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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.

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. Half price for children between 6 - 18 years old, and seniors above 60 years old. CNY 80 for a full entry ticket and single trip boat ride; CNY100 for a full ticket and round-trip boat rides.
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

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
Yacht	CNY 55 / per person / round-way
Sightseeing Boat	CNY 25 / per person / one-way
Sightseeing Boat	CNY 45 / per person / round-way
Pedalo	CNY 100 / h (for four people)
Pedalo	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.

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

The bus departs from Beijing downtown at 08:00 on every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and holidays and arrives at Huanghuacheng at about 10:00. It returns from Huanghuacheng at 15:30 and arrives in downtown at 17:30.

Boarding Point in Downtown: East of New Poly Plaza Hotel; you may take subway line 2 to Dongsishitiao, get out from Exit B and walk eastward for 100 meters (110 yards) to get there.

Boarding Point in Huanghuacheng: No. P2 Parking Lot

Ticket Fare: CNY80 for a round-trip and CNY50 for a singel-trip.

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.