Beijing’s Unique ‘Wall-in-Water’ Gem

If you’re tired of the same old Great Wall crowds and want something truly unique near Beijing, head to Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall. Located in Xishuiyu (now part of Huanghuacheng Scenic Area) in Huairou District—just a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Beijing—this stretch has a trick up its sleeve: it’s the only part of the Great Wall that dips right into water. Cool, right?

First, let’s clear up the name mix-up: Xishuiyu used to be the spot’s name, but now it’s all part of Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall Scenic Area (ask taxi drivers for “Beijing Huairou Jiuduhe Zhen Xishuiyu” if you get lost—they’ll know). And don’t worry about hiking skill level: most of it’s well-renovated, so families, beginners, and even older travelers can enjoy it.

Now, the fun part: the hike itself. The wall here has two big quirks. One, you’ll see sections where the stone and brick structure meets a lake—like the wall’s “taking a dip.” It’s surreal to watch, especially on sunny days when the water reflects the gray bricks. Two, some parts are steeper than they look. The slopes are made of large, old bricks, and a few sections have narrow steps—only about 10cm wide! Take it slow here, hold the handrail, and wear sturdy shoes (sneakers work, but hiking boots are better if you have them).

Oh, and keep an eye out for the road that cuts through the wall—weird to see a modern road crossing an ancient structure, but it’s a fun photo op.

The best surprise? The watchtowers. One big tower we passed had a roomy interior—so roomy, in fact, that 9 foreigners were camping there! They’d set up 4 or 5 tents, lit a small bonfire (safe, don’t worry—they kept it contained), and were playing soft music while eating breakfast. They waved and said they’d stayed the night to catch the sunrise over the water. It’s that kind of laid-back spot—no rush, just people enjoying the view.

This hike isn’t about pushing your limits. It’s about stopping to stare at the wall and water together, chatting with other travelers in the towers, and taking your time. Plan 3–4 hours, bring a water bottle and a snack (there are small stalls near the entrance, but not many along the wall), and don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to show friends the “Great Wall that swims.”

For Beijing day trips, Huanghuacheng is a breath of fresh air. It’s unique, not overcrowded, and perfect for anyone who wants to see the Great Wall in a whole new way.