These traveler accounts have been condensed and edited for clarity. Names, experiences, and feedback have been preserved.
Support that made a charity trek possible
Our guides, Mr. Chaney, Vivian, and Li, went out of their way to help us complete our 2011 charity trek. We could not have finished the challenge without their support. On behalf of British Airways’ London Terminal 5 team, thank you. I would gladly recommend Great Wall Adventure Club to other organizations planning a trek in China.
Ray MausolleBritish Airways · United Kingdom
A great day for the whole team
My team had a wonderful time and spoke highly of the guide. Thank you for helping make the outing such a success.
Mayumi WhitworthGoogle, Inc. · USA
An unforgettable route
My husband and I had an amazing hike. Aaron was knowledgeable, and our driver was punctual and friendly. Above all, the route was unforgettable.
Kelly CalabreseUSA
Knowledge, enthusiasm, and good company
Oliver brought knowledge, enthusiasm, and a clear pride in his work to both tours. He was fun to spend time with and made the experience thoroughly enjoyable. Our driver was also friendly, even though he did not speak English. I would happily recommend the company to friends traveling to China.
C. RussoUSA
Four days on the Wall and a warm welcome in Xi’an
Aaron did a fantastic job guiding us for four days on the Great Wall. He was informative and enjoyable to talk with. In Xi’an, Joy was equally knowledgeable and accompanied us to the airport to make sure we checked in successfully. Both guides helped make the trip memorable, fun, and full of learning.
Theresa (Teri) HamerUSA
A family-friendly welcome in Beijing
Traveling with a child can be challenging, but Jack and our driver made things easier. They patiently helped us find familiar food and Western-style restrooms when we needed them. We felt warmly welcomed and would book with the company again.
Rebecca, Leana, and SummerNew Zealand
A spectacular day on the Wall
I had an incredible day hiking the Wall. Jack was wonderful, and the two fellow travelers you arranged for me to join were lovely. The route was spectacular. I would recommend your company to anyone I know traveling to Beijing.
Mary BirkhauserUSA
A watchtower night worth the climb
Our two-day hiking and camping trip was fantastic. Some stretches were challenging and left my legs sore, but the views were worth the effort. Sleeping in a quiet watchtower, meeting fellow travelers in our group of six, and enjoying local meals were highlights. Danny explained the Wall’s history, kept us informed about the route, and patiently allowed time for breaks and photos. Seeing unrestored sections on the first day and restored sections on the second made the journey especially rewarding.
Sarah HarperAustralia
A guide with patience and humor
Oliver made our trip wonderful with his patience, historical knowledge, and sense of humor. The hike was magnificent and the meal was excellent. Even with traffic, the transport worked well. His English was excellent, and his pride in the Wall’s history added to the experience. We wished we had more time for another tour.
Sarah Smedley and Tim ColeUSA
A memorable adventure in changing weather
We walked the Jiankou–Mutianyu and Gubeikou–Jinshanling routes with Jack. Although the weather was poor, the experience was memorable—especially our night in tents inside a watchtower during heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.
Charlotte WindingDenmark
Thoughtful support for a solo trekker
I thoroughly enjoyed my trek. Cheney Wu was friendly, polite, and excellent company while I traveled on my own. He went out of his way to accommodate my needs, and his knowledge of the Wall’s history and geography made each day more interesting. He represented the company exceptionally well.
Steven HorneAustralia
A family adventure adapted with care
Aaron’s patience and planning made our family adventure possible. At 73, I hoped to hike the Wall, but after a short trial walk we agreed to adjust the route because of the heat and conditions. Aaron coordinated with the driver so my son could take a longer hike while my granddaughter and I enjoyed a gentler route and the Jinshanling cable car. Our overnight camp was clean and well prepared, and breakfast was ready in the morning. Thank you for a memorable adventure.
Donna GorskiUSA
A dream trip with local flavor
We began with one tour and eventually booked four, along with transfers, trains, and hotels. The team also helped with unexpected needs, including a pharmacy visit and delayed luggage. We loved Mount Huashan and the three-day Great Wall tour. When an itinerary mix-up appeared, Luis quickly arranged the tour we expected. His historical knowledge, thoughtful guidance, and choice of small local places to eat made the journey special. I would happily book with GWAC again.
Pamela W.Dallas, USA
Helpful planning across three cities
GWAC helped our group of three arrange two days of private sightseeing in Beijing, a Xi’an Terracotta Warriors day trip with a bullet-train return, and a half-day tour in Shanghai. The guides and drivers were knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. They answered our questions and suggested places to eat and things to do after the tours. We look forward to booking again.
Darden P.USA
A great hike with a weather-aware change
Our two-day hike was one of the best experiences of my life. We had planned to sleep in a watchtower, but the weather led us to stay in a hotel instead. Weaver was an excellent guide and also showed us around Beijing. I would recommend hiking the older sections of the Wall. A watchtower stay remains on my list for a future trip.
Alvin M.Canada
An outstanding hike during a short Beijing visit
Our family of five visited in August 2018 with only 36 hours in Beijing. Booking, communication, and coordination all went smoothly. The West Simatai–Jinshanling route offered incredible scenery, mostly original Wall, and no crowds during our visit. It was a substantial hike, well suited to our hiking family rather than anyone seeking an easy stroll. Oliver was friendly and knowledgeable, lunch was excellent, and the team accommodated an airport drop-off after the tour.
Angela H.Canada
Thoughtful arrangements for three generations
GWAC arranged a wonderful two-day tour for our family group of eight, including three teenagers and a senior. The details were carefully organized, and Oliver was knowledgeable and engaging. Our tours with the company in Hong Kong and Shanghai were also excellent. We would use GWAC again with confidence.
Heather HillCanada
A trip that made a lasting impression
This trip was the best decision of my life, hands down.
John M.USA