The Huanghuacheng Great Wall is the most distinctive Great Wall section near Beijing — the only Wall in the world that runs partially underwater, plunging into and emerging from the Hao Ming Lake reservoir 60 km north of Beijing. Built during the Ming Dynasty as a critical northern defense, the wall was partially flooded when the reservoir was constructed in the 1950s, creating the unique “Water Great Wall” landscape. The result is one of the most photographable Great Wall sections — yellow-flowering hillsides in summer, golden autumn reflections, and lakeside swimming opportunities that no other Wall section offers.
This guide covers Huanghuacheng Great Wall — the lakeside hiking experience, boat rides on the reservoir, summer swimming options, transport from Beijing, and combining Huanghuacheng with the unique water-wall photography that has made it a quietly cult favourite among Wall enthusiasts. Best for travellers wanting something different from typical Great Wall day trips, photographers, and families wanting the lakeside variety.
Huanghuacheng Great Wall at a glance
- Distance from Beijing: 70 km north (90 min drive). Located in Jiuduhe Town, Huairou District. 35 km from Huairou City centre.
- Entry ticket: ¥45 ($6.40).
- Boat ride: ¥80–¥150 (varies by route, optional).
- Wall length: 12.4 km of Wall surrounding Hao Ming Lake reservoir, with three Wall sections partially submerged in the water.
- Distinctive features: only Wall section partially submerged in water; lakeside hiking; summer swimming.
- Operating hours: 8am–5pm year-round.
- Best for: photographers, families, summer visitors, anyone wanting a non-typical Great Wall experience.
Why visit Huanghuacheng (the Water Great Wall)
Huanghuacheng has three sections of Wall partially submerged in Hao Ming Lake reservoir — earning it the nickname “Great Wall for Boat Tours.” Its appeal is fundamentally different from other Wall sections:
- The flooded wall sections: Two sections of wall plunge into the reservoir and re-emerge — a uniquely photogenic feature found nowhere else.
- Lakeside hiking: Many Wall hikes are dry mountain ridges; Huanghuacheng combines wall walking with lake views.
- Yellow flowers in summer: The name “Huanghuacheng” means “Yellow Flower City” — referring to the yellow chrysanthemums covering the hillsides June-September.
- Boat tours: Optional reservoir cruises bring you alongside flooded wall sections — impossible from any other Wall vantage.
- Summer swimming: Designated swimming areas in the reservoir from mid-June through August.
- Manageable crowds: Far less crowded than Mutianyu or Badaling.
Huanghuacheng tickets and pricing 2026
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry ticket (adult) | ¥45 |
| Entry ticket (child 1.2–1.4m) | ¥25 |
| Entry ticket (under 1.2m) | Free |
| Boat ride (basic loop) | ¥80 |
| Boat ride (extended including flooded sections) | ¥150 |
| Cable car (south side) | ¥60 round trip |
| Swimming area access (June–Aug) | ¥30 |
Pre-book entry online via Trip.com. Boat tickets purchase on-site.
Transport from Beijing to Huanghuacheng
Option 1: Tourist bus (¥30 + ¥30 = ¥60 each way)
- Take Beijing subway to Dongzhimen.
- Catch tourist bus 916 to Huairou (¥12, 75 min).
- From Huairou, take Bus H21 to Huanghuacheng (¥10, 45 min) or taxi (¥80, 30 min).
- Total transit: ~3 hours each way.
Option 2: Group tour (¥400–¥600)
Less common than Mutianyu/Badaling tours but available. Hotel pickup, transport, English guide, lunch.
Option 3: Private car/driver (¥1,000–¥1,500/day)
For 2–4 travellers. Most flexible option for combining with boat rides and swimming.
Best route on Huanghuacheng
Lakeside route (recommended for most)
- Enter via north or south entrance
- Walk along lakeside path
- Climb to Wall sections rising from reservoir
- Photograph flooded wall sections from boat (optional)
- Return to base, swim if season permits
- Total: 3–4 hours
Combined Wall + boat (full experience)
- Hike along the wall on the south side of the reservoir
- Take boat across the lake to north entrance
- Hike north Wall sections
- Return by boat or shuttle
- Total: 5–6 hours
Photography route (sunrise/sunset)
Visit at golden hour for the most dramatic flooded-wall reflections. The south side of the reservoir offers the best afternoon-light angles. Sunrise from north shore captures the wall in morning mist.
Best time to visit Huanghuacheng
Best months
- June to August: yellow flowers in bloom, swimming season open, warm weather. The classic Huanghuacheng experience.
- Mid-September to mid-October: autumn colors reflected in the lake. Avoid Oct 1–7.
- Late October to early November: peak autumn foliage with reservoir.
Avoid
- Heavy rain days (lake levels rise; some access points close)
- National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7)
- Winter for swimming (reservoir is frozen by January)
Best time of day
For photography: golden hour (one hour before sunset). For swimming: midday in summer. For general visits: arrive 9am, enjoy 4–6 hours.
What to bring to Huanghuacheng
- Walking shoes — paths are mostly easy
- Hiking shoes if you’ll be tackling steeper Wall sections
- Swimsuit (May–September)
- Towel for swimming
- Sun protection — limited tree cover near reservoir
- Water (1L+)
- Insect repellent — summer mosquitoes near water
- Camera with polarizing filter for water reflections
- Cash for boat ride and snacks (¥200)
Combining Huanghuacheng with other attractions
Huanghuacheng + Mutianyu (full day)
Some private tours combine both — Mutianyu morning, Huanghuacheng afternoon. Adds 60-min driving between. Possible but ambitious for a full day.
Huanghuacheng + chestnut farms
The Huanghuacheng area has farm-to-table chestnut restaurants. Recommended for foodies in autumn (chestnut season is October–November).
Huanghuacheng Great Wall FAQ
Why is the wall in the water?
The reservoir was constructed in 1958. Three Wall sections that ran through what became the Hao Ming Lake reservoir were partially submerged. The result is the only flooded Great Wall section in China.
Can I swim at Huanghuacheng?
Yes, in designated swimming areas from mid-June through August. ¥30 access fee.
Are boat rides worth it?
Yes — for photographers especially, the boat is the only way to get close-up views of the flooded Wall sections. ¥150 for the extended route. Boat options include yacht-style sightseeing boats, pedalos, rowing boats, and kayaks; the basic 6-minute crossing route saves significant walking time, while the extended loop covers all three submerged sections.
Is Huanghuacheng good for kids?
Yes — the lakeside paths are gentler than dramatic ridge sections. Boat rides and summer swimming are kid-friendly.
Is Huanghuacheng restored or wild?
Mixed. Lakeside sections are restored. Higher mountain sections are partially restored. Some peripheral sections are crumbling.
How fit do I need to be?
Easy. Most lakeside paths require basic walking ability. Higher Wall sections need moderate fitness for stairs.
Is it open in winter?
Yes — though the lake freezes January–February and swimming is unavailable. Snow on the wall is dramatic.
The bottom line on Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Huanghuacheng is the unique water Great Wall — best for photographers and families wanting something different from typical Great Wall trips. Visit June–August for full lakeside experience including swimming; visit October for autumn foliage reflections. Plan a 4–6 hour day with optional boat ride.
For other Great Wall sections, see Mutianyu, Badaling, Jinshanling, and Great Wall hiking. For broader Great Wall info, see our Great Wall pillar. For Beijing trip planning, head to our complete Beijing travel guide.