Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (黄花城水长城) offers a unique experience that combines the beauty of the Great Wall with serene waters. Unlike other sections of the Wall, Huanghuacheng features segments that plunge directly into the water, creating a spectacular view known as “The Water Great Wall” (水长城). This area, rich in both history and natural beauty, is perfect for visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility. This guide will help you navigate this fascinating site, from ticket prices to must-see attractions, along with practical tips for your visit.
How to Get There
- By Car:
- Navigate to Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (黄花城水长城) via GPS to the P3 parking lot. You will pass P1 and P2 parking areas on the way, but avoid stopping there as they are farther from the entrance.
- Parking Fee: 20 yuan per car .
- Tourist Bus:
- Departure Points: Buses depart from Dongzhimen (东直门, Exit H) and Shaoyaoju (芍药居, Exit E) Metro stations.
- Departure Times: From Dongzhimen (东直门), the bus departs at 7:45 AM, and from Shaoyaoju (芍药居), it departs at 8:00 AM.
- Mubus (Holiday Service Only): Departs at 6:30 AM from Dongzhimen (东直门) Metro Station B1 Exit.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Adult Ticket Price: 60 yuan
- Additional Activities:
- Boat Ride (One-way): 25 yuan
- Speedboat (One-way): 30 yuan
- Magnetic Suspension Slide (One-way): 70 yuan, Round-trip: 120 yuan
Must-See Attractions in Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall
- Water Great Wall : The most famous feature of Huanghuacheng, where three segments of the Great Wall meet the water, creating an extraordinary visual of the Wall “floating” on the lake. This rare sight is unique to the region.
- Haoming Lake: A natural spring-fed lake where you can see wild mandarin ducks and other birds playing in the water.
- Reservoir Dam: During the summer, when the dam releases water, it creates a stunning artificial waterfall, making it a popular photo spot.
- Magnetic Suspension Ride: This thrilling ride takes visitors directly to the mountaintop (山顶), offering panoramic views of the entire area.
- Boat Experience: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride across the lake or take a speedboat to enjoy a thrilling experience on the water.
- Children’s Playground : A simple outdoor play area for children to enjoy, ideal for families looking to relax and pass some time.
Recommended Routes
Huanghuacheng offers several official routes catering to different levels of fitness and interest. Here are the most recommended options:
- Leisure and Relaxing Route:
- Route: East Gate → Reservoir Dam → Boat Ride → Peninsula → Beach → Ming Dynasty Chestnut Grove → Magnetic Suspension Ride (Up) → Mountain Viewpoint → Magnetic Suspension Ride (Down) → Boat Ride Return.
- This route is perfect for families, especially those with elderly members or children. The walking distance is manageable, and the scenic views are spectacular.
- Fitness and Exploration Route:
- Route: East Gate → Reservoir Dam → Lake Walkway → Peninsula → Beach → Ming Dynasty Chestnut Grove → Black Dragon Pond.
- This route requires more physical effort and is ideal for those who enjoy a more active day of hiking. It leads to the Black Dragon Pond, another notable attraction in the area. If driving, you’ll need to return to the parking lot to pick up your vehicle.
- Great Wall and Water Experience Route (For Adventurers):
- Route: East Gate → Ming Great Wall → Cross-Reservoir Bridge → Peninsula → Beach → Ming Dynasty Chestnut Grove → Magnetic Suspension Ride (Up) → Glass Walkway → Ming Great Wall → Black Dragon Pond.
- This route offers a combination of hiking, history, and scenic beauty. It’s more strenuous, but for those looking to experience both the Great Wall and the surrounding natural beauty, this is the route to take.
Important Tips for Visiting Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall
- Baby Carriages: The area is not ideal for strollers or baby carriages due to the many stairs and uneven paths, so it’s best to carry babies or use baby carriers.
- Mosquitoes: The area is surrounded by nature, so mosquitoes can be abundant. Be sure to bring insect repellent to avoid discomfort.
- Sun Protection: Wear sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sun-blocking clothing, especially during the summer months. The area can get very hot, and it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Early Arrival: If you are driving, it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid traffic and long queues at the entrance. We encountered a 1-2 kilometer long traffic jam during our afternoon departure.
- Time Needed: You’ll need at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the park, depending on the route you choose. If you plan on taking photos, remember to bring extra batteries for your camera or phone.