5-day Great Wall Trekking plus Camping around Beijing
TOUR 5X: Shixiaguan-Badaling-Huanghuacheng-Jiankou-Mutianyu-Gubeikou-Jinshanling-W Simatai
Highlights
This five-day journey combines restored and wild Great Wall sections with time to learn about their history and the communities nearby. Local meals and village encounters add context to the walking. A night in a watchtower is a highlight, with all camping equipment provided.
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.
5X Great Wall Hiking with Camping Itinerary
Day 1: Shixiaguan-Wild Badaling
We will start our adventure from Beijing at 9 a.m. to Shixiaguan Pass. Badaling Great Wall, a mix of both restored and unrestored sections. This is for hikers who like a challenge and the beaten off the path. You will visit the area without the crowds and get an up-close and personal adventure on the Wall.
Shixiaguan is set among the mountains in a glorious landscape. This section o the Wall is still remarkably intact and stable. Nevertheless, the Wall remains relatively untouched because of its strategic location. Shixiaguan Pass was initially built in the reign of Ming Emperor Wanli, which was about 1600AD. It is a crucial pass that was once protected by a large number of soldiers.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping on the Great Wall at Huanghuacheng
Day 2: 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 perhaps unrivaled 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.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Jiankou Hostel
Day 3: Jiankou to Mutianyu
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.
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.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Good Fortune Inn
Day 4: Jinshanling to W. Simatai
Continue along Jinshanling’s eastern ridges toward West Simatai, called the Second Valley in this program. The increasingly weathered masonry makes the route more rugged and reveals the Great Wall’s original character.
The Jinshanling Great Wall possesses a great opportunity to take in some fabulous views. Make sure to take your camera. You will not be disappointed! This part of the Great Wall has not been repaired since 1570. 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.
The West Simatai or Second Valley stretch contains original ruins and defensive barriers built perpendicular to the parapets. The architecture adds historical interest to this rugged part of the walk.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Laoduan's Hostel
Day 5: Gubeikou-Jinshanling
Walk about 10 km along Gubeikou’s winding defenses toward Jinshanling. Varied watchtowers, original masonry, and restored stretches make the crossing distinctive, while the sunset brings warm light to the mountain ridges.
We will then return to Beijing in the afternoon to end your adventure with plenty f memories to take home!
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Food on Your Journey
Any specific food needs or allergies, please let us know, We will inform the chefs in the restaurants and hotels we will visit in advance, so there are no speed bumps on your journey.