For the more adventurous at heart, spend two days hiking along a lesser-visited portion of the Great Wall. Start your hike at the Gubeikou section and hike west to Jinshanling. Parts of the wall are covered with vegetation, and you hike along a trail in some portions. Overnight at a hotel near the wall and hike the rest of the way to Simatai the next day. Enjoy breathtaking views on this active addition to any China trip!
Highlights
Admire Jinshanling, considered to be the most well-preserved section of the Great Wall
Spend two days hiking along a lesser-visited portion of the Great Wall
Relax in a comfortable hotel offering the closest location to the wall for hikers
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
Meet your guide this morning in your Beijing hotel lobby shortly after breakfast and drive 2.5 hours to Gubeikou, the starting point of today's trek. This section of the wall was originally built in 1378 to assist in China's defense of the Mongols from the North. Set amidst the Panlon (Hidden Dragon) and Woho (Crouching Tiger) Mountains, follow past Gubeikou's numerous watch towers and garrisons. Half way through, wind your way into a valley through several farms to bypass a military area, before rejoining the wall at the Jinshanling section. Named after the Jinshan Mountains it straddles, this section holds nearly 70 watchtowers built in different architectural styles. Look carefully as you hike and you may spot old poems and stories etched into the brick. The 5-6 hour trek concludes with your arrival and descent at Jinshanling's main gate and a short walk to the nearby hotel. This basic yet comfortable hotel offers the closest location to the wall for hikers.
Hiking Distance: 10-13 km (6-8.5 miles). Moderate to difficult with uphill & downhill trails.
Day 2: Jinshanling Great Wall, Return Beijing
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Today, check out of your hotel and meet up at the gate to continue trekking on the wall where you left off the previous day. The Jinshanling section is considered by many scholars to be the most well-preserved section of the Great Wall as most of its original features remain intact. The first two hours of your 4-5 hour trek ascends along the Great Wall with impressive scenery on either side. Arrive to Dongkou at the eastern end of the Jinshanling Great Wall, and take a path downhill towards Simatai, a section of the wall that was blocked off from the Jinshanling section. Arrive at your vehicle in the parking lot and drive the hour and a half back to Beijing.
Hiking Distance: 8-10 km (4-6 miles). Moderate to difficult with steep uphill and downhill trails.
Dates & Prices
May 10, 2025 Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for May 10, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for May 10, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$716
Notes
$76 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Rates based on current exchange rate CNY/US dollars. Please contact us for exact quote in US dollars.
Initial deposit is 30% of Land Cost + Total Transportation Fare required at the time of confirmation of the reservation, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
He gave us honest information about different options we were considering, and he made everything happen in our shortened timeframe. We would be happy to work with him again!
Sarah Wilce
1 hour ago
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
1 day ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
1 day ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
1 day ago
Replied quickly
Could understand person clearly.
Dianne
5 days ago
He gave us honest information about different options we were considering, and he made everything happen in our shortened timeframe. We would be happy to work with him again!
Sarah Wilce
1 hour ago
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
1 day ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
1 day ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
1 day ago
Replied quickly
Could understand person clearly.
Dianne
5 days ago
He gave us honest information about different options we were considering, and he made everything happen in our shortened timeframe. We would be happy to work with him again!
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