Great Wall Hike: Beijing, Jiankou to Huangyaguan — 10 Days

Arrive in Beijing from all corners of the world and transfer independently to the Dong Fang Hotel. This evening, gather for a group meeting to meet fellow travellers before heading out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in the city.

An optional early visit to the Temple of Heaven allows time to observe local residents practicing tai chi, kung fu, sword work, and traditional singing. After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park. In the afternoon, walk through the Hutong neighborhoods—Beijing's old courtyard districts—and attend a tea art lesson. Overnight in the hotel.

A two-and-a-half-hour private transfer brings you to Jiankou, where original sections of the Great Wall wind through unrestored terrain. You'll begin a moderate six-mile hike along authentic stonework, ascending steadily for the first hour through forest canopy. As you climb, notice the elaborate stone masonry and roofwork of defensive structures that punctuate the ridge. The path meanders through dense vegetation and bushes, offering sweeping vistas across the landscape. Your guide provides water and snacks throughout the walk. At midday, rest at the wall for a picnic lunch before continuing to the restored Mutianyu section. From there, transfer to Huanghuacheng near Gubeikou for your overnight stay at a local farmer's guesthouse. Walk through the village with your guide to learn how it played a crucial defensive role during the Ming Dynasty. In the evening, experience the rural pace of local life as you relax and mingle with the farmer's family over an authentic, home-cooked Chinese meal featuring dumplings and traditional dishes. You'll overnight here, immersed in the rhythms of village life.

Continue hiking the Great Wall through dramatic terrain, where ancient stone winds between steep mountains and the blue waters of the reservoir below. The wall here remains largely unrestored, preserved in its original state except where structural integrity demanded intervention. Transfer to Gubeikou, where you'll stay two nights at a local farmer's guesthouse, settling into the rhythm of this remote section of wall.

Begin the day with a tai chi lesson in the farmer's courtyard. Today's hike traces the inner circle of the Great Wall—the second defensive line that would have been activated if the outer wall was breached. This section remains wild and overgrown, protected by local government policy. The vegetation is dense, uncut. Total distance is 11 kilometers with 709 meters of cumulative ascent and four hours of hiking time; allow two hours for rest and lunch. Picnic lunch is taken on the mountainside. Return to the same guesthouse for the night.

Fuel with breakfast at the guesthouse before heading to Jinshanling. As you hike with your guide, examine sections where bricks have been removed—in the 1950s, local farmers dismantled portions of the wall to source building material for houses. The path passes through a local village and follows the inner circle of wall, the secondary defensive ring built in case the main fortification was breached. Lush vegetation lines much of the route as you continue hiking through the late afternoon. The day covers 12 kilometers total over four to five hours of walking, punctuated by three to four hours of rest and lunch taken along the wall. You'll arrive at a guesthouse in Erdaoliang, in the Jinshanling area, where you'll spend the night and enjoy dinner prepared by your hosts. Overnight in the local farmer's guesthouse.

After a home-cooked breakfast at the guesthouse, transfer to Simatai for a two to three-hour morning hike along the Great Wall. In the afternoon, continue hiking from Erchu back toward Jinshanling, traversing remote sections of the wall. This full-day hike covers six miles with a 890-meter ascent, making it the most demanding day of the trek. You'll work through varied terrain and rugged ridgelines, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Return to the Jinshanling guesthouse for dinner and overnight rest.

Hike to Wang Jing Tower (Watching Beijing Tower) for a panoramic vantage over the surrounding mountains. On clear days, Beijing is visible from the ridge. Hiking distance is 3.88 kilometers with 539 meters of ascent and moving time of roughly one hour 47 minutes. Rest for one hour 29 minutes to take in the view. Lunch is at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon transfer to Huangyaguan. Stay overnight at a local hotel.

Hike the Huangyaguan section of wall and ascend Heaven's Ladder to a ridge-top point commanding panoramic views over the mountain ridges. Your guide will explain the history and legend behind each tower. In the afternoon, return to Beijing. A farewell dinner of roast Peking duck concludes the journey. Overnight at the Dong Fang Hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing at your convenience. Our service concludes here.