Beneath the imposing shadow of the Jiuduhe mountains lies the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is unique. It is the only part of the wall that gracefully interacts with water. Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall isn’t just a wall, it is a breathtaking spectacle of history and nature intertwined. Here, the mountains, the clear waters of Haoming Lake, and the ancient stone embrace each other. They create a scene of unparalleled beauty.
Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall was built in 1404. It was erected during the Ming Dynasty, under the watchful eye of Emperor Yongle. Originally, it stood on dry land. However, with the creation of the Xishuiyu Reservoir, now known as Haoming Lake, the water level rose. This transformed the landscape. It submerged sections of the wall. This gave birth to the mesmerizing “Great Wall in water”. This is a sight found nowhere else along the wall’s vast expanse.
Imagine sailing on Haoming Lake, the gentle ripples lapping against your boat. As you gaze towards the shore, you see the Great Wall rising majestically from the water. This image perfectly embodies the harmony between human ingenuity and the power of nature. Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is also known for its rich biodiversity. The area around Haoming Lake is a breeding ground for wild mandarin ducks. Around National Day, these beautiful birds gather in large numbers. They create a vibrant spectacle against the backdrop of the lake and the wall.
The history of Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is also tied to the Xishuiyuguan. This was the westernmost pass of the Great Wall in Huairou district. It marked the easternmost boundary of the Juyong Pass. Before the dam’s construction, the pass was vulnerable to floods. Over time, it crumbled under the relentless forces of nature. The creation of the reservoir stabilized the area. It preserved the remaining sections of the wall, now a part of the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall. Further enhancing the allure of Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is the enchanting “Great Wall where visitors can appreciate both the border scenery and the essence of Jiangnan”. This phrase perfectly captures the duality of this remarkable location. The rugged beauty of the north merges seamlessly with the serene charm of the south. Huanghuacheng offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of city life, a place to reconnect with nature and history. It is a true gem within the vast tapestry of the Great Wall.