Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Huanghuacheng Great Wall is located in Huanghua City, which is 29 km away from northwest of Huairou county, 60 km away from Beijing City. Huanghuacheng Great Wall is a special sector of the Great Walls that connects with the mountains and rivers. This place is named Huanghua City because the cottages here are surrounded by a lot of gold flowers in mid-summer. Huanghuacheng Great Wall was built from 1404 to 1592 in Ming Dynasty. The length of it is 12.4 kilometers. It contains 40 hollow enemy broadcasting stations, 9 solid enemy broadcasting stations, 5 wall units and 8 Passes.

Huanghuacheng Great Wall is built on high mountains and has steep walls. It is majestic and built in sophisticated technology. It is also named the "impregnable wall”, because it built with slabs of stone and maintains very sturdy.

Features of Huanghuacheng Great Wall 

One of the features of Huanghuacheng Great Wall is that it is built in Ming Yongle of Ming dynasty (1404). Great Walls built in this time are steep, magnificent and majestic. It hovers above the ridge and is surrounded by Hao Ming Lake. The scenery here is beautiful and spectacular. It is not only the northern gate to guard Beijing City, but also an important gateway to guard the “Ming Tombs". Huanghuacheng Great wall is the essence of the Ming Great Walls. Another feature of it is that it is naturally divided into three sections by the lake. That makes it the spectacular scene that the Great Wall plays in the water and the water immerges the ancient city wall. It is a unique landscape that three sections of Huanghuacheng Great Wall enter into water. 

Must See Landscape in Huanghuacheng Great Wall

【Chestnut Garden】
There is a Chestnut Garden nearby, occupying hundreds of acres. There is a total of more than 40 ancient chestnut trees planted in Ming dynasty. The average diameter of the trees is 90 cm above. Most of trees are over 400 years old and every tree has intertwined shapes. Although they are weather-beaten, they still deeply rooted and stay energetic. The trunks of the tree look like dragons playing with a pearl. Ming soldiers planted these chestnut trees while they were defending the frontier. It maintains a unique cultural wonder due to such a large area of old-fashioned chestnut garden. 

【Black Dragon Pool】
Black Dragon Pool is located in the westernmost area, surrounded by mountains. There is spring water gushing from the bottom of the pool. The water is quite cold and clear. In summer, outside the pool is very hot, while inside, it is very cool and refreshing. 

【Boating】
There is a boat dock located in the west of the central peninsula; there are two kinds of projects: rowboat and pedal boat. Visitors can not only go boating on the lake, but also enjoy the cool air to rest, enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Recommended Touring Route of Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall, located in Jiuduhe Town of Huairou District, is the only section of the Great Wall in Beijing that connects directly with water. Known for its three wall sections dipping into the sparkling Hao Ming Lake, the site offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical heritage. The following route is ideal for most visitors, combining scenic views, cultural experiences, and leisurely recreation. The whole trip usually takes about 4 to 6 hours.

1. East Gate Entrance – Reservoir Dam
Enter the scenic area from the East Gate and start your visit by heading toward the reservoir dam. You can choose to climb the steep stone steps for a shorter route or follow the gentle slope for an easier walk. From the top of the dam, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Hao Ming Lake and the Great Wall mirrored in the water — one of the most iconic sights of Huanghuacheng.

2. Reservoir Dam – Boat Dock – Peninsula
From the dam, take a short boat ride (about 5 minutes) across the lake to reach the central peninsula. The cruise offers a close-up look at the wall’s submerged sections, where ancient stones meet rippling waves. On the peninsula, you’ll find a relaxing leisure area with local snacks, performance venues, and shaded rest spots — a great place to take a break and enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere.

3. Peninsula – Beach Area – Ming Dynasty Chestnut Garden
Continue walking to the sandy beach area, which features children’s play facilities and simple amusement projects, making it a popular stop for family travelers. From there, move on to the ancient Chestnut Garden. The garden is home to hundreds of centuries-old trees, including the “King of Chestnut Trees,” estimated to be over 830 years old. Strolling beneath these weathered giants, visitors can feel the deep passage of time and the endurance of nature.

4. Ming Chestnut Garden – Alpine Slide – Hilltop Viewpoint
From the Chestnut Garden, take the magnetic alpine slide (about 5 minutes) up the mountain. Along the way, you can overlook the lake and the winding wall from above. Once at the summit, you’ll reach a prime viewing platform — a perfect spot for taking photos and soaking in the magnificent scenery. Afterward, you can descend the same way via the alpine slide, enjoying both the thrill and the view.

5. Beach Area – Glass Walkway – Ming Great Wall
Head from the beach area toward the Glass Walkway, one of the most popular photo spots in Huanghuacheng. Suspended above the water near the point where the Great Wall dips into the lake, the glass path offers a unique vantage point to admire the stunning fusion of water and stone. Continue walking along the Ming Great Wall itself — especially the second or third sections, which are relatively easier to climb and reward visitors with sweeping views of mountains, lake, and sky. Here, you can truly experience the poetic charm of “the Wall walking on water, and water flowing beneath the Wall.”

6. Ming Great Wall – West Gate Exit
After exploring the wall, follow the trail toward the West Gate to conclude your journey. Near the exit, there is a parking lot and a small shopping area where visitors can rest, buy local products, or grab a light meal before leaving the scenic area.

This recommended route offers a well-balanced mix of natural scenery, cultural discovery, and leisure activities. Depending on your schedule and stamina, you can adjust the duration or skip certain sections. For those with extra time, hiking to the nearby Black Dragon Pool or joining outdoor adventure programs inside the scenic area is also highly recommended to further explore the charm of the Water Great Wall.

Travel Tips for Visiting Huanghuacheng Great Wall

Wear comfortable shoes. Some paths have steep or uneven steps, so sneakers or hiking shoes are ideal.

Pace yourself. If planning to walk the full route, distribute your energy and take breaks when needed.

Be cautious near water areas. The paths around the lake can be slippery — keep a safe distance from the edges.

Plan ahead for transportation. Parking areas are available outside the scenic zone, and visitors need to walk a short distance to enter. It’s advisable to check the route and ticketing details in advance.