Great Wall of China in Huairou, Beijing

Located in the suburbs 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of central Beijing, Huairou has a total of 65.4 kilometers (40.6 miles) of the Great Wall. Stretching from the Huanghuacheng Great Wall in the west to the Hefangkou Great Wall in the east, this section links many renowned sections, including Mutianyu and Jiankou. The continuous mountains and expansive rivers in Huairou District not only provide an ideal location for the construction of the ancient Great Wall but also now serve as a vital natural ecological shield for the capital.

The Huairou section of the Great Wall is celebrated for its perilousness and magnificence. The ancient designers of the Great Wall ingeniously utilized the terrain and topography. They built the wall along the mountain ridges on gentle slopes, used the steep mountains and sheer cliffs as natural barriers in perilous areas, and set up passes at strategic locations in river valleys or canyons, with castles constructed on the inner side of the passes. As such, the Huairou Great Wall is a seamless blend of man-made fortifications and natural mountain barriers.

Moreover, Huairou's stunning mountain and water scenery further accentuates the Great Wall's majestic and perilous allure. The mountainous area in Huairou accounts for 89% of the total area of the district, with over 500 named peaks, among which 24 are over 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) above sea level. Here, the Great Wall stretches along the mountain ridges to the peaks and then descends into the valleys, presenting a wavy form. The surrounding natural beauty adds an extra layer of charm to the experience.
 Among the many sections of the Great Wall in Huairou, Mutianyu is the best-preserved and most famous one. Its broad, imposing structure, complemented by diverse watchtowers, winds gracefully along the mountain ridge, enveloped by ever-changing, picturesque natural scenery. The scenic area offers convenient cable car rides and exhilarating slides, enriching the Great Wall exploration experience.

Mutianyu Great Wall in Huairou

 Jiankou Great Wall is the most famous section of the wild Great Wall in China. Due to its perilous terrain and beautiful scenery, it is highly favored by photographers and hiking adventurers. The steepest part of the Jiankou Great Wall exceeds 80 degrees, and the narrowest part can only allow for one person to pass through. The hiking journey here is full of excitement and a sense of achievement. It should be noted that hikers coming here must have rich experience and professional hiking equipment, and it is advisable to embark on the adventure with a professional team and guide.

Jiankou Great Wall in Huairou

 The Huanghuacheng Great Wall stands out among the Great Wall sections in Huairou due to its unique underwater Great Wall scenery. Built around a lake, this section of the Great Wall offers visitors a variety of experiences, including hiking along the magnificent Great Wall, boating on the lake, frolicking at the beach, and picking fruits, providing a more diverse Great Wall tour.

Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Huairou

 

Xiangshuihu Great Wall

The Xiangshuihu Great Wall is famed for its perilous and steep terrain, featuring two “straight ladders” with slopes approaching 90 degrees, where the height between steps surpasses the average person's calf length, posing a formidable challenge to climbers. However, compared to the raw and perilous nature of the Jiankou Great Wall, the Xiangshuihu section has been restored, with iron chains on both sides of the dangerous “sky ladders” providing support and ensuring the safety of visitors. Additionally, the area is adorned with magnificent waterfalls and tranquil mountain springs, enhancing the overall allure of the Great Wall adventure.
 The Hefangkou Great Wall showcases distinctive Great Wall landscapes, including the thinnest watchtower and the natural wonder, Back of Carp. Located about 40 minutes' drive east of the Mutianyu Great Wall, you can include the original Hefangkou Great Wall in your itinerary while visiting the well-restored Mutianyu Great Wall.

Hefangkou Great Wall

 In Huairou, apart from the must-see Great Wall views, there are many other attractions worth exploring. For instance, Hongluo Temple, a Buddhist sacred site with a history of over 1,600 years, where it is said that praying for a good marriage is very effective; Yanqi Lake, known as the “Little Switzerland of Beijing's Suburbs”; and Qinglong Gorge, a natural scenic area offering numerous extreme sports such as bungee jumping, water flying, and bamboo rafting.