Huangyaguan Great Wall
Huangyaguan Great Wall, built between 1368–1644 during the Ming Dynasty, is a 42-kilometer section of China’s iconic Great Wall near Ji County, Tianjin. Perched on mountainous terrain near the Bohai Sea, it served as a critical maritime defense line against Mongol and later Japanese invasions. Renowned for its steep staircases, 20 watchtowers, and the "Long City" (Changcheng) stone-paved path, it’s a UNESCO-recognized segment of the Great Wall. The site also houses a museum showcasing weapons, armor, and artifacts from its 600-year history.
Historical Overview
- Construction: Built under Emperor Hongwu’s reign, with later expansions under Emperor Wanli (1572–1620).
- Military Role: Defended the Ming capital from coastal raids; witnessed the 1550 Mongol siege and 1933 Sino-Japanese skirmishes.
- Modern Era: Partially restored in the 1980s; designated a national cultural relic in 1987.
Structural Layout
The wall is divided into three zones:
- Main Section: Features the "Long City" stone path, Phoenix Tower, and 12 watchtowers.
- Huangya Pass: A steep, zigzagging stretch with 360-degree mountain views.
- Cultural Zone: Includes the Great Wall Museum and Taipingzhai Village, showcasing Ming-era folk culture.
Major Attractions
- Phoenix Tower: The highest watchtower, offering panoramic views of the Bohai Sea.
- Long City Path: A 3.2-km restored section with original stone paving and arrow slits.
- Great Wall Museum: Displays Ming Dynasty weapons, armor, and a 1:500 scale model of the wall.
- Taipingzhai Village: A reconstructed Ming-era settlement with traditional courtyards.
- Steep Staircases: Challenging climbs with over 1,000 steps, earning it the nickname "Stairway to Heaven."
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Hike (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Phoenix Tower → Long City Path → Great Wall Museum → Taipingzhai Village.
Highlight: Sunset photography at Huangya Pass. - Adventure Route (5–6 hours):
Entrance → Steep Staircases → Huangya Pass → Taipingzhai Village → Night Camping (seasonal).
Add-on: Guided tour of unrestored sections (book in advance). - Comprehensive Tour (Full Day):
Morning: Main Section hike.
Afternoon: Cultural Zone exploration.
Evening: Dinner at a local farmhouse (¥40–60).
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Trip.com or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; limited daily entries.
- Prices:
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥65 (adults), ¥35 (students/seniors).
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors).
- Free: Children under 1.2m.
Transportation
- By Bus: From Tianjin: Bus 188 to Ji County, then taxi (¥30) to the entrance.
- By Car: 2-hour drive from Beijing (140 km) or 1.5-hour drive from Tianjin.
- Guided Tours: Day trips from Beijing (¥200–300/person, includes transport).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: Apr–Jun (wildflowers) and Sep–Oct (autumn foliage).
- Avoid Crowds: Early mornings (7–9 AM); weekends busiest.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy hiking boots (some sections require climbing).
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and 2L+ water.
- Respect restored areas: no climbing on unopened sections.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
