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Guided and Self-guided
1-day Great Wall Hiking
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sky-high fortification at
Jiankou
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Breaking News
Simatai
is not accessible permanently by hiking from Jinshanling
The
Simatai
Great Wall was suddenly closed in June 2010.
It opened 2 years later, but became a part of "Gubei Water
Town". Tourists must go to the water town to climb the Simatai
Great Wall. However, this once the most meaningful part of the
Great Wall on foot is restricted to only 8 towers.
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How to Hike
the Great Wall of China
from Beijing for One-day
20 Ways to See
the Most Variety for Great Wall Purists
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Average Challenging Grade:
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He who climbs the Great Wall is a true man! -Chairman
Mao
Our 1-day Great Wall hiking programs make sure you spend your
valuable time to try the original
taste of the Great Wall by walking on the world's relic. With our 1-day
classic and thrilling programs you can see
the
best of the Great Wall in style and comfort, and which will also
allow you to be back in Beijing by
nightfall. Except for snow and inclement weather, these programs
are available all year round. With these programs you can see
the most famous sections of the Great Wall, the ones that you
have probably scene on postcards, National geographic, and the
like. You can venture across the dramatic ruins of
Jiankou, walk
through the graceful watchtowers of Mutianyu, visit the
relatively tourist-free sections of
Huanghuacheng and
Xishuiyu,
or take the challenge of our most popular Great Wall trip, the
hike between Gubeikou and
Jinshanling, which gives you the full
Great Wall experience, from tastefully restored watchtowers and
brick to the spectacular real “Great Wall” in its unrestored
splendor. Your travel guides are fully licensed to provide
stimulating and thoughtful tours for hikers to the Great Wall,
and are with you throughout your trip, explaining the legends
behind the wall, from sections used to resist the Mongols to
those that repelled the Japanese, allowing you to have a
fun, informative, and safe trip.
In addition to our hiking tours, we have also added
non-private bus tours
to hike on Jinshanling, Badaling and Mutianyu. Some trips also
includes a complimentary free tour to the Ming Tomb
and Underground Palace.
In order to make the cost as low as possible, we’ll group you
and other travelers together into a Toyota mini-van. These tours
are perfect for budget travelers.
CHOOSING YOUR GREAT WALL HIKING ROUTE: 1A, 1AA, 1AB, 1B
and Their
Sunset Versions 1S1, 1S2, 1S3
Tour 1AA
(the hike from Gubeikou to
Jinshanling) is our best selling
route. At Gubeikou, you can see Great Wall that was built both
2000 years ago and 400 years ago. So this tour lets you see the
most ancient portions of the wall. In other sections such as
Jiankou or Mutianyu on 1B and 1S, you can only see the parts
built about 400 years ago. Also, Gubeikou was used as a
battlefield during China's war of resistance against the
Japanese invasion (WWII). It is a surprise to many hikers that
the Great Wall was used as a battlefield during WWII. In
addition, Jinshanling is a UNESCO Heritage Site and has all the
unique features in construction and design that the Great Wall
utilizes to defend the country effectively.
1S2 is
fundamentally the sunset version of hiking from Gubeikou to
Jinshanling (1AA) with dinner included.
For 1B and
1S1, both hikes from
Jiankou to Mutianyu are the same, and 1S1 starts later around
noon. For
1S1 you'll have the chance to finish your hike and view
the Great Wall during the sunset. You can take photos of the
sunset, which is a wholly unique opportunity. 1S costs a little
bit more because of the late start time. For both tours, the Jiankou Great Wall is the greatest spot to take the most
breath-taking shots (although you can take great pictures with
1AA, too) of the dramatic ruins of the Great Wall. However, Mutianyu is a rebuilt section of the Wall, so if you want to see
the original Great Wall, you can stay longer at Jiankou. At
Mutianyu, if you take 1B, you can try the toboggan ride to get
down from the wall, which is a thrilling and exciting way to end
your time on the wall (the ride is fit for all ages).
1B was the best
seller of 2015 and
1AA
was the best
seller of 2016. Both take you to
unrestored sections, therefore you'll find most of the Wall has
been overtaken by foliage leaving only a footpath to walk along.
"Once on the wall you'll be treated to magnificent views in all
directions," said a former Great Wall hiker. 1S1
and 1S2 are new
sunset routes that were created from the
feedback and input from many clients who wanted to catch the
beauty of sunset on the Great Wall.
If you want to explore more history of the Great Wall and feel
one-day hike is not enough, consider sleeping in a watchtower
where soldiers were formerly garrisoned. Take our featured overnight route
2AA that combines the values of 1AA and 1B into one.
List of Tours
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Is This trip for me? |
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With this relaxing half-day tour, you can
take in what is perhaps the most photographed portion of the
Great Wall in a comfort and worry-free way. After being picked
up at 8am (or 1pm if you wish) we'll make the drive to Mutianyu,
which features some beautifully restored wall. Mutianyu is known
for its watchtowers, the way it slopes and glides across the
hills, and for its sweeping vistas. Mutianyu (which was featured
in the Karate Kid remake) which has played host to world leaders
on their China state visit, is a very easy walk, and can be
experienced by young and old alike. For the kid in you, there is
a thrilling toboggan ride down from the wall which can be done
at the end of your walk.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●○○○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Great for busy traveler
Flexible departure in the morning or afternoon
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Route 1A: Jinshanling-Simatai (altereded)
The Legendary Route 1A
was closed because Simatai is not open for hiking anymore.
Thus, the hiking from Jinshanling
to Simatai is suspended.
This hike is perfect for
those who have only one chance and one chance only to visit the
Great Wall. The hike from Jinshanling to
Simatai (taking between
3 and 4 hours) is a wonderful primer on the Great Wall. This
program is what got us started as a touring agency and it is our
specialty. Here you will see soaring peaks and wonderful
watchtowers, which make for some amazing picture opportunities.
As you proceed further, the wall will gradually deteriorate to
its natural condition, so here you will get to witness the real
“wild wall”. While the “wild wall” is in a deteriorated state,
it is still very easily walkable by all ages.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●●○
POPULARITY RANK:
Walk the two UNESCO
Historic Heritage Sites!
Best views!
High physical demand |
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Rated as the
top-seller Great Wall hiking of the past three years, this program still offers all that
you would expect from a premium Great Wall experience. You get the classically restored and graceful peaks of the Jinshanling, and the unrestored “wild wall” of Gubeikou (which
takes the place of Simatai). This makes for a wonderful lesson
on the uses and purpose of the Great Wall, as the sections here
were placed at a highly strategic point to keep out northern
invaders. Not being nearly as crowded as other Great Wall
section, this Great Wall hike is an excellent way for a family
to spend a day at the Great Wall!
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●●○
POPULARITY RANK:
Walk the parts of Great Wall built
both 2000 and 400 years ago
Super views
High physical demand |
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While the eastern portion of Simatai is currently closed
for repairs, the western half of is still open to hikers.
Through this new one-day program, you can still participate
in what is possible the most popular Great Wall hike today:
Jinshanling-Simatai. In order to ensure that more foreign
travelers can see this beautiful portion of the Great Wall,
we have priced at an incredibly affordable rate that is
lower than other travel agencies. The wall from Jinshanling
to Simatai has never been restored and its original
appearance of more than 400 years old has been best
preserved. Because it is full of challenge and with splendid
and charming scenery, this section of the Great Wall has
been the favorite destination of hiking lovers from all over
the world.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Look out the famous
Simatai
Super views
Moderate physical demand |
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This Great Wall hike, which is relatively
easy, makes for a great family day out at the Great
Wall. Like the hike from
Jinshanling to Simatai, this program is a exceptional for those
who only have a little time in Beijing and want to get the most
out of their Great Wall experience. This hike starts at the
Great Wall of Jiankou, which features some amazing ruins and
scenes of rustic beauty. The wall here is in its unrestored
state, and is quickly becoming popular for photographers and
Great Wall enthusiasts alike. Midway through the hike you'll
pass over into the Great Wall at Mutianyu, which might be the
most famous section of the Great Wall. With grand watchtowers
and lovely brickwork, it is striking contrast to Jiankou,
allowing you to compare and contrast these two sections of the
Great Wall.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●●○
POPULARITY RANK:
Beautiful views, often the
photographer's paradise
High physical demand
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This Great Wall hike is similar to Route 1B, but rather than
starting in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel
at 2pm, arriving at the
Jiankou Great Wall later in the
afternoon. Jiankou is renowned for its dramatic ruins and is a
prime example of the unrestored “wild wall”. Midway through your
hike you'll cross over into the Great Wall at
Mutianyu, a prime
piece of restored Great Wall which bends and twists over the
countryside. From Mutianyu, you will have the chance to witness
the gorgeous sunset that will drape itself over the wall, so
make sure you have your cameras ready! As this hike starts later
in the day you'll be able to escape the heat, making this trip
suitable for all ages.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●●○
POPULARITY RANK:
See the
superior sunset
on Great Wall
High
physical demand |
Jingshanling
has long been the representative of the Great Wall in both
paintings and photographs, such as when the Great Wall is
showcased in important places, such as the National Congress
Hall of China. Watching the sunset over Jinshanling is a
unique chance to catch the natural beauty and grandeur of
the Great Wall. By taking our Sunset tour from
Gubeikou to Jinshanling, you will
be amazed by the views you have only seen on TV and travel
magazines. Seeing the Great Wall at sunset will give you
both the impetus and passion to shoot like a professional
photographer rather than just a Great Wall hiker.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●●○
POPULARITY RANK:
Walk the Great Wall built
2000 years ago
Magnificent sunset view
High physical demand |
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Route 1S3:
Jinshanling Great Wall Sunset Tour |
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This brand new program
brings you an old favorite with a new twist. Experience
the most popular one-day Great Wall hike set against the
gorgeous sunset! As this hike goes into the early
evening, this tour gives you some flexibility, as you do
not need to wake up at the crack of dawn. You can get in
some sightseeing done before we begin, allowing you to
make the most out of your limited time in China. Seeing
the sunset from the Great Wall
at Jinshanling
is sure to be an absolute highlight of your China trip,
and we can guarantee that the photos you take will be
simply breathtaking. This tour also includes a gourmet
dinner, and as with all of our Great Wall hikes, you get
your own driver and English-speaking guide.
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If you're short on time and want to
experience the absolute best of Beijing and the Great Wall,
then this tour is a perfect fit. After a morning pick-up
we'll start our day with a tour of
the Forbidden City, which
is probably the most famed attraction in Beijing (and
possibly all of China). After a few hours touring we'll
drive out to the Great Wall at Jinshanling where we'll begin
our hike. On this hike you'll see watchtowers, stately
brickwork, dramatic ruins, and awe-inspiring views. To top
it all off you'll get to be on the Great Wall during the
sunset, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime moment that can only
be had on the Great Wall.[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL:
●●●○○
POPULARITY RANK:
An efficient way to
catch the beauty of the Imperial Place and the system to
defend the royal city of Beijing |
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In addition to spending time on one one the best sections of the
Great Wall, you'll also get to explore the Eastern Qing Tombs,
which is the final resting place for many of China's last ruling
dynasty. The day starts with a drive out to the Great Wall at Huangyaguan. The great thing about Huangyaguan
was that it was designed as a miniature version of the
entire Great Wall, giving you an understanding of the
Great Wall's functions and features without having to
walk the whole thing! From there we'll drive
to the Eastern Qing tombs, a sprawling tomb complex that many
feel is much more exciting than the Ming Tombs. Here is the
final resting place of five emperors, four empresses, five
imperial concubines, and one princess of China's last imperial
dynasty, the Qing.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●○○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Cultural tour with Great Wall
hike for those who are more interested in China's
history |
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This program, which is recommended for
families, offers a wide range of opportunities for fun and
enjoyment. You can experience an unrestored section of the Great
Wall in its natural state (Lianhuachi), in an uncrowded and
relaxed environment, as this section is relatively unknown to
tourists. Afterwards, you'll take in one of the most famous parts
of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, which is renowned for its
picturesque vistas and has been visited by scores of world
leaders on their China visit. On the way home, we'll pay tribute
to modern China, with a visit to Beijing's Olympic Park, and
especially its two standout features, the Bird's Nest Stadium
and the Water Cube.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●○○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Good for families
Lower cost |
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The trip will start with
a drive to the Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. Huanghuacheng, which
is fast becoming popular with hikers, features classically
restored brickwork and the way that it glides and bends across
the mountainside. Situated along a lake, Huanghuacheng is a
picturesque section of wall, so remember to bring your camera.
About halfway through the hike we'll pass over into Xishuiyu, a
section of the Great Wall, a little known section of Great Wall
that is unrestored, meaning that the “wild wall” starts to take
hole. As we walk along the ruins of the wall here, you will get
to see something truly special, the broken Great Wall running
underwater.
[TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Picturesque of Great Wall
High
physical demand |
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If you're looking for something out of
the ordinary while also longing for a family adventure, then
this is a great program for you! In addition to hiking the
rugged and picturesque Huanghuacheng Great Wall you'll also
get to go for a bike ride through the Chinese countryside,
with the Xishuiyu Reservoir, tree-lined pathways, and the
Great Wall serving as your background. The biking and hiking
is not too strenuous, making for a great day-out for adults
and kids of all ages. In addition, this tour gives you a
little exercise to boot! [TOP]
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Picturesque of Great Wall
High
physical demand |
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Looking to make a difference? Want
to put some love and goodwill into your trip to China? With
this Lakeside Repair tour you can do both while also
enjoying the splendor and majesty of the Great Wall. This
program includes a hike of the
Huanghuacheng
Great Wall, a splendid section of wall set on a lake and
which is well-known among hikers and backpackers. Following
your hike you will have the opportunity to help in the
repairs and renovations that are going on on Huanghuacheng,
allowing you to have a first-hand look in what goes on in
maintaining one of the most amazing achievements in human
history.
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Picturesque of Great Wall
High
physical demand |
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Route 1X: Gubeikou-Jinshanling-West
Simatai
This program was specifically designed at
the request of visitors who wanted a tougher and more
invigorating Great Wall hike. At 20km and 6+hours of hiking
this day at the Great Wall is no joke! However, if you’re up
to the challenge, you’re in for a treat, as you’ll get to
experience stunning views such as the snaking wall at
Jinshanling and the dramatic ruins of west
Simatai. You’ll
get the full Great Wall experience, with glorious
watchtowers, tastefully restored brickwork, and rugged and
challenging Great Wall remnants. Please be advised that this
hike should only be undertaken by those in
good physical condition.
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●●●●●
POPULARITY RANK:
Walk through the
longest history of the Great Wall!
Unique views! |
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Great Wall Group Tours and Trip Codes |
Is This trip for me? |
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Route A3: Mutianyu Day
Tour |
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Mutianyu offers some breathtaking views of the valley
and wall below, and if you look to your right you’ll see
a large sign engraved in the side of the mountain
encouraging you to “Cherish Chairman Mao”. You can hike
down to the parking lot or take a toboggan (highly
recommended, and lots of fun!) down to the bus.
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●○○○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Nearest Great Wall
section to the city
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Route A5:
Jinshanling-West Simatai
Tour |
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The Great Wall at Jinshanling is one of the
best preserved parts of the Great Wall with many original
features. It got its name because it was built on the
Greater and Lesser Jinshan (‘Gold Mountain’) Ranges. A
tablet with the Chinese inscription for Jinshanling Great
Wall was set into this section. The Jinshanling Great Wall
has not been repaired since 1570. It is a remote and
relatively isolated section of the Great Wall. As there are
relatively few tourists at Jinshanling Great Wall, it is a
good place to explore on foot.
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CHALLENGING LEVEL: ●○○○○
POPULARITY RANK:
Best-rated section
of the Wall close to the city
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