Huanghuacheng

Huanghuacheng

The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall offers one of the most unusual experiences so far, combining scenic lakeside views with submerged history and a wild mountain ridge. Starting with a boat ride across the reservoir, DJ and Andy ease into the day among crowds of weekend visitors at the Great Wall Lakeside Scenic Spot. Here, the reconstructed Wall loops gently around the water, complete with quirky attractions like a shout-activated fountain, a glass bridge revealing sunken Wall below the lake, and safe but steady climbs that still demand concentration. With 3 km of up-and-down stonework, it’s a gentler start than previous episodes, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and exploring a more tourist-friendly side of the Wall.

But the second half of the day shifts gears completely as the team leaves the park, climbing a steep ridge into 4 km of wild, unrestored Wall. Here the experience is raw and dramatic—crumbling battlements, forested paths growing over the stones, narrow ledges, and panoramic views over the lake and valleys below. For Andy, it pushed far beyond his comfort zone, while DJ reminded viewers that this section is only suitable for experienced hikers or with a guide. After a challenging descent, they rejoined the road and strolled back to their hotel in Huanghuacheng village, closing out an 8 km day that mixed leisure and intensity, history and adventure—an unforgettable contrast of two very different Great Walls.

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DIRECTIONS

  1. Start at Huanghuacheng Reservoir Parking Area:
    Arrive by bus or taxi from Huairou. Begin at the main lakeside parking/visitor area near the submerged Great Wall section.
  2. Walk Lakeside Path Around the Reservoir:
    Follow the paved walking trail clockwise around the edge of the lake, passing the famous section where the Great Wall dips into the water.
  3. Cross the Dam and Reach the Wall Base:
    Walk across the small dam at the far side of the reservoir and climb the steps that lead to the base of the Huanghuacheng Great Wall section.
  4. Climb Up the Restored Wall:
    Ascend the steep restored steps toward Zhuangdaokou Pass. The climb is sustained but offers spectacular lake views behind you.
  5. Continue Along the Wall Ridge to the Wild Section:
    After passing the restored towers, keep going east along the ridge where the wall becomes more broken and overgrown.
  6. Reach the Highest Point at Zhuangdaokou Pass Ridge:
    This is the highest point of the hike. Pause for panoramic views of the lake on one side and mountains on the other.
  7. Descend Along the Crumbling Wall Toward the Interior Valleys:
    Carefully descend the rough stone steps on the far side, heading away from the reservoir and deeper into the hills toward Shihuyu.
  8. Leave the Wall at a Dirt Trail Junction:
    Look for a dirt footpath dropping off to the south (right-hand side) from the wall, heading down into the valley toward Shihuyu Road.
  9. Follow the Valley Track to Shihuyu Road:
    Continue on this clear track through forest and farmland until you reach a small paved road — this is Shihuyu Road.
  10. Finish at Shihuyu Road Village Area:
    Reach the road where you can arrange pickup or continue walking down to the main road to catch a bus or taxi back to Huairou/Beijing.

GALLERY