Chinese Name: 黄花城水长城 (huáng huā chéng shuǐ cháng chéng)
Admission Fee: CNY 34
Package Ticket A: CNY 55 (including admission fee and round-trip cruise)
Package Ticket B: CNY 45 (admission fee and single-trip cruise)
Tour Guide: CNY 50 (to the Peninsula); CNY 80 (to Black Dragon Pool)
Opening Hours:
08:00 - 17:00 (on weekday); 08:30 - 17:30 (at weekends and holidays)
08:30 - 16:30 (in winter)
Best Visiting Time: April, May, September, October
Location: Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall is located in the Jiuduhe Town, Huairou District, about 70 km (43.5 miles) from Beijing City.
Introduction: With a history of 600 years, Huanghuacheng Great Wall was constructed around 1404 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Huanghuacheng (city of yellow flowers) was named so because the mountains are covered with beautiful yellow flowers. Located to the north of Beijing City, Huanghuacheng is not only the northern gate of Beijing, but also an important border of the imperial Ming Tombs. It is considered one of the most outstanding parts of the Ming-dynasty Great Wall. The wall runs zigzag along undulating mountain ridges and circles around Haoming Lake. The lower parts of the wall are covered by the waters of the lake, giving the whole scene the appearance of a huge dragon playing in water.
Scenic Sports in Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall:
Great Wall in Water: A dam was built at Haoming Lake and the rising water covered the wall in the valley, hence the unique view of the Great Wall in Water. It is the one and the only area where three sections of the wall are submerged in water.
Haoming Lake: The lake is nestled in the surrounding hills, and the water is deep and broad. It is a pleasant experience to boat or fish on the lake and to enjoy the spectacular view of the Great Wall and the mountains.
The Peninsula: Located in the center of the scenic area, the peninsula lies against the green mountains and faces the water. It is the best place to enjoy the Great Wall in Water.
Ming-dynasty Chestnuts Garden: More than 40 chestnut trees were planted by the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty. You will be impressed by the twisted roots and gnarled branches of the ancient trees. Though hundreds of years have passed, the trees are still vibrant with life.
Black Dragon Pool: The pool is located at the western end of the scenic area. Surrounded by hills on all sides, the pool is deep and serene.
Huanghuacheng Great Wall Transportation
From Beijing City: Take bus No. 916 at Dongzhimen and get off at Huairou International Conference Center (怀柔国际会议中心). Then take the bus from Huairou to Xishuiyu (怀柔 - 西水峪) and get off at the last stop.
From Changping District: Take the special bus from Changping to Jiuduhe (昌平 - 九渡河专线) at Changping Long-distance Bus Station or Changling Road Crossing, Changping. Get off at Jiuduhe Filing Station and transfer to the blue minibus from Huairou to Xishuiyu the last stop.
Entertainment:
After visiting the Great Wall, you can relax in the scenic area. You can choose from a wide variety of outdoor activities. The following are the detailed charges:
Yacht: CNY 15 per person for single trip;
Pleasure boat: CNY 15 person for single trip;
Rowing boat: CNY 40 per hour (at most 4 person on a boat);
Paddle boat: CNY 50 per hour for 4 seats; CNY 60 per hour for 5 seats;
Fishing: CNY 10 for a rod with a deposit of CNY 100;
Camp fire: CNY 300 for 1.5 hours;
Camping: CNY 10 (tents are not provided)
Accommodation & Dining:
Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall usually can be visited in one day. However, if you prefer to stay there and enjoy your leisure time, you can either camp in the scenic area or stay in local farmhouses near the Great Wall. There are many licensed farmhouses in the Xishuiyu Village, so you can just choose a clean and tidy one. The price for one room is CNY 60 - 80 per night.
Dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients are specially recommended if you are going to have meals near Huanghuacheng.
