The EXTREME Seven Day Beijing Great Wall Challenge
Unrestored Badaling-Stone Gorge Pass-Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu-Jiankou-Mutianyu-Gubeikou-Jinshanling
A non-stop on the go tour that requires 4 hours hiking per day averagely. This is not a hike made for amateurs, only hikers who are serious about hiking the Great Wall and who are determined to overcome steep terrain. We will begin at Badaling the unrestored section. During this tour, you will have to overcome steep terrain and challenging sections of this mighty wall.
After completing a challenging hike like this, you will feel superhuman!
Highlights
• Explore the best of the Beijing-area Great Wall with these five memorable routes
• Take in incredible views and some of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever come across
• The chance to camp on the wall itself
• All meals and home-stays/hostels are included!
• Experience traditional Chinese life in authentic villages
• Complimentary airport pickup
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.
Taking a Challenge to the EXTREME!
Welcome to Beijing!
Complimentary airport pickup. We'll send a driver to meet you at the arrival hall, greet you and load your luggage to the car, and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 1: Stone Gorge Pass-Badaling
We will begin with Stone Gorge Pass. The Pass is also called Sixiaguan. It 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.
This is for hikers who like a challenge and the off beaten path. You will visit area without the crowds and get an up close and personal adventure on the Wall.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Camping on the Wall at Huanghuacheng
Day 2: Huanghuacheng Lakeside
Huanghuacheng (Yellow Flower Town) 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 the water here features create a variety of scenery, unlike any other section. It also hosts a perhaps unrivaled choice of activities.
Alongside the walking routes at Huanghuacheng, boat trips on Haoming Lake offer another perspective on the Wall. Sightseeing cruises and rowing boats complement the restored masonry, reservoir views, and quieter countryside setting.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Laohe's Jiankou Hostel
Day 3: Majestic Jiankou
Wake up early to welcome the sunrise.
A stunning area is 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.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Miss-U-Much Hostel at Jiankou
Day 4: Jiankou to Mutianyu
Not many people know about this part of the Great Wall (Mutianyu) and the other section and more populous section, Badaling. Mutianyu is the perfect alternative if you are looking for more of a peaceful experience. Mutianyu, which is closer to Beijing than Badaling may be, is another reason you would choose this part. Mutianyu is known for its steep landscape and its uniqueness.
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.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Camp on the Great Wall
Day 5: Gubeikou-Jinshanling
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.
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.
INCLUDED
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Duan's Courtyard
Day 6: Jinshanling-W Simatai
Jinshanling's right-wing, where we will hike until we reach Simatai West called Second Valley. As we head west, the wall will start to deteriorate gradually, making the hike progressively more challenging, but also interesting to observe and compare.
The Jinshanling Great Wall possesses an excellent opportunity to take in some fabulous views. 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.
Explore the unrestored West Simatai section, called the Second Valley in this program. Its original masonry and perpendicular defensive barriers provide a close look at the Great Wall’s military design.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Huangyaguan Hotel
Day 7: Huangyaguan Sky Ladder
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. This ladder leads to the top of the ridge. It eems 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 finish our tour today!
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Complimentary Airport Drop-off
Airport Drop-off
When you are booking with us, please have your flight details, and it will be an honor for us to get you back safely without any worries! Thank you for choosing the Great Wall Adventure Club!