A first overnight among the eastern Great Wall ridges
Program 2HB pairs a shorter first-day walk around Gubeikou with an overnight outdoors and a second day exploring the tower-lined ridges of Jinshanling. It is designed as an introduction to camping, with time for photographs and breaks rather than a race to cover the greatest possible distance.
The route still involves uneven masonry, steps and hills. Tell us about your usual walking, children’s ages and any mobility needs so we can judge whether the planned hike is comfortable for everyone.
The proposal confirms the permitted overnight site, tent and sleeping equipment, meals and facilities. Sunrise and sunset depend on weather and seasonal timing; the exact walking route and transfers are agreed before departure.
Review from Sarah
My friend and I completed the 2day hiking/camping Great Wall trip in October this year. We had a fantastic time and would highly recommend this trip. Some parts of the hiking were quite challenging and I found myself very sore in the legs after, but once at the top the views of the Wall are amazing! We camped over night in a watchtower, which was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was so quite and tranquil up there. We had a group of 6 which was just the right size. We all got along really well and it was great to meet some other travelers. We were served some delicious local cuisine at local restaurants, banquet style. These meals I have to say were some of the best meals I had on my 3 week visit to China. Very local and authentic.
Sarah Harper, Australia. Visited October 2013
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Hike Gubeikou, the most ancient section and oldest Great Wall Section. Camping tonight!
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.
Gubeikou was one of the most important passes used to repel the Japanese back in the early 1930s. Gubeikou is a perfect section of the Great Wall for hiking and camping. This section of the Great Wall has 143 beacon towers, which all vary in size so much so, some can fit less than ten and some can fill up with as many as 100 soldiers!
Simply put, the Gubeikou sections are unique and possess many characteristics and beautiful landscapes. What you’ll feel is breathtaking; the legendary stories behind the Wall are exciting.
After a locally prepared Chinese dinner, settle into your Great Wall watchtower camp. The team provides and sets up the camping equipment so you can enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the mountains at night.
Meals and Supplies
Meals: Lunch & Dinner in the local restaurants
Bottled Water: Unlimited
Accommodations: Camping at Gubeikou Great Wall with a full set of camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, and mattress)
If you’re not into camping you may stay overnight in a local home inn at the base of the Great Wall. Please let us know in advance and we will be happy to make arrangements
DAY 2: Hike the Magnificent Jinshanling and West Simatai Great Wall
In the summer you will be up at 5 a.m. or 6.30 in the winter, a beautiful sunrise will be upon you. Have your camera at the ready. After indulging in a continental breakfast, you will be transferred to Jinshanling to start today's hike. It will be about 2.5-3 hours.
The Jinshanling Great Wall possesses a great opportunity to take in some fabulous views. Make sure to take your camera. You will not be disappointed! This part of the Great Wall has not been repaired since 1570. It is very remote, but it's what makes it so unique and a great chance to experience the nature and the wild parts of the wall. It is a great place to explore on foot, as there are very few tourists at the Jinshanling Great Wall. A perfect chance to take a selfie with nobody else to get in the way.
This section of the Great Wall is renowned as the "Paradise of Photographers." All publicized photos you see on significant magazines or online use this section as it's the most photogenic area. You can make all your friends jealous of your beautiful photos taken!
A famous Great Wall specialist said: "The Great Wall is the best of Chinese architecture,but Simatai is the best of the Great Wall." Built on a cliff, Simatai is extremely steep. This section of the wall is known for its legends and historical relics.
Have a gourmet lunch on us locally before returning to Beijing in the afternoon.
Meals and Supplies
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch in the local restaurants
Bottled Water: Unlimited
Other Inclusions and Packages
Inclusions
- 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;
Service Packages
- 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.
Other Great Wall Camping Tours to Consider and Compare
- 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)
Great Wall Tour Photos
More Great Wall Camping Trips
Visit our 2-day hikes featuring camping on the Wall at three camping bases.