2026 Huanghua Water Great Wall Guide: The Great Wall Dipping into the Water, the Ming Dynasty Chestnut Orchard, and a Guide to Boat Tours and Camping

The Huanghuashui Great Wall is Beijing’s only natural wonder where the Great Wall meets the water. This article details the “Three Spectacular Views” (the Great Wall entering the water, the Ming Dynasty chestnut orchard, and Haoming Lake), offers leisure activities such as boat tours, camping, and family hikes, and includes a guide to rainbow trout cuisine and tips for avoiding pitfalls with combined tickets.

Why Does the Great Wall “Plunge” Into the Water?

When people think of the Great Wall, the image that comes to mind for most is that of a gray dragon coiled along barren, arid, and desolate ridges—exposed to the elements, lonely and rugged.

But if you visit the Huanghua Water Great Wall in Jiuduhe Town, Huairou, that impression will be completely shattered.

Here, the Great Wall does not tower high above, looking down on the world; instead, it plunges headfirst into the clear lake waters, like a parched giant dragon bending down to drink. The wall races down from the mountain ridge, submerging into the emerald waves, only to resurface from the lake on the opposite shore a few hundred meters away, continuing its journey into the distance.

This is the only place in Beijing where the Great Wall meets the water. An expert on ancient architecture once described it this way: “The scenery of the south and the spirit of the frontier—all are found in the Water Great Wall.”

Here, the Great Wall is no longer a cold, impersonal instrument of war. It intertwines with the emerald waters of Haoming Lake, flanked by ancient chestnut trees planted by soldiers who guarded the fortress four centuries ago, and with the Black Dragon Pool Gorge, where spring water gurgles at its feet.

You can take a painted boat, feel the evening breeze, and gaze up at the remnants of the Great Wall from the water; or you can spread out a picnic blanket under the shade of the chestnut grove and watch your children catch small fish by the water’s edge.

If you’ve already experienced the “wonders” of the Water Great Wall and want to check out another section in Huairou District—one that features thrilling slides and is hailed as the most photogenic stretch of the Great Wall—please head over to my guide: Mutianyu Great Wall Guide: How to Choose Between the Cable Car, Aerial Tram, and Slides? Family Hiking Routes and Tips to Avoid Pitfalls (2026); or return to the main directory, “Beijing’s 9 Great Wall Sections Guide: Badaling, Mutianyu, and More (2026)”, and use the comparison chart to choose again.

This article will explain the origins of the “Water Great Wall,” showcase its “Three Spectacular Views,” and reveal why the Huanghua Water Great Wall is the most accessible section for seniors, children, and camping enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a spot that’s easy on the knees and offers unique photo opportunities, this is the place for you.

Unraveling the History and Geography: Why Are They Called the “Water Great Wall” and “Huanghuacheng”?

How Did the“Water Great Wall” Form?

When many people first hear the name “Water Great Wall,” they assume the Great Wall was intentionally built in the water. That’s not the case.

Here’s the truth: This section of the Great Wall was originally built on a mountain ridge during the Ming Dynasty. In the 1970s, to address water supply issues in Beijing and the surrounding areas, the Xishuiyu Reservoir was constructed. After the dam began holding water, the water level rose, submerging three lower sections of the Great Wall.

Thus, a section of the Great Wall that had once stood on land became a Great Wall “submerged” beneath the water. With its base submerged and the upper half protruding above the surface, it looks from a distance like a giant dragon wading across a river.

This was not the design of ancient craftsmen, but rather an unexpected encounter between modern hydraulic engineering and ancient military engineering. Yet this serendipity has created a unique and spectacular sight along the Great Wall of Beijing.

The Origin of “Huanghuacheng”: Romantic Wild Chrysanthemums

The area where the Huanghua Water Great Wall is located was historically known as “Huanghuacheng.” Why is it called “Huanghua”?

Every year during midsummer (mid-to-late July through August), the hillsides and valleys surrounding the Great Wall are blanketed with yellow wild chrysanthemums. The golden sea of flowers contrasts beautifully with the bluish-gray ancient Great Wall and the emerald-green lake, creating a strikingly vibrant scene.

Imagine this scene: standing on the Great Wall and looking down, you see the blue lake below, a ribbon of yellow flowers along the shore, and dark green mountains in the distance. This is not the “desolate” Great Wall we typically imagine, but rather a vivid, warm, and vibrant oil painting.

This is how the name “Huanghuacheng” came to be.

A Hidden Military Stronghold: The“Northern Gateway” to the Ming Thirteen Tombs

Although the Huanghua Water Great Wall appears serene today, during the Ming Dynasty, it was a formidable defensive line.

Known as the “Huanghua Road” during the Ming Dynasty, this section was specifically tasked with guarding the northern flank of the Ming Thirteen Tombs (the imperial mausoleums). In other words, if enemies bypassed Juyongguan and Badaling from the north and attempted to launch a surprise attack on the imperial tombs from the northeast, Huanghuacheng served as the final barrier.

Should this position fall, enemy forces could cross the Great Wall and advance directly toward the Thirteen Tombs; thus, the garrison commanders of the time dared not show the slightest negligence.

Due to this special mission, the construction standards for the walls here were exceptionally high: the stone was solid, the masonry was meticulous, and the walls’ flatness and density rank among the best in the Beijing section of the Great Wall.

A local legend also circulates: the general in charge of building this section of the Great Wall was named Cai Kai. Because the walls were built too solidly and the project took too long, he was falsely accused of “cutting corners” and was tragically beheaded.

Later, when the emperor sent officials to inspect the site, they discovered the walls were as solid as a fortress of bronze and iron. The emperor then exonerated Cai Kai and erected a monument here in his memory. While the veracity of this story cannot be verified, the legend of “Cai Kai’s Wall” has continued to be passed down among the local people.

In-Depth Guide: The “Three Unmissable Scenic Wonders of the Water Great Wall”

The core highlights of the Huanghua Water Great Wall are its “Three Scenic Wonders.” All three are essential to the experience.

First Wonder: “The Dragon Playing in the Water”—The Spectacular Sight of the Great Wall Entering the Water

Enter through the main gate of the scenic area and follow the lakeside boardwalk to the shores of Haoming Lake, where you’ll witness the most iconic scene:

The Great Wall winds down from the eastern ridge, its slope growing steeper and the wall gradually lowering until it finally plunges into the lake. Above the water’s surface, you can still make out several layers of bricks, but below that, nothing is visible—the wall appears and disappears beneath the crystal-clear lake water.

Several hundred meters away, the Great Wall reemerges from the water on the opposite shore, climbs back up the ridge, and stretches off into the distance.

This section of the wall submerged in the water isn’t just a short stretch, but three distinct segments. These three sections plunging into the water resemble a giant dragon lowering its head three times to drink.

Best viewing spots: the observation deck on the opposite shore of the lake, or a close-up view from a pleasure boat gliding across the water. From the boat, the crumbling sections of the city wall seem to brush right past you, and you can clearly see the water plants and moss growing in the cracks between the bricks. The sensation of the Great Wall being“within arm’s reach yet submerged in water” is truly magical.

Second Highlight: Exploring the“Ancient Ming Dynasty Chestnut Grove”—A Gift from Soldiers Who Guarded the City for Four Centuries

In a valley at the foot of the Great Wall lies an ancient Ming Dynasty chestnut grove. These trees were not planted later; they were planted by hand by the soldiers who once guarded the city, and they are now over 400 years old.

The grove contains over a hundred ancient chestnut trees, with the oldest reportedly reaching 800 years of age. Their trunks are so thick that it takes two or three people to encircle them; their bark is rough and cracked, with gnarled roots, wrinkled like an old man’s hands. Some trees have hollow trunks, yet they remain lush and leafy, still bearing chestnuts every autumn.

Just imagine: over 400 years ago, a soldier guarding the city planted a chestnut sapling by the camp during a break between shifts. He might have thought, “When it bears fruit, it will improve our rations,” or perhaps he was simply killing time out of boredom. He certainly could not have imagined that this tree would live to see the 21st century, with a visitor from afar touching its bark and taking photos.

When you walk beneath these ancient trees, don’t forget to bend down and touch the rough bark of their gnarled, twisted trunks, each with its own unique shape. Come autumn, the area remains bountiful with fruit. If you’re visiting with children, let them gather fallen chestnut shells under the shade of the trees, or spread out a picnic blanket in the dappled sunlight. This sense of “camping at the foot of a 400-year-old Great Wall” is a unique pleasure that other, more rugged sections of the Great Wall simply cannot offer.

This is also the best spot in the entire scenic area for resting and picnicking. The shade is dense, the ground is level, and the park has set up some stone tables and benches. Many families spread out their picnic blankets here to eat sandwiches and fruit they’ve brought along, while the children run around under the trees.

Highlight 3: Exploring “Black Dragon Pool Gorge”—A Jiangnan-Style Gorge at the Foot of the Great Wall

As you continue deeper into the chestnut grove, you’ll enter Black Dragon Pool Gorge. This area showcases the natural landscape that unfolds as the Great Wall extends into the valley; while its connection to the Great Wall itself isn’t immediately obvious, the scenery here is absolutely breathtaking.

Flanked by two mountains, the valley floor is home to a clear stream whose waters gurgle softly. At its narrowest point, the cliffs on either side almost touch, leaving only a sliver of sky above. In summer, the temperature here feels several degrees cooler than outside, making it wonderfully refreshing.

Some have described this place as “a gorge of the Jiangnan region”—abundant in water, featuring unique rock formations, and densely forested—which indeed sets it apart from the arid gorges commonly found in the north.

If you have the stamina, you can follow the trail through the gorge all the way to Black Dragon Pool. It is a deep, emerald-green pool where, according to legend, a black dragon once resided. The water is very cool, and in summer, many people come here to splash around. But be careful: do not go swimming in the pool, as the water is deep and cold, making it unsafe.

Practical Travel Guide

Diverse Activities: Are You Here to Hike the Great Wall, or to Take a Vacation?

The beauty of the Huanghua Water Great Wall lies in the fact that it caters to two completely different types of travel experiences.

Option 1: The Hardcore Great Wall Route (Suitable for hiking enthusiasts and those who want to climb the wall)

• Enter through the East Gate of the scenic area (note: this is not the main gate) and head straight to the section of the wall that hasn’t been flooded.
• This section of the Great Wall retains a semi-wild character—it has not undergone extensive modern restoration, the steps are uneven, and in some places there are no guardrails. Climbing it requires some physical stamina, but the views are spectacular, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire Haoming Lake and the three sections of the Great Wall submerged in the water.
• The round trip takes about 2–3 hours and is suitable for those who want to “truly climb the Great Wall.”

Option 2: Leisurely Water Play and Camping Route (Suitable for families, seniors, children, and those who don’t want to get too tired)

• Enter through the main gate and follow the lakeside boardwalk; the entire route is flat with almost no steps.
• Focus on the Ming Dynasty Chestnut Grove: picnic, camp, and relax. The park allows tent camping in designated areas (camping fees apply).
• If you’re bringing children, the shallow waters near the chestnut grove are perfect for wading and catching small fish. The water is shallow (less than knee-deep), but parents should still keep a close eye on them.
• The entire trip takes 3–4 hours at a leisurely pace and is easy on the knees.

My recommendations:

• Traveling with seniors or children → Choose Option 2—comfortable, safe, and fun.
• Young people with plenty of time → Do Option 1 (climb the city walls) in the morning and Option 2 (picnic in the Chestnut Grove) in the afternoon—you can cover everything in one day.

A Unique “Water Transportation” Experience

The Huanghua Water Great Wall offers another unique feature: you can view the Great Wall by boat.

The scenic area provides three types of boats on Haoming Lake:

• Pleasure Boat: A large, antique-style boat that moves slowly, perfect for sightseeing. You can sit back, enjoy a cup of tea, and feel the breeze.
• Speedboat: Fast and thrilling, ideal for young people.
• Kayaks: You can paddle these yourself to get up close to the sections of the Great Wall that dip into the water (but be careful not to bump into the bricks).

The blogger’s insider tip: Take a one-way ride on the pleasure boat. Travel from the pier to the opposite shore (or vice versa), sit inside the cabin, and watch the remnants of the Great Wall glide slowly past the window as the lake water laps against the base of the wall, creating tiny ripples.

That visual impact is something you can’t experience while standing on the wall—you’re looking up at the Great Wall from the perspective of a “naval assault.”

Ticket prices: A one-way ride on the pleasure boat costs about 30 yuan, and a round trip is 50 yuan; prices for speedboats and kayaks vary, so please refer to the official notices at the scenic area.

Ticket Prices and Hidden Costs

1. Tickets Only Cover Park Entry and Boardwalks

Many visitors assume that once they’ve bought a ticket, they can freely ride boats, cross bridges, and go zip-lining. That’s not the case.

The general admission ticket (approximately 60 yuan) only covers: park entry, the lakeside boardwalk, the chestnut orchard, and the Black Dragon Pool Canyon hike. Riding the painted boats, speedboats, or kayaks; crossing the lake’s central suspension bridge; and riding the zip line all require separate, additional fees.

2. It’s More Cost-Effective to Buy a Combo Ticket

If you plan to ride a boat, cross the bridge, and go on the zip line, buying a combo ticket (entrance + boat + bridge + zip line) is significantly cheaper than purchasing each activity separately. You can select this option at the ticket window or on online platforms.

3. Ticket Purchasing and Payment for International Visitors

Search for “Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall” on the WeChat Mini Program and make a real-name reservation using your passport number. While major shops and ticket offices accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most convenient options for small purchases, such as renting lockers or buying ice cream.

If you or your foreign friends are still a bit confused about linking international cards to Chinese mobile payment apps or making real-name reservations, I strongly recommend spending three minutes before your trip to read my guide, “Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Chinese Mobile Payments: How to Link International Cards to WeChat Pay and Alipay” [Click to Read]. It will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

It’s advisable to carry 100–200 yuan in cash just in case some stalls have a poor mobile signal.

Transportation Options

• By Car (Highly Recommended): Set your GPS to “Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall.” From downtown, take the Jingcheng Expressway and exit onto Huai-Chang Road. The total distance is approximately 80 kilometers, and the trip takes about 1.5–2 hours (traffic on Ansi Road tends to be heavy on weekends, so we recommend leaving before 8:00 a.m.). The scenic area has a large parking lot, with a fee of approximately 20 yuan per visit.
• By Bus: Take the 916 Express from Dongzhimen Hub to the “Nanhuayuan Sanqu” stop in Huairou, then transfer to Bus H21 (Huairou–Water Great Wall) for a direct ride to the park entrance. The total journey takes about 2.5–3 hours. Fares are inexpensive (around 20 yuan), but buses run infrequently, making this option best suited for backpackers with ample time.
• Tourist Shuttle: Some travel platforms (Ctrip, Meituan) offer direct round-trip shuttles from the city to the Great Wall; you can search for these options yourself.

Local Delicacies: Huairou Rainbow Trout—You’ve Missed Out If You Don’t Try It

Jiuduhe Town, home to the Yellow Flower Water Great Wall, is one of the areas with the highest concentration of Huairou rainbow trout. After descending the mountain, be sure to find a farmhouse restaurant to enjoy some rainbow trout.

Recommended Ways to Enjoy:

• Grilled Rainbow Trout: The fish is split open and grilled over charcoal, resulting in a crispy skin and tender flesh. Brushed with sauce, it’s incredibly aromatic.
• Sashimi: Rainbow trout sashimi features firm, chewy flesh that’s refreshing when dipped in wasabi soy sauce.

Side Dishes: Corn pancakes (cornmeal pancakes baked against the edge of a large cast-iron skillet, crispy on one side and soft on the other), free-range eggs stir-fried with Chinese toon, and cold wild vegetable salad.

Average cost per person: 50–80 yuan, depending on your budget.

My hidden gem: I won’t recommend a specific restaurant by name (to avoid any appearance of advertising). Just search for “Jiuduhe Town rainbow trout” on Dianping or Google Maps, check the ratings and number of reviews, and pick one with a score of 4.5 or higher—you’ll be hard-pressed to go wrong.

The Huanghuashui Great Wall is gentle and soothing, offering a serene respite from the history of war and conquest. If Simatai is the weathered ribcage of the Great Wall, Mutianyu its verdant robe, and Jiankou its perilous spine, then the Huanghuashui Great Wall is a pool of autumn water left behind by the dragon on earth.

Here, you won’t have to huff and puff your way up steep steps, nor worry that the elderly or children might struggle to keep up. All you need to do is find an ancient chestnut tree to sit under, watch the Great Wall quietly bathe in the lake, and feel the breeze blowing across the water, carrying a faint scent of aquatic plants.

This is the Huanghuashui Great Wall: it doesn’t try to conquer you, but invites you to sit down and share a moment of tranquility with it.

But if you find this place too gentle, and the adventurous spirit deep within you begins to stir—yearning to challenge the most primitive, most perilous, and most leg-weakening cliff-face ruins of the Beijing Great Wall—then please keep up with your old buddy. Our next stop: “Jiankou Great Wall: The Deadly Allure of ‘Eagles Flying Upside Down’ and the ‘Sky Ladder’” [Click to Read].

• If you’ve already experienced the “uniqueness” of the Water Great Wall and would like to explore another section in Huairou District—one featuring thrilling slides and hailed as the most photogenic stretch of the Great Wall—check out “Mutyanyu Great Wall Guide: How to Choose Between Cable Cars, Ropeways, and Slides? Family Hiking Routes and Tips to Avoid Pitfalls (2026)” [Click to read].
• Or return to the main directory, “Beijing’s 9 Great Wall Sections Guide: Badaling, Mutianyu, and More (2026)” [Click to Read], and use the comprehensive comparison chart to choose your next destination.

At the Huanghua Water Great Wall, the Great Wall no longer stands high above. It bends down, takes a sip of water, and then continues on its way. Come here, and you too can see it as it drinks.