12-day 11-Night The Great Wall Experience of A Lifetime!
The ultimate Great Wall experience over 12-days
The Great Wall of China is one of the world's greatest wonders. Built by humankind, it is an unimaginable masterpiece. It possesses the culture of Chinese civilization. Hiking the Wall is a brilliant experience to be enjoyed by all. The difference you will find hiking through us, you get an up-close and personal experience like no other tour company. We exist because we care about you and your adventure to China. We will take care of your every need stepping with you until you return safe and sound to your place of stay.
What You Will Get From This Experience
From the second you step onto Beijing soil, we will take care of you, as we pick you up and drop you off from the airport or hotel. Then, we will set out on a 12-day adventure you will never forget. Starting from the Great Wall's eastern end and trekking our way slowly east back towards Beijing.
We will visit local villages where you get the chance to mingle and live like a local.
Besides the Great Wall, you'll be taken to the East Qing Tombs, the final resting place for emperors of China's leaders from the older dynasty generation, the Qing.
What we supply you
- English-speaking guide who can tell you the story behind the wall;
- Professional driver who can drive over the mountains;
- Quality vehicle (Volkswagen Passat or Buick Minivan) that can travel safely and comfortably;
- Full camping gear such as the tent, sleeping bags, and mattress;
- Our 14-years' knowhow for a great experience.
12-day Great Wall Trekking plus Camping
Day 1: Airport Transfer
Upon your arrival at Beijing International Airport, your driver will hold a sign of the Great Wall Adventure Club next to a Starbucks, which is right as you walk out of the Baggage Claim. Our driver will buy you a cup of coffee complimentary, of course, to welcome you to Beijing! Then off to your hotel so you can get a much-needed nap before your adventure begins!
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express or similar
Day 2: Beijing to Old Dragon's Head
We begin our journey with a 4-hour drive to Old Dragon's Head and onto Shanhaiguan Pass. We will visit the Shanhaiguan Great Wall Museum, where you will hear about the history and military strategy of this section of the wall, and displaying military relics. After a beautiful dinner, we will tour the Old Town of Shanhaiguan, which will give you a chance to learn about the culture and the local's life.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Shanghaiguan Hotel or similar
Day 3: Jiaoshan Great Wall
Jiaoshan Peak is known as “the first mountain of the Great Wall.” Jiaoshan ancient wall will bring you back in time. The further you hike the wall, the more it becomes deteriorated. We will drive to Dongjiakou Great Wall and sleep overnight there.
Distance: 9 km Time: 4 hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Shanghaiguan Hotel or similar
Day 4: Dongjiakou Village
Today we plan to visit the Dongjiakou section of the Great Wall. Dongjiakou is an important fortress that protects the Shanhaiguan Pass. This section of the wall lasts for 3 km and entails a broken down area that covers over 1.8 km. Here over 60% of the construction of Dongjiakou Great Wall (apart from the castles) includes defense towers and beacon towers that are still intact and stable.
When evening time reaches we will drive to Huangyaguan for a nap. Our hotel is located at the foot of the Great Wall and called the Huangyaguan Hotel.
Distance: 10 km Time: 4.5 hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Huangyaguan Hotel or similar
Day 5: East Qing Tombs to Huangyaguan
We start with a trip to the East Qing Tombs. These are the best-preserved tombs in China. They hold the following:
Five emperors
Four empresses
Five imperial concubines
One princess
Placed in order of the most distinguished and senior members.
We will then hike the Huangyaguan Great Wall section. Here you will come across a pattern known as the “Bagua pattern,” a unique labyrinth designed to confuse, fool and trap enemies. This is a unique experience.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Huangyaguan Hotel or similar
Day 6: Peace Fort to Huangyaguan and Sky Ladde
Peace Fort (Taipingzhai) is where we begin today’s journey; it starts from Banlagang Mountain in the east and finishing at Guafu Tower, known as Widow Tower in the west.
Making our way westward, we will reach the steepest part of this section, the Huangya Sky Ladder. The “ladder” leads to the top of the ridge, and it seems to go to the sky like Jack on his beanstalk! When we climb over the ladder, we will reach the area of the Great Wall built in the Northern Qi Dynasty, marking the end of the Huangyaguan section. We will then drive to Jinshanling, and there we will rest for the night.
Distance: 8.5 km Time: 4 hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Huangyaguan Hotel or similar
Day 7: West Simatai-Jinshanling
Our hike will start from Simatai, and we will make our way west along the Wall into Jinshanling. This is the classic Great Wall that hikers are very thrilled about. Wall enthusiasts have done. The Wall runs from deteriorated wild state to the restored in the end to allow hikers to compare the differences between the two wall status.
Tonight, we will camp on the Great Wall in an ancient watchtower.
Distance to Walk: 8 km Hours: 3.5
INCLUDED
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping on the Wall
Day 8: Jinshanling to Gubeikou
Adventure through the most ancient battlefield of The Great Wall named Gubeikou. This section was used against the Japanese in the 1930s. In 1933, the Chinese army fought against a Japanese invasion at Gubeikou. After four long months of battling, there were over 5000 Japanese soldiers killed and 9000 Chinese soldiers. You can see that Gubeikou is not merely a relic, but it remained as a battlefield in the modern world. We will transfer to Jiankou, where we will sleep tonight.
Distance: 10.5 km Time: 4.5 Hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Miss-U-Much Hostel
Day 9: The Magic Jiankou
This area is stunning and known for its white glow and its steepness. Known as 'Arrow Nock' in English as it features an arrow-shaped mountain. It was built in the Ming Dynasty era (1368 - 1644). Today The Great Wall at Jiankou retains its original appearance since its construction in 1368. It is known for its 'wildness' otherwise untouched, unrestored, and has all its history on display for you to see! One of the most notable features is its zigzags for 9.3 miles.
Once we descend from the Great Wall, we will spend the night at a farmer's inn.
Distance: 9 km Time: 4 Hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Laohe's Inn
Day 10: Jiankou to Mutianyu
Not many people know about this part of the Great Wall (Mutianyu) and the other section and more populous section, Badaling. Which is always like a swarm of bees around a beehive, it's a bustling area, and there are just too many people there to truly take in your surroundings and enjoy your visit, especially during peak time. Mutianyu is the perfect alternative if you are looking for more of a peaceful experience. It is closer to Beijing than Badaling is, and maybe this is another reason you would choose this part. Mutianyu is known for its steep landscape and its uniqueness.
We will transfer to Huanghucheng to camp on the Wall for the second night.
Distance: 11 km Time: 4 Hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Camping on the Great Wall
Day 11: Huanghuacheng Lakeside
Huanghuacheng sits near a lake and a reservoir. The crescent-shaped reservoir is called Huanghuacheng Reservoir, while the name of the lake is Jintang. It might not be the highest, longest, or most challenging stretch of wall, but Huanghuacheng’s water features create a variety of scenery, unlike any other section. It also hosts a choice of activities.
Huanghuacheng combines restored Great Wall walks with boat trips on Haoming Lake, including sightseeing cruises and rowing boats. Its reservoir scenery and quieter setting make it a distinctive alternative to the better-known sections near Beijing.
Distance: 11 km Time: 5 Hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch:
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express or similar
Day 12: The Forbidden City and Cultural Ride
On your final day, we have a choice of exciting city tours which have some of Beijing's most magnificent sights and attractions. An opportunity to visit the famous Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, you can take a cultural tour of Beijing's oldest and unique Hutongs. All up to you. It will give you an insight into Beijing folk culture and daily life.
You will stay in Beijing for one more night. The next day, we will transfer you to the airport or train station for your next trip.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express or similar
What else our service includes
We'll take care all of the following.
* Personal transfers from hotel and return
* Great Wall entry fees
* Daily meals (when hiking on the Great Wall)
* Exclusive access to camping at a watchtower
* All other accommodation along the Great Wall
* All necessary camping equipment such as tents & bags
* Quality vehicle, professional driver and English-speaking tour guide
* A free membership card
* A credit of $100 when you reserve the next tour with us
Your belonging is safe with us.
Our driver, guide and local suppot teams wil take care of your carry-ons, backpacks or anything else you need to bring for this 12-day expedition.