Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Huánghuā Chéng to Zhuàngdàokǒu
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30 minutes
A short hop rather than a hike, and on a mostly restored part of the Wall, but this comes
with stunning views of the Wall by a reservoir and can be extended to take in the crum-
bling sections beyond Zhuàngdàokǒu. At Huánghuā Chéng, climb up the Wall to the west
(left) of the road. Having scaled the Wall's high point, walk down to the lowest part of the
Wall (above an archway) then climb down to your left and follow the path to Zhuàng-
dàokǒu village from where you can pick up a bus back to Huáiróu.
Zhuàngdàokǒu to Huánghuā Chéng
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one hour
It takes twice as long doing the above section in reverse, as it's mostly uphill. The best
views though are from the top, so you'll be well rewarded for your exertions. Access the
Wall from Zhuàngdàokǒu village; turn right at the end of the village, by the small river,
then follow the river (keeping it on your left) before turning right up the hill behind the
houses to climb a stony pathway. When you reach the Wall (20 minutes), turn right and
keep going until you eventually descend to the main road by the reservoir. You can pick
up buses to Huáiróu from here.
Zhuàngdàokǒu to Shuǐ Chángchéng
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two hours
Again, climb up to the Wall from Zhuàng-dàokǒu village, only this time turn left at the
Wall to be rewarded with this dangerous but fabulous stretch of crumbling bastion. The
Wall eventually splits at a corner tower; turn left. Then, soon after you reach another
tower from where you can see the reservoir far below you, the Wall crumbles down the
mountain, and is impassable. Instead of risking your life, take the path that leads down to
your left, just before the tower. This path eventually links up with the Wall again, but you
may as well follow it all the way down to the road from here, where you'll be able to pick
up a bus back to Huáiróu from the lower one of the two large car parks.
Huánghuā Chéng to Shuǐ Chángchéng
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three hours