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 45 miles (70 kilometers) away from Beijing city proper, it takes about 1.5 hours to get there by private car and 2 hours by public bus.
Basic Facts of Huanghuacheng Great Wall
1. 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.
2. The construction commenced in 1404, two years before the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) moved its capital to Beijing, and continued for 188 years.
3. Mountainous terrain nearby makes it strategically placed as the northern gateway to Beijing.
Beijing Huanghuacheng Great Wall
4. Solid large flagstones in the body of the wall have withstood the wear and tear from both nature and man.
5. Embracing the clear Haoming Lake, this section is 7.7 miles (12.4 kilometers) in length and partly submerged.
6. A reservoir dam was built on the former site of Xishuiyuguan Pass, near the entrance to the scenic area.
7.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.
8. 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.
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.