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Huairou |
Huairou District, the "pearl" of Beijing's northeastern suburbs, not only boasts beautiful natural landscapes, it also carries profound historical and cultural heritage, and it shoulders its mission of hosting international exchanges. The NGO Forum of the Fourth World Conference on Women (held in 1995) placed Huairou (then a county) on the global stage, which helped foster Huairou's leapfrog development. Today, with its unique cultural and ecological charm, Huairou welcomes tourists, from both home and abroad.
Huairou is located in northeastern Beijing, around 50 kilometers from downtown. Huairou covers 2,122.8 square kilometers, and 89 percent of its land is covered by mountains. The name, Huairou (怀柔), comes from a phrase in the ancient Chinese text, Book of Songs (Shijing), — "Huairou Baishen" (怀柔百神), and it means "to bring peace and harmony to all gods." Huairou's history dates back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770-221 BC), when it served as a strategic military location for Yan State. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it officially became Huairou County; in 2001, it was upgraded to a district.
Iconic Great Wall Sections
The Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty, unfolds some of its most captivating, and diverse, stretches in Huairou. These iconic sections make Huairou a must-visit for Great Wall enthusiasts.
Mutianyu is one of the best-preserved, and most scenic, sections of the wall. Stretching 5,400 meters, it features steep slopes and lush surroundings. Key highlights include Zhengguan Terrace and the Great Corner (Dajiaolou) Tower, which offers panoramic views of the rolling mountains. The wall's gentler slopes, and its cable car access, make it ideal for families and casual hikers.
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Mutianyu Great Wall |
Huanghuacheng is the only section of the Great Wall in Beijing connected to water. Three parts of the wall descend into the reservoir, creating a breathtaking lakeside view. This section not only served as the northern gateway that protected the capital, but also played a crucial role in safeguarding the Ming Dynasty's imperial tombs, known as the "Thirteen Tombs."
For enthusiasts craving an authentic, rugged experience, Jiankou Great Wall is the place to visit. Unlike the restored sections, Jiankou remains wild and untouched, with steep inclines and crumbling watchtowers. The trek is challenging, but rewards hikers with some of the most stunning views from the Great Wall. This section is a favorite among photographers and adventure seekers.
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Jiankou Great Wall |
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Huanghuacheng Great Wall |
International Conference Hub
The Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing in September 1995. In conjunction with the conference, the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Forum was held in Huairou. The forum was attended by 31,549 people, including 26,549 overseas participants and 5,000 Chinese participants.
Today, Memorial Park of the Fourth World Conference on Women stands out as one of the most culturally significant sites in Huairou. Located in southern Huairou, the park spans 67 hectares, and it centers around the waters of the Huai River. The park is divided into four thematic areas: "Yuyang Misty Trees," "Huai River Lotus in Breeze," "Gentle Water Washing Cloths," and "Dawn's First Glow." Within the park, there is friendship forest, relief walls, thematic sculptures, and exhibition halls, which vividly showcase the historical journey of the global women's cause.
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Memorial Park of the Fourth World Conference on Women |
Notably, the "World Women's Friendship Forest," planted by delegates from various countries during the NGO Forum, has flourished into a lush symbol of international friendship. As China's first ecological park dedicated to promoting women's culture, the memorial park's design integrates the concepts of being "people-oriented, green-centric, water-connected, and history-rooted." Further, the park pioneered the use of recycled water for maintaining green areas in Beijing's suburbs.
Huairou's international character also traces back to this historic event. Today, Yanqi Lake International Convention Center continues to shoulder the mission of hosting international exchanges, including such events as the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, in 2014, the inaugural Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), in 2017, and the second BRF, in 2019. The blend of picturesque lake views and modern conference facilities exemplifies Huairou's transformation from a small northern town in Beijing to an international conference hub.
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Yanqi Lake International Convention Center |
Photos from Tuchong and VCG
(Women of China English Monthly September 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
