The Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall is located in Jizhou District, Tianjin, approximately a 2½ to 3-hour drive from Beijing. Originally built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550–577), you could still see remnants of the old beacon tower and sections of the ancient wall from that era.
Extensively rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Huangyaguan was renovated again in the 1980s following the "Love China, Repair the Great Wall" initiative led by figures like Deng Xiaoping and Xi Zhongxun, and it opened to tourists.
As a local tour guide, I take visitors to the Great Wall around 100 to 150 times a year, with about 20 of those trips being to Huangyaguan. Each visit leaves me captivated by its stunning scenery, featuring both the wild sections from the Northern Qi period and the restored parts, along with views of Huangya Pass, a military fortress behind the wall.
Hello, I am Oliver. I am very proud and happy to share the unique charm of Beijing with our guests from all over the world. I love connecting with people and sharing the stories, history, and culture that make Beijing special. I wish for peace and harmony in the world and look forward to serving more guests from around the globe in the future!
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- Facts
- It vs Huangya Pass
- What's Special About It?
- Is It Suitable for Hiking?
- Best Times
- Is It Possible for a Day Trip from Beijing to It?
Facts About the Huangyaguan Section of the Great Wall
Huangyaguan tourism map- Chinese: 黄崖关 Huángyáguān /hwung-yaa-gwan/ 'Yellow Cliff Pass'
- Opening hours: 8am–5pm
- Distance: Huangyaguan Village, Xiaying Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin — 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Beijing and 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Tianjin, about 3 hours' drive from Beijing
- Suggested visit duration: 2–3 hours
- Ticket price: CNY 70 (about 10 USD)
- Reservations: not necessary
The Huangyaguan Section of the Great Wall vs Huangya Pass
Huangya PassHuangya Pass, also known as a fortress, is distinct from the Great Wall itself. It served as a military base and is part of the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall. The fortress was designed in a maze pattern based on the Eight Diagrams (八卦), making it difficult for enemies to enter and exit. It varies in size and is now relatively well-preserved.
In ancient times, Huangya Pass could house over a thousand troops, with soldiers' families living within the fortress. Today, you can tour both the Great Wall and the fortress.
What's Special About Huangyaguan?
Huangyaguan stands out from other sections of the Great Wall for several reasons.
- It offers a unique combination of well-preserved wild sections and restored areas, along with the historical fortress that was designed to confuse invaders.
Huangyaguan Great Wall- There's also a Great Wall museum, showcasing artifacts discovered during recent archaeological work, including weapons used by soldiers and maps of the Great Wall's construction over different dynasties. This museum is the most informative regarding the Great Wall's history. I highly recommend visiting this museum as it's free and provides rich insights into the Great Wall's history.
Inside the Great Wall museum- Moreover, the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall typically hosts a marathon every year, usually in spring and autumn, as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it suitable for running. Currently, it is known that a marathon will take place on May 17, 2025. If you are interested in participating, you can register at this website. This would be an unforgettable experience on the Great Wall and I encourage you to join.
If you don't participate directly, just watching the event could also be a special experience. The last time I took guests to Huangyaguan, we coincidentally encountered the marathon, and my guests were thrilled to see the runners passing by on the Great Wall, capturing many photos. If interested, you could even run alongside for a short distance.
Is Huangyaguan Suitable for Hiking?
I was hiking on the Huangyaguan Great Wall in 2024.The Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall is very suitable for hiking. Experiencing both the wild and repaired Great Wall in one day gives a feeling of traversing history.
Generally, I recommend two hiking options:
- From the west gate (also called Taipingzhai) to the main gate, a 3–4-hour hike covering 6–7 kilometers (4 miles). This section is relatively flat and mostly restored, making it easier for most visitors. You could finish by visiting the museum and the Bagua fortress.
The West Gate (also called Taipingzhai) in the Huangyaguan Great WallFlat section- From the main gate to the Sky Ladder and return along the same route to the main gate. It is a 4–5 km (2–3-mile) hike that also takes 3–4 hours. This route is steeper and offers views of both the beacon towers and the ancient wall but is more challenging. You could also visit the Huangyaguan Great Wall Museum and Bagua fortress.
Steep SectionBoth routes have their charm, so choose based on your fitness level and preferences. I usually guide guests from Taipingzhai to the main gate since it's less strenuous.
If you are a deep hiker, see our "Musical" to "Lakeside" Great Wall Hikes.
If you prefer not to hike, you could enter the Great Wall from the main gate, which offers stunning views and great photo opportunities. There's also a small market at the exit where you could buy local specialties.
Best Times to Visit Huangyaguan
Huangyaguan Section of the Great Wall in SpringThe best times to visit the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall are in spring (March to April) and autumn (late September to early November). During this period, temperatures are very comfortable, ranging from 10 to 20°C (50–68°F) during the day.
In March and April, you could see stunning blooms of pear, peach, and even persimmon trees. From late September to early November, it is the fruit ripening season, and you could buy a basket of local fruits for just 10–20 RMB. From mid-October to early November, the mountains are adorned with beautiful red leaves.
Visiting Huangyaguan from July to September could be quite hot, with daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), sometimes reaching 38°C (100°F). If you plan to visit the Great Wall during this time, Huangyaguan is a good choice because it is relatively far from Beijing, resulting in fewer crowds.
Huangyaguan Section of the Great Wall in SummerFrom December to February, Huangyaguan experiences winter, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from -10 to 5°C (14–41°F), making it quite cold. However, this is also a great time to see snow. Based on my experience, the likelihood of seeing snow is highest from late December to early February.
You could learn more weather tips on our Best Times to Visit the Great Wall
Is It Possible for a Day Trip from Beijing to the Huangyaguan Great Wall?
It is possible to take a day trip from Beijing to Huangyaguan, as well as from Tianjin Port.
From Beijing: It is recommended to depart between 7:30am and 8am, with a drive of 2½ to 3 hours to the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall, usually arriving at about 10am. After lunch, you could return to your hotel at about 6pm to 6:30pm.
Along the way, there are scenic mountainous areas and, in Jizhou District, you could visit the Dule Temple, with the nearby Eastern Qing Tombs as another option. Given the tight schedule, it is advisable to plan for 2 days of exploration. You could stay overnight in a Great Wall hotel or at local inns instead of returning to Beijing or Tianjin.
From Tianjin Xingang Port: The travel time to Huangyaguan is similar to that from Beijing. If your cruise stops at Tianjin Xingang, you could also visit Huangyaguan for a round trip, returning to the ship for accommodation, or extend your trip to Beijing to visit the Forbidden City and other attractions.
If you want to plan a day trip like these and spend some time in Beijing or Tianjin, just contact us and we will tailor a itinerary for you.