Duration

3 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Hiking

About This Trip

Hike the Great Wall as ancient generals did! Venture off the beaten path to conquer one of its most strenuous sections with your limbs and boost your dopamine, explore the untouched relics away from the crowds, treat yourself to a picnic at the top of the Great Wall, and admire the illuminated ramparts at night. Designed for history and outdoor enthusiasts, this tour combines physical challenge with deeper insight into the Wall’s strategic past.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1BeijingJiankou to Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
2BeijingGubeikou to Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall, Gubei Water Town, Simatai Section of the Great Wall
3BeijingJinshanling to West Simatai Section of the Great Wall
Quick Question

Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up at your downtown hotel to begin the adventure. After a 2-hour drive, start hiking at Jiankou, the most famous stretch of the Wild Great Wall, known for its steep and challenging terrain that draws outdoor adventurers. This section demands good fitness and bravery, while the breathtaking views and the satisfaction of conquering rugged paths will reward you. Don’t miss the Zhengbeilou watchtower, a beacon known for its intact architecture and as a vantage point to marvel at the Wall’s winding structure, resembling a dragon’s spine stretched across a vast sea of greenery.

After about 4 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the Mutianyu section, a well-preserved and more accessible part of the Wall. With a striking contrast to Jiankou’s ruggedness, it’s perfect for relaxing, snapping photos, and reflecting on the incredible moment you’ve just earned.

From here, descend and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

In the morning, a private transfer will take you to the Gubeikou Section of the Great Wall (approximately 2.5 hours). Unlike the rugged Jiankou Great Wall you explored the previous day, the Gubeikou Great Wall offers a comparatively gentler hiking level. Much of the trail features open terrain with expansive views, making it a more relaxed yet equally rewarding experience. Remains largely untouched and lesser-visited, you’ll experience the stretch in its most original form and might even spot inscriptions left by generals from centuries ago.

After approximately 4.5 hours of moderate hiking, transfer to Gubei Water Town, which recreates the charm of traditional Chinese towns and is nestled at the foot of Simatai Great Wall. The natural landscapes and black-tile, white-wall architecture make it an ideal destination to unwind.

As twilight sets in, take a cable car ride up to the Simatai section of the Wall – the only part open for night visits. Here, under soft romantic lighting, the illuminated towers and shimmering reflections in the reservoir below create a dreamlike landscape. Enjoy a relaxed picnic-style meal, soaking in the atmosphere where history and nature meet under the stars.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through Gubei Water Town, enjoy the quiet morning charm as shopkeepers open their wooden shutters, and steam rises from traditional breakfast stalls.

Later, set out for an approximately 5 km hike from Jinshanling section to the west Simatai Great Wall, admiring two contrasting faces of the Wall in one single journey – well-restored grandeur and untouched beauty. As you hike along the undulating stone path, your private guide will share stories of the Wall’s sophisticated defensive network.

In the afternoon, relax on a 2.5-hour drive back to Beijing, where your journey through China’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems reaches its peaceful end.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

How It Works

Share your tour ideas

Step 1

Tell us your tour ideas
Complete our inquiry form

Discuss with a travel specialist

Step 2

Discuss with a travel specialist
Customize your itinerary

Securely book your tour

Step 3

Securely book your tour
Confirm when you’re satisfied

Similar Posts