Spend four days hiking the remote and rugged sections of the Great Wall of China on this challenging yet rewarding trek. You traverse the historic Gubeikou, architectural Jinshanling, hidden Wangjinglou, and wild Jiankou sections. Instead of standard tourist routes, the path takes you along steep ridges, past ancient watchtowers, and through local villages like Beigou and Xizhazi. The itinerary includes boutique accommodations, daily meals, and private transport from Beijing. This tour serves as an ideal extension for adventurers looking for a physical and immersive way to experience the Great Wall's diverse landscapes away from the crowds.
Highlights
Hike the Gubeikou defense wall past historic garrisons and watchtowers
View Jinshanling watchtowers known for their diverse architectural styles
Climb Jiankou's steep ridges to reach the stunning Horn Tower
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Meet your guide in the Morning at your Beijing hotel and drive 2.5 hours to Gubeikou. Start today's trek at this historic section, originally built in 1378 to defend against attacks from the North. Hike past numerous watchtowers and garrisons set against the Panlon and Woho Mountains. Halfway through the route, wind your way into a valley and through local farms to bypass a military area before rejoining the wall at the Jinshanling section.
Explore Jinshanling, home to nearly 70 watchtowers featuring various architectural styles. Look closely at the bricks to spot etched ancient poems and stories. Conclude the trek with a descent from Zhuanduokou and walk to your accommodation situated within the scenic site. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the hike.
Stay overnight in the Jinshanling Scenic Area.
Hiking length: 4-6 hours
Hike Distance: 10-13 kilometers / 6 - 8.5 miles
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult with uphill & downhill
Day 2: Eastern Gate to Shalingkou Hike
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Drive 5 minutes to the East Gate of the Jinshanling Great Wall to begin the hike. Ascend via a trail and steps on the mountain slope to reach Dong Wu Yan Lou (5-eye watchtower). From here, hike east past four towers to reach the Simatai border. Note that the direct path to Simatai remains closed, so you turn back at this point.
Return to Dong Wu Yan Lou and hike westwards along the wall to Shalingkou, which leads to the central gate. If you have the energy, extend the hike by six additional towers to Zhuanduokou. Head down to the hotel for a rest.
Day 3: Wangjinglou Tower Hike | Transfer to Huairou
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Start your hike directly from the hotel, moving through trees along the mountain slopes. Walk for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach an ancient village. From the village, ascend to the Wangjinglou Watchtower, which offers distant views of Beijing.
After a picnic lunch at the tower, hike downhill to meet your vehicle. Transfer approximately 2 hours to your next destination near the Mutianyu Great Wall.
Day 4: Jiankou to Beigou Village Hike | Return Home
1 Breakfast
Drive one hour this morning to Xizhazi Village, located near the Jiankou Great Wall. Tackle a moderate section of this wild and dramatic wall, starting with a one-hour uphill hike to Zhengbeilou. Take in views of the wall clinging to the steep western cliffs.
Head east on a flat walk toward the Horn Tower. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the woods or on a platform. Before reaching the main tourist areas of Mutianyu, take a side path downhill to Beigou Village. Navigate the rocky and steep descent, where trekking poles prove helpful. Meet your driver for the return trip to the city.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,0242-3 travelers
Notes
Select a Date
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
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
