Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Huanghuacheng Great Wall scenery
Huanghuacheng Great Wall

 Photos

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.

 

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. 

Beijing Huanghuacheng Great Wall

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

Great Wall at Huanghuacheng
Beacon Tower, Huanghuacheng Great Wall

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.

1. From Dongzhimen: The bus departs at 08:30 from Dongzhimen Public Transit Hub near Dongzhimen subway station on line 2. The combo ticket for Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall and round-trip bus rides is CNY 80. 
2. From Qianmen: The bus leaves from Qianmen on subway line 2 and line 8 at 07:45 and from Shaoyaoju on subway line 10 and line 13 at 08:15. It costs CNY 84, including the ticket of Huanghuacheng Great Wall and the round-trip bus fare. 
 

Where to Eat

 There is a grill in the scenic area. You can bring your own food and ingredients there. Or you can buy food inside. Price there is fair.

Site Fee CNY 5 / per person
Oven (including coals) CNY 150 / once

 You can also eat in the local villagers' houses near the scenic area. Most of them also provide accommodation.
 

 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

- Last updated on Jun. 13, 2023 by Catherine He -
Questions & Answers on Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Asked by Alexia from COLOMBIA | Sep. 30, 2019 00:19Reply
Can i take my dog to the Great Wall ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Kylie from DENMARK | Oct. 09, 2019 02:50
00Reply


Yes, you can take the dog to Huanghuacheng Section.
Asked by evelin from MEXICO | Sep. 15, 2019 01:24Reply
do i need book Huanghuacheng Great Wall tickets in this section?
Answers (1)
Answered by Arien from NEW ZEALAND | Sep. 17, 2019 23:33
00Reply


You don't need to book the tickets in advance. Just purchase the tickets when you arriving at the spot.
Asked by Nikol from CZECHIA | May. 01, 2019 00:34Reply
Can I access this section of the Great Wall with having the transit visa only?
Does it still belong to the Beijing area freely accessible for the tourists vith 6 days transit visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Joshua from UKRAINE | May. 07, 2019 00:07
00Reply


Yes, you can tour around this place by making full use of the free transit visa.
Asked by Charlie Ritz from JAPAN | Dec. 10, 2018 05:03Reply
How much would it cost for one day at Huanghuacheng Great Wall?
Answers (1)
Answered by Harry from NETHERLANDS | Dec. 10, 2018 19:29
00Reply


It costs about CNY 200 including the ticket fare, traffic fee and cost of food for one day.
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