Introduction

Huanghuacheng Great Wall is known as the Yellow Flower City because yellow wildflowers that cover the area in summer ('yellow flower' is 'huanghua' in Chinese) or the Lakeside Great Wall. It is located 70 kilometers away from Beijing city center. Its construction began in 1404 which was two years before the Ming Dynasty moved its capital to Beijing and continued for 188 years. The main aim of the construction of the wall was to enhance the defense of Beijing’s northern border and to protect the Ming Tombs.

In the Ming Dynasty between 1368 and 1644 emperor Wanji ordered General Cai Kai to oversee the construction of the fortification but when he completed the task the Emperor beheaded him instantly believing that he had done a shady job and wasted the wall’s funds according to some envious and jealous ministers. Afterwards the Emperor realized that he had been deceived yet the general had actually done a clean job building the most slain and pristine wall so he ordered his workers to construct a tomb and memorial stele in remembrance of the General and on the face of a large rock, the emperor wrote the words “Jin Tang,” which mean Solid and Firm to describe the wall. Due to this, locals also refer to the Huanghuacheng Great Wall as the Jintang Great Wall.

In 1974 the construction of Xishuiyu Dam created a reservoir that flooded the valley that the wall stands over submerging several lower-lying portions of the wall and hence creating one of the Great Wall’s most intriguing sights. This segment of the Great Wall is in its most original form and only a few of its sections are the ones that have been restored. Solid flagstones used to construct the wall have withstood wear and tear over time from both human forces and natural causes. The Huanghuacheng 11 kilometers long stretch is made up of 32 watchtowers, six forts, five terraces and twelve beacon towers in addition to other exciting features.

Things to see and do on a visit

Sightsee

The wall is home to the most picturesque scenery featuring the most mountainous terrain covered in lush vegetation, a clear lake and yellow flowers. These views create the most beautiful photo backdrops for visitors. During summer flowers are in full bloom and the whole landscape is covered in a sea of yellow wildflowers. At the foot of the mountain is a heavenly chestnut garden first planted by the Ming Dynasty soldiers. The crystal clear lake waters submerge the wall in different segments creating unique reservoirs.

Hike

Huanghuacheng offers visitors the choice to choose between to explore either the restored parts or the wildest parts. The wild section presents the most challenging hiking landscape with unrepaired parts that are both steep and risky yet thrilling and exciting.

Boat rides

This section of the Great Wall can also be toured on a boat. The pristine mountain landscape can be captured without climbing the steep tedious terrain on Pedalo, yacht, speed boat or rowing boat options.