Water-Great Wall Odyssey: Hike & Cruise One Day Tour

Water-Great Wall Odyssey: Hike & Cruise One Day Tour
Location: Northern China, China
Price: $51 per person
Rating: 4.9/5 from 77 reviews
Duration: Approx. 10 hours (including travel and activities)
Supplier: Beijing Mubus

This tour whisks you out of the busy city and into one of Beijing’s hidden gems—the Water Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. For around $51, you get a full day of scenic adventure, including a boat ride, a hike along the Wall, optional water activities, and a peaceful setting that feels worlds away from the crowds at more famous sections like Mutianyu or Badaling.

What we love most? First, the less touristy atmosphere—this part of the Great Wall remains largely unspoiled and uncrowded, allowing for a more authentic, peaceful experience. Second, the combination of water and mountain scenery—the Wall embracing a tranquil lake is a sight that’s hard to beat and makes for excellent photos.

A possible consideration? The full day involves some walking and optional activities, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of physical activity and flexible in their plans. Also, since it’s a small-group experience, it’s ideal if you prefer a more intimate, guided day.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a more genuine, scenic experience of the Great Wall that’s away from the tourist crowds, with added water-based fun and picturesque landscapes. It’s especially appealing if you’re keen on combining sightseeing with a touch of adventure.

• Less Crowded: Enjoy the Wall without the crowds that flock to other sections, offering a more peaceful experience.
• Scenic Water & Mountain Views: The only “mountain-water” Great Wall, embracing a lake that adds breathtaking beauty.
• Flexible Activities: From hiking and boat rides to optional rafting and water slides, there’s fun for all ages.
• Local Guide Expertise: Guides like Cici receive high praise for their knowledge, making the day both informative and engaging.
• Good Value: For just over fifty dollars, you get transportation, entry fees, the boat ride, and a memorable adventure.
• Ideal for Authenticity: Perfect for those looking to escape tourist traps and see a more pristine section of history.

An In-Depth Look at the Water-Great Wall Odyssey Tour

You can check availability for your dates here:

Getting There and the Journey Begins

The tour starts with a meet-up at the Gate of Hang Seng Bank near Dongsishitiao Station, easily accessible via Subway Line 2. We appreciated that the meeting point is straightforward, with nearby familiar landmarks like McDonald’s and Starbucks, making it easy to find. The bus departs promptly at 8:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to settle in and chat with your guide.

The roughly two-hour drive out of Beijing is a comfortable ride in a clean, air-conditioned bus. Having a guide like Cici or Joy on board is a real plus—they’ll give you context about what you’ll see and answer questions, making the journey itself part of the experience rather than just transportation.

First Impressions at Huanghuacheng

Arriving at Huanghuacheng, the first thing you’ll notice is the peaceful ambiance. There’s a sense of stepping into a more authentic part of the Great Wall—fewer travelers, fewer vendors, and more natural surroundings. This section of the Wall is famous for its stunning setting where ancient stones curve along the mountain ridge, hugging a tranquil lake.

The highlight here is the boat ride across the water—an elegant way to appreciate the landscape from a different perspective. It’s a short, scenic cruise that sets the tone for the day’s peaceful vibe. Reviewers like Camille call this a “really nice” start to the day, mentioning that the water activities are perfect for cooling off if the weather gets warm.

Exploring the Water Great Wall

After the boat, you’ll have about five hours of free time to explore. The main attraction is walking along the Wall itself, which is both challenging and rewarding. Some reviews mention a scenic train ride and a glass slide rafting as optional activities, adding excitement to the visit. For just 140 RMB (around $19), you can experience the rafting, which is Asia’s only glass slide rafting beneath the Wall—a unique blend of fun and history that’s especially popular with families.

Many travelers appreciate the less crowded environment—Gabor states that the part of the Wall they visited “felt nicer than Mutianyu with barely any travelers,” which allows for a leisurely, memorable walk. Camille found the views “beautiful,” and the experience “a bit challenging,” but worth it for the scenery.

What Makes It Special

Unlike more commercialized sections, Huanghuacheng remains quite pristine. The Walls embrace a lake, creating a striking contrast between ancient stone and shimmering water. Reviews consistently praise the breathtaking views, with Yvan describing the Wall as “absolutely stunning,” and Helga noting that Cici made the day “magical” with her energy and friendliness.

The optional water activities, such as kayaking or the water slide, are recommended by some reviewers as fun ways to refresh and relax after walking. Shannon, for example, received praise for her ability to make kayaking fun and safe, making the experience accessible even for beginners.

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The Return Journey

At around 3:30 PM, you’ll regroup and head back to the bus for the journey home, arriving in Beijing around 6 PM. It’s a well-paced day, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, photos, and relaxing before heading back to the city. The return trip is as comfortable as the outward journey, with guides providing additional tips for restaurants and activities in Beijing.

The Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

When evaluating the $51 price tag, consider that it includes round-trip transportation, an admission ticket, and the boat ride—a package that offers a comprehensive, hassle-free experience. Optional activities like rafting or water slides come at an extra cost but are reasonably priced and add a lot of fun.

This tour’s main strength is the balance of scenery, authentic experience, and guidance. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a beautiful, less tourist-heavy part of the Great Wall without sacrificing comfort or convenience. If you enjoy a mix of gentle walking, stunning vistas, and small-group intimacy, you’ll find this tour very rewarding.

The reviews highlight guides like Cici, who make the day more memorable with their friendly approach and knowledge. Many mention the quiet beauty of the site, making it clear this is a more peaceful choice compared to the busy Mutianyu or Badaling sections.

This Water-Great Wall Odyssey offers a rare chance to explore a stunning, serene section of the Great Wall that’s often bypassed by travelers. The combination of a boat ride, walking along the ancient stones, and optional water activities makes it a well-rounded day of adventure and relaxation. It’s a particularly good fit for those who value authentic scenery over crowds and are eager to experience a different side of China’s most iconic monument.

The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge elevate the experience—many reviewers praise their ability to bring history to life while maintaining a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The scenery, including the unique mountain-water setting, creates unforgettable photo opportunities and peaceful moments.

While some may find the activities optional and the day a bit physically demanding, the overall value, relaxed pace, and intimacy make this a standout choice for travelers seeking a meaningful, beautiful, and fun day outside Beijing.

In essence, if you’re after a quieter, more scenic, and authentic part of the Great Wall with plenty of opportunities for water-based fun, this tour delivers a memorable experience at a very reasonable price.

FAQ

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is at the Gate of Hang Seng Bank near Dongsishitiao Station, accessible via Subway Line 2. It’s close to familiar landmarks like McDonald’s and Starbucks, making it easy to find.

What time does the tour start?
The bus departs at 8:00 AM sharp. It’s important to arrive a little earlier to check in and find your guide, especially since the journey takes about two hours.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers round-trip bus transportation, an English-speaking guide, admission to the Great Wall, and the boat ride across the lake.

Are there activities I can pay extra for?
Yes, activities like rafting and water slides are optional and available for purchase. The rafting costs 140 RMB (about $19).

How much free time do I get at the site?
You’ll have around five hours to explore, walk the Wall, take photos, and try optional activities.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
Many reviews mention that activities like the water slide and scenic train are family-friendly and fun for kids. The peaceful setting also makes it comfortable for all ages.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.

In short, this tour strikes a nice balance between scenic beauty, manageable activity levels, and affordability. It’s a fantastic way to see a quieter, water-adorned side of the Great Wall that many travelers never get to experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: