TOUR 7A: The secret Great Wall hike from the Ocean
A week of greatness is waiting for you
You have the chance to visit and explore beautiful sections of the Great Wall that most people will never get the opportunity to see. Some areas of the wall have collapsed or are broken, so prepare for a challenge!
Highlights of the Trek
* The views and landscape from the Great Wall are magnificent
* The rare opportunity to sleep on the Great Wall and wake up to a beautiful sunrise
* Visit the Qing Tombs, the resting place of China’s final rulers of the dynasty
* Huangyaguan Pass is similar to no other section of the Great Wall. Experience it firsthand and learn about its fascinating history
* Visit the most famous areas of the Great Wall where you will have unique VIP access
Wild Great Wall Hiking Supplies
- 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.
Trek Details
Welcome to Beijing
We will transfer you to the airport from your hotel in Beijing as a way to say thank you for choosing Great Wall Adventure Club.
Day 1: Old Dragon's Head
Begin with a four-hour drive to Old Dragon’s Head and Shanhaiguan Pass. Visit the Great Wall Museum to learn about the defenses and see military relics. After dinner, explore Shanhaiguan’s old town and its historic streets.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Shanghaiguan Hotel or similar
Day 2: Jiaoshan Great Wall
The program continues through the Jiaoshan and Shanhaiguan area, where the Great Wall connects mountain defenses with the coast. The fortified town has four named gates: Zhendong to the east, Ying’en to the west, Wangyang to the south, and Weiyuan to the north. The masonry becomes more weathered along the mountain route. Later, drive to Dongjiakou for the overnight stay.
Distance: 9 km Time: 4 hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Shanghaiguan Hotel or similar
Day 3: 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. This pattern is known as the “Bagua pattern,” a unique labyrinth designed to confuse, fool, and trap enemies.
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Huangyaguan Hotel or similar
Day 4: Peace Fort to Huangyaguan and Sky Ladder
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 Huangyan 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. We will then drive to Jinshanling, and there we will rest for the night.
Distance: 9 km
Time: 4 hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Huangyaguan Hotel or similar
Day 5: West Simatai to Jinshanling
The Simatai Great Wall is the only Great Wall in China that retains the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty. It is a precious world cultural heritage. It was named "Top 25 Sceneries in the World Not to Be Missed" by the British Times.
Continue to Jinshanling, where the Great Wall’s varied towers and broad mountain views offer rewarding walking and photography.
Tonight, we will camp on the Great Wall in an ancient watchtower.
Distance: 8 km
Time: 3.5 Hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Camping on the Wall!
Day 6: Jinshanling to Gubeikou
Adventure through the most ancient battlefield of The Great Wall named Gubeikou. This section was used against the Japanese in the WWII. 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: 11 km
Time: 4.5 Hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Miss-U-Much Hostel
Day 7: Jiankou to Mutianyu
This area is very beautiful 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.
We will cross to Mutianyu, a half-rebuilt section famous for its unique beauty and importance of being a military imperial guard for Beijing since ancient times.
That ends our week-long adventure.
Distance: 9 km
Time: 4 Hours
INCLUDED
Meals: Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Accommodation: Good Fortune Inn
Food on the Road
We are also caring for a vegetarian diet and gluten-free cuisine when required. We will inform the chefs in the restaurants and hotels we will visit in advance, so there are no speed bumps on your journey.
What else our service includes:
Complimentary Airport Pickup
We will transfer you to the airport from your hotel in Beijing for free. It's our appreciation to you for having chosen us for your lifetime Great Wall experience.
Food on the Road
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.
And,
* Great Wall entry fees
* Daily meals (when hiking on the Great Wall)
* The experience of camping on the Great Wall and exclusive access to a watchtower
* 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
* Credit of $50 when you reserve the next tour with us