Huanghuacheng Great Wall

The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall is located in Huairou District, about 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) from Beijing. It was so named for the abundant yellow flowers (in Chinese: Huang Hua) that bloom in midsummer. It is also known as the Great Wall under the Water, because three separate sections of the wall are submerged in the Xishuiyu Reservoir. It is famous for its harmonious mixture of the splendid wall, an awesome mountain and a great wide swath of water. This resort attracts the discerning visitor who wants to gad around off the beaten track.

Built during the reign of Emperor Yongle (1404-1592) during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the wall was a military fortress defending the capital as well as imperial tomb cluster, the Ming Tombs. According to legend, General Cai Kai took charge of the construction of this section, but was beheaded in a frame-up for jerry-rigging the construction. When the emperor later found the wall was truly firm, a tomb and tablet was made for him as atonement. The wall is approximately 14 kilometers (15 yards) long, snaking over the mountain ridge or ducking in and out of the water, a singularly wonderful landscape.

How did the ancient workers build such a grand wall underwater? This feat is not the work of the ancients, but a modern marvel. In 1974, China built the Xishuiyu Reservoir and the water level rose; consequently, some low-lying sections were inundated. Seen from the dam of the reservoir, the stately sunken wall is still visible.

The chestnut trees along the wall tell stories of the lives of their planters, who guarded the wall. These trees are over 500 years old and cover an area of 16.5 acres. Even though many years have passed, these trees still flourish. When summer comes, yellow flowers bloom and cover the broken wall with sudden, exhilarating life.