China2 days

Great Wall: Jiankou to Wangjinglou — 2 Days from Beijing

Two days of hiking across four Ming Dynasty sections—Jiankou, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, and Wangjinglou—from Beijing, with overnight in a rural farmhouse.

This two-day itinerary moves across four distinct sections of the Great Wall, each with its own construction history and terrain. The first day covers a 10-kilometer hike through Jiankou—the steepest and most photographed section, built from white dolomite stone—before descending to the restored Mutianyu section and the village of Gubeikou, where you stay overnight in a local farmhouse. The second day climbs Wangjinglou (Watching Beijing Tower), ascending 539 meters to a vantage point overlooking the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, Beijing itself. You move by private vehicle between sections, hike with a local guide, and eat with your hosts—including a home-cooked meal of dumplings and other dishes prepared by farming families in Gubeikou.

Highlights

Hike 10 kilometers through Jiankou, a Ming Dynasty section 80 kilometers northeast of Beijing, known for its steep ridge and white dolomite construction.
Walk the restored Mutianyu section, then visit the rural village of Gubeikou and learn its role in defending Beijing during the Ming Dynasty.
Climb Wangjinglou Tower and ascend 539 meters for bird's-eye views across the surrounding mountains.
Overnight in a local farmer's guesthouse in Gubeikou with a home-cooked Chinese meal included.
Hike across two days with private vehicle transfers between sections.

Day by day

1Jiankou's White Ridge: Beijing to a Farmer's GuesthouseJiankou · central Beijing · the wall itself · Mutianyu section · Gubeikou · local farmer's guesthouse

Your guide meets you in central Beijing for a two-and-a-half-hour private drive northeast to Jiankou, located in the Huairou district about 80 kilometers from the city. The section takes its name from the mountain's shape—"arrow nock"—referring to the distinctive ridge formation. Built from local dolomite, the large pieces of white stone are striking from a distance. This Ming Dynasty section zigzags 20 kilometers from the Ox Horn Edge Wall to the Nine-Eye Tower via the Beijing Knot, connecting Mutianyu in the east and Huanghuacheng in the west. You begin a moderate 10-kilometer hike along the initial sections of the wall. For the first hour, you climb uphill while observing the elaborate stonework and roofs of structures and statues that punctuate the ridge. The path meanders through dense jungles and bushes. Jiankou remains one of the most dangerous and wild Great Wall sections, yet it ranks among the most photographed for the combination of its precipitous mountains and unique construction style. Your guide provides water and snacks throughout the hike. At midday, you pause for a picnic lunch on the wall itself. By afternoon, you reach the restored Mutianyu section before driving to the village of Gubeikou, where you'll spend the night in a local farmer's guesthouse. Walking around the village with your guide, you learn how Gubeikou played an essential role in defending Beijing during the Ming Dynasty. The evening is spent with local farming families, who welcome you to share an authentic home-cooked Chinese meal including dumplings. This time allows you to experience the quaint rural lifestyle firsthand and mingle with the farmers in their community. You overnight in the local farmer's guesthouse.

2Gubeikou to Wangjinglou: Sunrise Ascent and Return to BeijingGubeikou · Wangjinglou Tower · Wangfujing shopping district · Gubeikou to Wangjinglou Tower · Wangjinglou Tower summit · Wangjinglou Tower to Beijing

After a farmer's breakfast, you drive 30 minutes to Wangjinglou Tower (Watching Beijing Tower). A nearly two-hour hike of 6 kilometers follows, ascending 539 meters to the tower's top. From the summit, you have bird's-eye views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, the city of Beijing itself. You rest for 1.5 hours to absorb the views before a private vehicle returns you to Beijing. Upon arrival, you enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at Wangfujing shopping district.

Where you go

Map: Great Wall: Jiankou to Wangjinglou — 2 Days from Beijing route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Jiankou

Included

Accommodation: 1 night in local guest house
Transport: Private Bus
Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
Guide: Local guide
Included activities: Entrance to Jiankou，Mutianyu and Wangjinglou