TOUR 4UX: 18 km a day, three nights of camping on the Wall
Day 1: Beijing-Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu plus Camping on the Great Wall
Huanghuacheng sits near a lake and a reservoir. The crescent-shaped reservoir is called Huanghuacheng Reservoir, while the name of the lake is Jintang. Today we'll walk from the Wall on the east side of the reservoir and continue to the Westside and to end at Xishuiyu for 8 or 9 hours.
Huanghuacheng combines Great Wall masonry with mountain reservoirs. Walk the restored sections, then explore the boat options on Haoming Lake, including sightseeing cruises and rowing boats. The lakeside setting distinguishes this visit from other Beijing-area sections.
Distance: 18 km
Hours: 8-9
INCLUDED
Meals: B, L,D
Accommodation: Camping on the Great Wall
Day 2: Jiankou Trekking and Crossing over to Mutianyu
This is a stunning area widely 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 as the wild section, 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.
Tonight, we will camp on the Great Wall in an ancient watchtower.
INCLUDED
Distance: 17 km
Hours: 8-9
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping on the Wall
Day 3: Gubeikou to Jinshanling to West Simatai
This is a very intensive hike on the Great Wall, but once completed, it is more than worth it.
Follow about 10 km of Gubeikou’s steep ridges toward Jinshanling, noticing the changes in tower design and restored masonry. The itinerary includes sunset views. Gubeikou also saw fighting in 1933; the program describes more than 5,000 Japanese and 9,000 Chinese soldiers killed during four months of battle.
Distance: 16 km
Hours: 8
INCLUDED
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation : Huangyaguan Hotel
Day 4: Peace Fort to Huangyaguan, Sky Ladder and the Border of Three Provinces
Peace Fort (Taipingzhai) is where we begin today's journey.
This section combines brick and stone construction with square and round towers, both hollow and solid structures. The fortified pass and water gate reveal how the defenses connect the mountain landscape with the river crossing.
Making our way westward, we will reach the steepest part of this section, the Huangya Sky Ladder. 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.
Today is the last day of this iron-man 4UX adventure.
Distance: 23 km
Hours: 10
INCLUDED
Meals: B,L