huanghuacheng visiting times

One day to this section is totally enough. This section is not very steep, so climbing is won’t take too much of your energy. But you should watch your step for some parts of wall were not well preserved.
You are recommended to go there on weekends. There are special buses from Dongzhimen Transport Hub and Xuanwumen to the Wall directly and the departure times are around 8:00-9:00 and 7:30-8:30 respectively. You will arrive at the destination in 1.5h.

Aled.

thank you very much for the reply.

what are the departure times btw? also, you said i could complete the trip in one day, but does that also include visiting the lake too? i would really like to take a boat trip.

i'm thinking of either visiting there or the simatai section because of the nearby lakes. i would actually prefer to visit simatai great wall, since i could also visit gubei water town but i have been told that would take too long and could not be completed in a day.

The bus departs from Dongzhimen at around 8:00-9:00. If you choose to take it at Xuanwumen, you should arrive at the station earlier for the departure time there is at 7:30-8:30.
The lake is right at the foot of the wall. So you can view the Wall and cruise the lake at the same time. One day will be totally enough.
Simatai is also a good choice to feel the wild beauty of the Wall. But it is recommended you arranged a two-day tour. You can climb the Wall in daytime and stroll around the beautiful Gubei Water Town at night. I also heard that you can have a night hike to Simatai. That sounds quite attractive.

thanks for the assistance. i assume no prior booking of tickets is required?

You don't need to book the ticket in advance. But I heard that the visitors volume is controled in Simatai. if you decided to visit Simatai, a reservation on their offical website is needed, or your tour may not be guaranteed.