Huanghuacheng waterside Great Wall
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.
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.
Tours That Go to Huanghuacheng waterside Great Wall
Huanghuacheng Waterside Great Wall Private Tour - away from the crowds.
Huanghuacheng's Great Wall area is a beautiful tourist spot, combining mountains, lakes, and ancient Great Wall of legendary solidity. It is the latest section to become popular with hikers. It provides a challenge for hikers because the paths are steep and out of repair.
...Read moreHuanghuacheng's Great Wall area is a beautiful tourist spot, combining mountains, lakes, and ancient Great Wall of legendary solidity. It is the latest section to become popular with hikers. It provides a challenge for hikers because the paths are steep and out of repair.
To enhance the defense of the northern border, the emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) built an outer Great Wall and an inner Great Wall. The Huanghuacheng section is part of the inner Great Wall that connects the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in the east, via Jiankou, and Juyong Pass in the west.
Also to protect the mausoleum: After Emperor Yongle began his reign in the capital Beijing, he built a mausoleum at Tianshou Hill, south of Huanghua Town. Therefore, Huanghuacheng's Great Wall is not only to defend Beijing, but also a wall to protect the mausoleum (which later became the Ming Tombs). It is "the essence of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall".
Less-Traveled, But More to Do…
Huanghuacheng section is an uncrowded section. You can experience different activities like taking a boat on the lake to appreciate the Great Wall on the surrounding mountains. You can hike around the lake and across the dam instead of climbing the mountains.
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By Judy Dong - Encounter China Tours
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