Huanghuacheng Great Wall: 2025 Travel Guide to Beijing Water Great Wall

The Huanghuacheng Great Wall, also known as Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall, sits in Jiudu Town, Huairou District. It is 75 kilometers (47 miles) from downtown Beijing to Huanghuacheng Great Wall, which stands out among other Great Wall sections as it is the only segment connected with a lake. That’s the reason why it’s called the Water Great Wall.

The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall is not only a famous tourist resort combined with lush mountains, lucid waters, and majestic Great Wall, but also a popular hiking and camping destination. A Huanghuacheng Great Wall tour can offer you a tranquil trip with fewer crowds and queues. When peddling a boat on the lake, visitors can be immersed in the elegance of the northern scenery and the gentle charm of the south.

Why Visit Huanghuacheng Great Wall?

The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng was named the National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2013 and was rated a 4 A-level tourist attraction in 2014. Huanghuacheng is characterized by the majestic scenery integrated with both southern and northern elements. The Haoming Lake divides it into several sections, creating this unique Water Great Wall, with two segments submerged under water. This feature has allowed it to receive over 4 million tourists from home and abroad.

History of Huanghuacheng Great Wall

The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall was built during the reign of the Emperor Yongle (1403-1424) in the Ming Dynasty to protect the northern border from invasion. During the construction, it was rumored that the Wall was built on a poor foundation, although investing so much money and time, which irritated the emperor. Then the general, Cai Kai, who was in charge of this project, was beheaded.

However, the truth came to light that Huanghuacheng Great Wall was particularly sturdy and firm, which dawned on the emperor that he had executed the general wrongly. After that, two characters, Jintang (金汤), which means the impenetrable fortress, were engraved on the Wall to commemorate Cai.

Top Things to Do & See at Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hike

Compared with other Great Wall sections, Huanghuacheng is hiking-friendly, having numerous steps with gentle slopes. Hikers can choose a suitable hiking trail, easy, moderate, or challenging, according to their physical condition. The enchanting hiking route winds through mountains, canyons, and lakes. When you step onto the bridge, an underwater world will be presented in front of you, with part of the Great Wall plunging into the lake, and mountains reflected on the water.

Haoming Lake Boat Ride

Haoming Lake, also renowned as Xishuiyu Reservoir, connects the Great Wall and is surrounded by mountains, with an average depth of 15 meters. The reservoir presents an intriguing panorama of the lake, with various underwater life. The apricot blossoms will scatter over the lake when spring comes. Here you can not only hike the Great Wall, but also pedal on the lake to immerse yourself in this vivid landscape.   Diverse kinds of boats can be your alternatives, including sightseeing boats, pedal boats, yachts, etc.

Bonfire Party on the Beach

After hiking the Wall, you can hold a bonfire party or set up a barbecue grill on the beach with your family and friends. The scenic spot will provide visitors with needed wood. And people can just sing and dance around the campfire under the starry night, while the bonfire lights up that piece of land and sets a good vibe for a deep talk. Rolling mountains and valleys, sparkling water, and soft sand form the best backdrop together for this lovely evening.

Chestnut Garden

The Chestnut Garden has more than 100 ancient chestnut trees planted by soldiers in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Among them, a famous King Tree grows, which is viewed as the symbol of longevity, with a long history. When it comes to mid-summer, the chestnut blossoms’ fragrance will pervade every corner of the Huanghuacheng Great Wall. In the early autumn, the garden will embrace a golden world. Besides, do not miss the chance given by the autumn to savor the sugar-covered chestnut.

Magnetic Slide

You can enjoy a thrilling magnetic slide in the Chestnut Garden. The magnetic slide will offer you a novel experience, moving at a moderate speed. After the ascending process, you can enjoy the stunning panoramic vista of the garden and the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, which is also especially welcomed by seniors and kids. The fare of the magnetic slide is 80 RMB for a single trip, and 120 RMB for a round trip.

Peninsula on Huanghuacheng

Situated in the center of the scenic area and surrounded by the mountains and lake, the peninsula possesses an optimal location, offering a perfect view of appreciating the water and land. Except for the unique angle of sightseeing, it is also the hallowed ground for camping and having a picnic.

Glass Bridge Stroll

The glass bridge links the Chestnut Garden with the highest tower, stretching about a hundred meters, which is also the only glass walkway connecting the Great Wall in China. It brings an exciting and kind of giddy experience to visitors, while they appreciate the marvelous landscape above and the history underneath the glass.

3 Classic Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hiking Routes

Route 1: East Gate - Peninsula - Chestnut Garden - Magnetic slide - Glass Bridge - Great Wall hike - West Gate (about 1.5 - 2 hours)
Begin with the east gate, and enjoy the breathtaking views on the peninsula by boat. This route covers several most popular sites, combined with three transportation, including hiking, boating, and magnetic slide, which help you gain a richer experience. After sliding, you can also visit the Observation Desk, then return to the Chestnut Garden and cross the Glass Bridge. Finally, hike the Wall to the west gate.

Route 2: East Gate - Peninsula - Chestnut Garden - Observation Deck - East Gate (about 2 hours)
Start your trip from the east gate, then cruise to the Peninsula, and walk through the beach before getting on the Observation Deck. Then take the magnetic slide to return to Chestnut Garden, then the Peninsula. Finally, take a cruise to the boat dock and end at the east gate. This route does not include hiking. Visitors can enjoy a more convenient trip with the assistance of cruising and magnetic slide, which is extremely welcomed by seniors and kids.

Route 3: West Gate - Peninsula - Chestnut Garden - Jade Pool - Black Dragon Pool - Observation Deck - Great Wall hike - Glass Bridge - West Gate (about 5 hours)
Enter the west gate, step into the peninsula, and cross the beach to reach the Chestnut Garden. Visit the Jade Pool and Black Dragon Pool. Walk to the Deck, start a Great Wall hike, and cross the Glass Bridge. End the trip at the west gate before another Great Wall hike. This one belongs to a full hiking route, which takes you to hike around almost the whole scenic area. But it is physically demanding, and more suitable for hiking enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit Huanghuacheng Great Wall

The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng offers various seasonal beauties all year round. But you are advised to avoid the public holidays, including the May Day holiday (May 1-5) and the National Day holiday (October 1-7). The best period to visit the Wall ranges from April to May, and October to November, which are in early summer and late autumn.

Those two seasons provide the moderate temperature and crisp air for a comfortable and refreshing trip. In spring, visitors can enjoy the peach blossoms growing awaking every corner. In autumn, you can mesmerize a golden world dotted with red, orange, or yellow leaves in various shapes. When winter comes, the frozen lake will bring sightseers a unique serenity.

How to Get to Huanghuacheng Great Wall

By Mu Tourist Bus

By Direct Tourist Bus

By Public Bus

From Mutianyu Great Wall

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Huanghuacheng Great Wall Travel Essentials & Tips

Entrance Fees

Adults 60 RMB Children under 1.2 m (3.9 feet) Free for admission fee Children aged from 6-18, Seniors aged above 60 30 RMB

Opening Hours

Peak Season (Late March to Mid-October) Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday and the Public Holiday (May 1 - 5, and October 1 - 7) 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday and the last day of public holiday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Off-peak Season (Late October to Early March) Sunday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Hiking Tips

1. Anti-slip hiking shoes are necessary for the hiking journey.
2. Bring some snacks and a bottle of water to replenish your energy.
3. Take a power bank for recharging your phone.
4. A camera can help you capture the fascinating natural scenery.
5. Remember to take sun protection or rain gear according to local weather.

Nearby Attractions & Tours

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall is located 26 km (16 miles) away from Huanghuacheng, which is about a 40-minute drive. Compared with public transportation, taking a car is better because the former takes less time. It is close to downtown Beijing and facilitates visitors to visit other tourist attractions. Mutianyu section belongs to one of the Sixteen Scenes of Beijing, a 5-A scenic spot, and the longest section of the Great Wall of China. Mutianyu is equipped with complete infrastructure.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs sits about 20 km (12 miles) away from the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, which was the mausoleum of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. It belongs to one of the National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, and was put on the World Cultural Heritage list. A Sacred Way offers a path to the tombs, grown with 12 stone zodiac animals on both sides. The Ming Tombs cover an area of 120 square meters, of which Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling are accessible to the public.

FAQs about Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Why is Huanghuacheng Called the Jintang Great Wall?

General Cai Kai presided over the construction of the Huanghuacheng Great Wall. He was decapitated owing to being misunderstood by the emperor, who misjudged the general's slacking in his work. But it turned out the Wall was built to consolidate. To commemorate the general, it was inscribed with Jintang on the face of a huge rock below the wall, which means firm and stable.

Is the Huanghuacheng Great Wall hike difficult?

The Huanghuacheng section belongs to a half-wild Great Wall, with a level of 2 in length and a level 4 in climbing. Although a short trail, it needs steep climbing, both up and down.

What’s the difference between Huanghuacheng and Mutianyu?

Depending on your needs. The Mutianyu section is not strenuous and suitable for lighter hikers, which is as popular as the Badaling section with congestion, and may be difficult to find photo spots. Huanghuacheng section, with a moderate hiking level, is close to Beijing city, good for picture taking natural scenery, and makes it convenient to explore other Beijing tourist attractions.

Is there water in the Great Wall of China?

Parts of the Huanghuacheng Great Wall exist under the water.

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