2AK: Four Great Wall Sections and a Night in a Watchtower

The itinerary presented as 2AK begins with Gubeikou and Jinshanling, then moves to the Jiankou and Mutianyu area after an overnight camp. It is a good fit for experienced walkers who want to compare rugged ridges with more developed visitor sections.

The published outline estimates around 9 km on each day, with approximately 4½–5 hours on the first and 3–4 hours on the second. These are planning figures: the actual trail, off-Wall connections and exit depend on access, weather and your group.

Jiankou access and any connection toward Mutianyu must be confirmed for your date; a road transfer or an alternative open section may be needed. The written proposal identifies the permitted camp, equipment, meals and return arrangements.

The team confirms the permitted campsite and any applicable local arrangements for your departure. Your proposal specifies camping equipment, meals and facilities. Access to Jiankou and the walking route towards Mutianyu are reviewed for current conditions before the itinerary is finalized.

At about 9:30 a.m., our driver will meet you at the hotel. After 2.5 on the road, we will reach the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall and begin our two-day hike.
 

Explore Gubeikou’s winding ridges and varied watchtowers on a hike of about 10 km toward Jinshanling. The route moves between original and restored Great Wall masonry, with sunset adding a different light to the mountain setting.

Enjoy a locally prepared Chinese dinner, then spend the night in a Great Wall watchtower. Camping equipment is provided and arranged with local support, leaving you time to relax and take in the surroundings.

 Watch the beautiful sunrise in the early morning while having breakfast. Drive to Jiankou and a walk of 30 minutes to reach the Great Wall. This hike will last for about 4 hours.

The Jiankou section is known for its ruggedness and wild beauty, and you will be in awe of the marvelous views it affords. As soon as we reach Jiankou, we will see a deserted watchtower that gives you a panoramic view of the entire valley. In the early morning, the look is priceless with its morning fog. This section of the wall is not well known by tourists, although if you see a picture of the Great Wall from exotic traveling magazines, chances are it is from Jiankou. It is the pinnacle of fascinating Great Wall scenery. This part of the wall is often empty so that you will have some peace and serenity on your hike today. 

From Jiankou, we will cross over onto Mutianyu, a section of the wall that has been largely restored. Mutianyu offers some breathtaking views of the valley and wall below.  
 

You can hike down to the parking lot or take a cable car. Why not have a bit of fun and take a toboggan ride (slide) down to meet our driver. We will then have lunch at a local restaurant. Then drive back to Beijing and drop you off at your hotel so you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon. 

• English-speaking guide with well-experienced tour guide; 
• Professional driver and nice vehicle; 
• General admissions to all sections touched; 
• Free membership card; 
• Hotel pickup & drop-off;
• Airport pickup & drop-off at a low fee;

• PLATINUM PACKAGE --   Private or Semi-private English-speaking Tour that is present with you every minute of your adventure. This Tour also includes private transfers, tickets, camp setup and meals.

• GOLD PACKAGE --   Private or Semi-private tour with our local Chinese speaking guide. It includes our transfer service from and to your hotel and local support from our team. Majority of this package is the same as the Platinum Package except that you pay less.

• SILVER PACKAGE -- Use our coach bus and public bus as the transportation tool to reduce the logistic fee, so you can spend more on the walking and camping experience.

• Gubeikou-Jinshanling-West Simatai camping (TOUR 2AB)
• Gubeikou-Jinshanling-Huanghuacheng camping (TOUR 2AD)
• Beginner's experience of camping at Gubeikou (TOUR 2HB)
• Gubeikou Camping for the Sunset and Sunrise for Cheap (TOUR 2HC)
• From the Forbidden City to Gubeikou Camping (2X1)

Visit our 2-day hikes featuring camping on the Wall at three camping bases.