Imagine camping inside a watchtower!
Day 1: Gubeikou-Jinshanling
At about 9:30 a.m., our driver will meet you at the hotel. After 2.5 on the road, we will reach the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall and begin our two-day hike.
Explore Gubeikou’s winding ridges and varied watchtowers on a hike of about 10 km toward Jinshanling. The route moves between original and restored Great Wall masonry, with sunset adding a different light to the mountain setting.
Enjoy a locally prepared Chinese dinner, then spend the night in a Great Wall watchtower. Camping equipment is provided and arranged with local support, leaving you time to relax and take in the surroundings.
Distance: 12 km
Hours: 4.5
Accommodation: Camping in a watchtower
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
Day 2: Simatai West (Second Valley)-Jinshanling
Watch the sunrise over breakfast, then continue along Jinshanling’s eastern ridges toward West Simatai, known here as the Second Valley. The masonry becomes more weathered, adding a more rugged character to the walk.
The Jinshanling Great Wall possesses an excellent opportunity to take in some fabulous views. It is very remote, but it's what makes it so unique and a great chance to experience the nature and the wild parts of the Wall.
West Simatai, known as the Second Valley in this itinerary, offers a rugged, unrestored Great Wall landscape. Its weathered towers and defensive construction reveal how the Wall was built to protect the mountain route.
As nighttime reaches, we make our way to farmotel at the base of the mountain in Jiankou.
Distance: 9 km
Hours: 3.5
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: A famotel at the Great Wall
Water: Unlimited bottles
Day 3: Jiankou-Mutianyu
The hiking today will cover about 10 km/6miles. The Jiankou section is known for its ruggedness and wild beauty, and you will be in awe of the marvelous views it affords. As soon as we reach Jiankou, we will see a deserted watchtower that gives you a panoramic view of the entire valley. In the early morning, the look is priceless with its morning fog. This section of the wall is not well known by tourists, although if you see a picture of the Great Wall from exotic traveling magazines, chances are it is from Jiankou. This is the pinnacle of fascinating Great Wall scenery. This part of the wall is often empty so that you will have some peace and serenity on your hike today.
From Jiankou, we will cross over onto Mutianyu, a section of the wall that has been largely restored. Mutianyu offers some breathtaking views of the valley and wall below.
You can hike down to the parking lot or take a cable car. Why not have a bit of fun and take a toboggan ride (slide) down to meet our driver. We will then have lunch at a local restaurant. Later drive back to Beijing and drop you off at your hotel so you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon.
When you return home, you won’t be able to hold in the excitement of looking back over your trip! Why not upload them onto our Hall of Fame and show your friends!
Distance: 9 km. Time: 3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Water: Unlimited