beijing, stretching along mountain ridges and encircling the picturesque Haoming Lake (also known as Xishuiyu Reservoir).
- The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng was originally beyond the water. But the construction of the dam blocks the lake, which causes the water level to rise and submerge the segments built at the bottom of the valley.
- There is a Chestnut Garden near the Great Wall. It covers an area of over 100 acres with more than 40 ancient trees planted by soldiers garrisoned there during the Ming Dynasty.
- Huanghuacheng Great Wall is rich in forest and fruit resources. Chestnuts there are famous for the yield and fruit quality.
Why is Huanghuacheng Called Jintang Great Wall?
Huanghuacheng is also known as Jintang Great Wall. “Jintang” means “an impregnable fortress” in Chinese. There is a story of Huanghuacheng Great Wall, telling us about the origin of this nickname.
To defend enemies coming from the north, emperor of the Ming Dynasty decided to build the Great Wall along the northern border of Beijing City. General Cai Kai was assigned to direct the construction work at Huanghuacheng. He was so strict about the construction quality that even a single brick must be positioned precisely. Because of the slow progress, General Cai failed to finish the work on schedule and was beheaded by the emperor’s order.
However, Huanghuacheng Great Wall was lastly proved to be the most difficult part among all the sections in Beijing, but it turned out to be the strongest fortress of all. The emperor regretted deeply and ordered to give General Cai a great burial and set up a stele inscribed with “Jin Tang” at the Great Wall to rehabilitate his fame.
How to Buy the Entrance Tickets:
- Price of Entrance Tickets:
| Admission Fee | CNY 60 |
| Combo Ticket A: admission fee and a round-trip boat | CNY 100 |
| Combo Ticket B: admission fee and a single-trip boat | CNY 80 |
- Opening Hours:
| Monday to Friday | Weekends | |
| Apr. – Oct. | 8:30 – 17:00 | 8:00 – 18:00 |
| Nov. – Mar. | 8:30 – 16:30 | 8:30 – 16:30 |
Notes: This area could be vulnerable to the impact of bad weather, so the scenic area will not open during the serious rainstorm days. Please arrange your trip according to the notice on the official website of Huanghuacheng Great Wall.
When is the Best Time for a Huanghuacheng Great Wall Tour?
The best time to visit Huanghuacheng Great Wall is from April to October. During these months, the weather is comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold. And the scenery is charming. Visitors can enjoy great views of the Great Wall winding among rolling mountains that are blanketed by blooming flowers and lush trees.
How to Tour Huanghuacheng Great Wall
- Hiking Tour:
There is a stretch of lakeside plank along the northern bank of the Haoming Lake, enabling visitors to enjoy the full view of the Great Wall across the lake. You can also step on the wall and trek along the steps to explore the submerged Great Wall segment.
- Boat Trips:
| Painted Sightseeing Boat | CNY 25 per person for a single trip |
| CNY 45 per person for a round trip | |
| Yacht | CNY 30 per person for a single trip |
| CNY 55 per person for a round trip | |
| Rowing Boat | CNY 120 per hour (maximum limitation: 4 people) |
| Pedalo A | CNY 100 per hour (Maximum Limitation: 4 people) |
| Pedalo B | CNY 120 per hour (Maximum Limitation: 5 people) |
| Battery-Driven Boats A | CNY 160 per hour (Maximum Limitation: 4 people) |
| Battery-Driven Boats B | CNY 200 per hour (Maximum Limitation: 6 people) |
- By Magnetic Slide(up and down)
Lower Station: near the Chestnut Garden of Ming Dynasty
Upper Station: the top of the hill
Ticket Price: CNY 80 for a single trip; CNY 120 for a round trip
- Camping: Visitors are able to set up a tent at the foot of the Great Wall and enjoy a great time with friends and families while taking in thegreat views of the surroundings. If time permits, it is highly suggested you stay here until the late afternoon to view and take pictures of the stunning sunset at Huanghuacheng Great Wall.
Read more on Camping on the Great Wall of China
3 Classical Routes for a Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hiking Tour
Whether you are into relaxing sightseeing tours or outdoor adventures, Huanghuacheng Great Wall can always make you feel fulfilled. Here we list 3 popular routes that cater to visitors’ different needs, each taking 3-4 hours to finish.
- Option 1:
Enter from the eastern gate – Reservoir Dam – take a sightseeing boat – Peninsula – Sand Beach – Chestnut Garden of the Ming Dynasty – take the magnetic slide up – enjoy the panoramic view on the hilltop – take the magnetic slide down – return by the same route
Recommended for: family tour with the old and children
Features: enjoy the most beautiful scenery without too much walking, experience different kinds of entertainment facilities
- Option 2:
Enter from the eastern gate – Reservoir Dam – Lakeside Ring Plank – Peninsula – Sand Beach – Chestnut Garden of the Ming Dynasty – Black Dragon Pool – get out from the nearby gate
Recommended for: hikers, visitors with good physical strength
Features: hike along the lake and enjoy the full view of the Great Wall from the opposite bank, no backtracking
- Option 3:
Enter from the eastern gate – ascend the Great Wall – Cross-Reservoir Bridge – Peninsula – Sand Beach – Chestnut Garden of the Ming Dynasty – take the magnetic slide up – glass bridge – walk back to Peninsula – return to the entrance the same route or by boat
Recommended for: hikers, visitors with good physical strength
Features: explore along the ancient walls, enjoy the bird’s-eye-view of the surroundings, see the submerged Great Wall up close.
*Extended Hiking Trip to Zhuangdaokou Great Wall
There is a stretch of wild Great Wall on the east of Huanghuacheng Scenic Area. It is where the famous Zhuangdaokou Pass is located. With no renovation, the dilapidated walls and watchtowers reveal the unspoiled beauty of the Great Wall of China, which is totally different from other well-developed sections. This segment can be reached from Zhuangdaokou Village at the foot of the hill, and is highly recommended to experienced hikers or outdoor adventures.
Recommended Beijing tours with Great Wall:
- 2 Days Beijing Stopover Tour: Great Wall + Forbidden City
- 5 Days Beijing Group Tour with Badaling Great Wall
How to Get to Huanghuacheng Great Wall？
1. Self-Driving:
People can drive along the Jingcheng Expressway, get off the expressway at Exit 13, and follow the road signs to reach the scenic area. The total length of this route is about 85 kilometers, which could take about 2 hours.
Toll: about CNY 20
2. By Bus:
- Dongzhimen Special Tourist BusLine:
This tourist bus to Huanghuacheng Great Wall departs from Dongzhimen Public Transit Hub only during weekends and official holidays.
Departure Time: 7:45
Return Time: 14:50
Price of Bus Ticket: CNY 80 per person for a round trip
- Bus No.916:
Visitors can take Bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen Public Transit Hub to “Nanhua Park, the 3rd Area” in Huairou District, and then walk for around 100 meters to “Nanhua Park, the 4th Area” to take special bus line “Huairou – Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall” to the terminal.
Running Time of the Special Bus Line:
| Huairou → Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall | 5:35, 6:25, 7:06, 7:45, 8:25, 9:05, 10:05, 10:45, 11:25, 12:05, 13:05, 14:05, 15:05, 15:25, 16:05, 16:45, 17:35, 18:20 |
| Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall → Huairou | 6:10, 6:55, 7:55, 8:35, 9:15, 9:55, 10:35, 11:35, 12:15, 12:55, 13:35, 14:35, 15:35, 16:35, 17:00, 17:35, 18:15, 19:05 |
Popular Great Wall of China Tours:
- One-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour
- Beijing Group Tour to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall – No Shopping
What to Eat & Where to Eat
There is the WayWin Camping Site close to the Chestnut Garden of the Ming Dynasty inside the scenic area, offering barbecue set menus to visitors. Or, you can enjoy local specialties at a restaurant when you get out of the scenic area. There are a lot of restaurants near the entrance for you to choose from. He Shi Villa (何适农家乐), Xi Hu Xiao Yuan (西湖小院) and Liwan Restaurant (栗湾餐厅) enjoy the highest popularity and are all within walking distance from Huanghuacheng Great Wall.
Where to Accommodate
There is no need to worry about accommodation. Once you get out of the scenic area, you will find a lot of hotels, homestays and guesthouses near the entrance. Among them, Beijing Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall Derunju Guesthouse (北京黄花城水长城德润居), Yi Shan Ju Guesthouse (倚山居) and Shan Shui Yi Hao Hotel (山水一号) are well-known for the comfortable environment, perfect for visitors to get relaxed after the hiking tour.
