The Wall
Huanghuacheng
Submerged ramparts meeting the clear waters of Haoming Reservoir. The unstaffed ridge section has open gate access, ideal for dawn climbs and sunrise photography over the water.
Not run as a scenic area — which is exactly why you can be standing on it before the sun comes up. It is also the only stretch near here where you look down from the wall onto water.
20 km from the hotel.
Sunrise
Tell the front desk a day ahead; they need the notice to reach the driver. You leave two hours before that day’s sunrise.
A small toll to the nearest yard owner gets you up. From the entrance of the yard it is about 20 minutes to Tower 3; keep climbing to Tower 7 or 8 for the better position.
Before you go the front desk packs water, fruit and biscuits. You are back in time for breakfast.