great wall of china guided tour

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Great Wall of China Tours & Trips

• Great Wall of China from Beijing
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46 Great Wall Of China tour packages with 134 reviews

Explorer Train & Rail Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +3

China Highlights

"Excellent tour with an awesome guide. He was very kind, friendly and helpful as well as bringing the places we visited to life with his great knowledge." JonathanDeJong, traveled in December 2018

Explorer Family River Cruise Historical +1

14-Day Impression China Group Tour

"China is a fascinating country with much to see and do. An added bonus was the discovery of western style toilets in so many places." Colin, traveled in April 2019

• 10% deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Active Family Christmas & New Year +2

Great Wall & Warriors - 10 days

"An enjoyable journey to the most iconic sights of China." Morris, traveled in November 2018

In-depth Cultural Christmas & New Year +1

China Express - 8 days

"I must admit, I would never have seen half the things I would have compared to doing it with On the Go." Murray, traveled in March 2016

In-depth Cultural Explorer Christmas & New Year +1

"The accommodation was a lower standard as this is a lower budget tour but all of the locations allowed for easy access to the local attractions." Samuel, traveled in September 2019

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +2

Spiritual and Modern China

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer +1

Traditional China

Tailor-Made Luxury China Golden Triangle Tour with Daily Departure

"Excellent organization of our trip! An absolute all-round carefree package that helped us to have an unforgettable travel experience." Iris, traveled in September 2023

Explorer Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +2

Highlights of China

Hiking & Trekking Christmas & New Year +1

Great Wall Hike in Hebei Province and Beijing 9Days

Hiking & Trekking Active Walking Adventure In-depth Cultural +2

Walk the Great Wall of China

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus +1

Classic China (10 Days)

Iconic China with Yangtze Cruise (12 Days)

Explorer Family River Cruise Sightseeing Historical +2

Best of China with Yangtze Cruise (15 Days)

Beijing to Shanghai Express

What people love about great wall of china tours.

Extremely disappointed that we were not informed of the hotel change at the beginning of the trip. I think it would be beneficial to change the group meeting either early afternoon or after dinner so that people can see the Shanghai skyline at night For the sleeper train book whole section and then split the price so you can be with people you know. Sunny was a great guide. She was very informative, helpful and just an all around lovely person who allowed us to appreciate Chinese culture and hospitality.

Well organised and the agent Emily was always available and supportive with requests before and during my trip, good hotels used, guides were friendly and knowledgable.

A perfect taste of China!

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"Loved it Jerry the main dude was great

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"Quite excellent organization of our trip! Prompt feedback on questions and an absolute all-round carefree package that helped us have an unforgettable travel experience.

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Great Wall of China

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As China's most famous attraction, the Great Wall of China is an essential stop on all China tours . Commonly considered a wonder of the world, the Great Wall boasts a history of over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient structures on the planet.

Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China

Want to visit the great wall of china spontaneously with a professional live guide learn more about our guided virtual tour here, best sections to visit.

Beijing is usually considered the main gateway to the Great Wall, since there are several world-famous sections of the Wall in the suburbs of Beijing, including Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Juyongguan, Gubeikou, and Jiankou. These sections were built during the Ming dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries and have been well preserved.

Of all the sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, Badaling is the most famous one. As a result, Badaling is the destination of choice for many large tour groups and is often very crowded. The nearby Juyongguan Great Wall features one of the three great mountain passes of the Great Wall but is almost as crowded as Badaling.

Mutianyu Great Wall is just as close as Badaling and offers wonderful views of the Great Wall and the surrounding hills with far fewer tourists. This section of the Wall also features a thrilling toboggan run that you can ride from the top of the Wall down to the bottom of the hill.

Due to their proximity, Badaling, Juyongguan, and Mutianyu are all doable as a half-day trip from downtown Beijing. We usually recommend Mutianyu over Badaling or Juyongguan , since the massive crowds at the latter two sections can ruin one's experience of this impressive structure.

Further away from Beijing, Jinshanling Great Wall is about 150 km northeast of downtown and it usually takes about two and a half hours to drive there. Despite the longer drive, Jinshanling is among the most stunning sections of the Great Wall. If your itinerary allows for one full day seeing the Great Wall, then we highly recommend a tour to Jinshanling.

Gubeikou and Jiankou can also be visited within a day tour from Beijing . Both sections have not been restored since they were first built in the Ming Dynasty, making them ideal choices for those who want to hike and experience the wild Great Wall. Do be aware that the Jiankou section features very steep and dangerous climbs and is only suitable for experienced hikers.

There are also some other famous sections of the Great Wall within or outside Beijing, such as Huanghuacheng, Simatai, and Shanhaiguan, but we only recommend these if you are visiting the Great Wall for a second time or planning a multi-day, in-depth Great Wall tour.

Great Wall Hiking and Camping

Due to its original purpose as a military defense, almost all sections of Great Wall were built on mountain ranges and thus involve some challenging climbs and uneven stairs, including the well-restored sections. If you are visiting a restored section but hike to the end of the renovated part, you will be able to see the unrestored part of the Great Wall.

For most visitors, Mutianyu and Jinshanling offer good, medium difficulty hikes, while still being very safe. For those looking for a serious hike along wild, unrestored portions of the Wall, we suggest the Jinshanling to Jinshanling East , or Gubeikou to Jinshanling routes. All these routes boast both unrestored and picturesque renovated sections of the Wall. However, please be aware that hikes along wild, unrestored parts of the Great Wall involve many steep climbs and loose bricks, and can be very dangerous in some places. (People can no longer hike through from Jinshanling to Simatai since the route was closed years ago.)

Camping on the Great Wall is usually banned, especially on the renovated sections. If you want to spend a night sleeping on the Great Wall , we can take you to a watchtower on the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall to experience the life of an ancient soldier and catch amazing sunrise/sunset views over the Wall.

Best Time to Visit

For all sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, the spring months (April to June) offer temperate weather and are great for climbing. In late April to early May, many trees begin to blossom, making this a particularly beautiful period to visit the Wall. Fall is also a nice time to visit, as temperatures are usually comfortable. October to early November are particularly picturesque, as the tree leaves on the mountains begin to change color. The winter months, from December to February, are cold and can be windy, but there are usually far fewer tourists on the Wall during these months. July and August are hot and humid, and thus not the best for long hikes. In addition, it's best to avoid hiking on the Wall after rain or snowfall because some parts can get very slippery.

You should also avoid visiting the popular sections, such as Badaling, Juyongguan, and Mutianyu, around National Day (the first week in October) and Spring Festival. August is also a busy time for the Badaling and Juyongguan sections, since students are on summer vacation and many families travel to these famous sections with their kids before the new school year starts. Learn more about how to avoid the crowds when traveling in China .

Great Wall of China Private Tour Packages

• Beijing and the Great Wall Day Tour
• 2 days Beijing highlight tour
• 3 days Beijing tour
• Golden Triangle of China - 9 days Beijing, Xian, Shanghai tour
• The Classic China Tour - 13 days Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai tour
• The Ancient Capitals - 5 days Beijing, Xian tour
• Tale of Two Cities - 5 days Beijing, Shanghai tour
• More Great Wall tours...

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Great Wall Tours & Vacations

Mao Zedong said, ‘He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man.'

The Chairman might have been overstating things a tad, but we can say that climbing the Great Wall is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience (unless you happen to climb it twice). Snaking from Manchurian ruins in Liaoning, through Beijing province, and ending in a few wind-scoured remains in the Gobi desert, it’s the undisputed emperor of China landmarks. There are obviously dozens of Great Wall of China tours running out of Beijing (and Shanghai), but our local guides come with a few extra perks. English speaking, expertly trained, and with an encyclopedic knowledge of the Wall and its history – there’s no-one better in the business.

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Great Wall travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit the Great Wall of China?

This varies a little depending on which section of the Wall you’re due to visit, but generally Spring is a lovely time to visit Beijing.

The weather in March or May is warm and fresh, and you should only need a light jacket to be comfortable on your Great Wall tour. 

Summer (June – August) is the most popular time to visit the Great Wall, but it’s the hottest too: temperatures can average around 86°F, which means sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle are trekking must-haves.

Autumn (September – November) is a little cooler, but still a great time to visit.

The real one to avoid is Winter (December – February) where temperatures usually drop below freezing. Most Great Wall tours won’t even run during this time.

What do I pack for the Great Wall of China?

Walking the Great Wall on a China tour requires a basic level of fitness.

You don’t need to be springing from watchtower to watchtower like a mountain goat, but the ability to walk steadily for a few hours is pretty essential.

With that in mind, pack some comfy shoes. Runners or sneakers are a good idea –they’ll support your ankles and knees while navigating uneven stone stairs.

Sunscreen and a hat are a good idea too, especially in Summer when the temperature can really spike.

Bring a small canteen for water (try to avoid buying plastic bottles) and obviously a spare SD card or two for the camera – trust us, they fill up quick here.

What are the toilet facilities like along the Great Wall of China?

There are no toilet facilities along the Great Wall of China once you've moved past the main entrance.

You should use the bathrooms before you start the walk to ensure you feel comfortable and don't have to turn back.

The restrooms may not be stocked with tissue paper or paper towels so bringing that with you is also a good idea. 

How do I get to the Great Wall of China?

The easiest way to get to the Great Wall of China is on one of our China tours; however, if you're intent on visiting by yourself, there are a couple of ways you can get there on your own.

You can hire a private driver for the day that'll pick you up from and drop you off at your accommodation in Beijing, you can catch a range of public transportation options (including taxis) or you can self-drive from Beijing to the Great Wall of China.

I t's important to note that some sections of the wall are only accessible through a group or private tour so keep that in mind when planning out your itinerary. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Ultimate Great Wall Travel Guide | Trip Planning Ideas 2024/2025

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China is on almost everyone’s bucket list. There is nothing that can be compared with the experience of standing on the soaring watchtowers to see how this colossal ancient engineering project spanning across thousands of mile from west of China to its east. No matter how long you want to hike, and how wild scenery you want to see, there is always a section of the Great Wall for you. But how much do you really know about the Great Wall? Do you have idea where to start with your Great Wall tour planning? Which section of Great Wall suits you well? When is the best time to have a Greaet Tour? You will find there are so many things to learn and prepare before you go. Here we have complied this Great Wall of China Ultimate Guide which have synthesized the most useful insights and tips from our Great Wall researcher and Beijing local tour guide to help you plan the perfect Great Wall adventure.

A Beijing tour without Great Wall is not complete, is that true?

This is definitely true. Just as Beijing is the no. 1 destination in China, the Great Wall is also no doubt the No. 1 attraction in Beijing. It is on almost everyone’s bucket list as an essential stop on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall is one of the World’s Seven Wonders, also one of the most impressive ancient structures on the planet. It boasts a history of overy 2,000 years, and stretches more than 5,500 miles from northwest to northeast of China. There are many featured sections location near Beijing. You only need a half day to see, walk, climb and experience one highlighting section of the Great Wall. If time allows, you are suggested to spend 1 or 2 full days to enjoy an in-depth hiking to one or 2 wild sections of the Great Wall.

Recommended Beijing Tours including Great Wall:

- 2 Days Beijing Layover Highlights Tour (Highlights of Beijing) - 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour (Transit Visa Free) - 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package (Ancient and Modernity Contrast)

Mutianyu Section of Great Wall in July

Gubekou Section of Great Wall

Always Consider Traveling with a Guide and Tour Package

The best way to visit the Great Walll is to travel with a private tour. Most of costs, including tickets, cable cars, meals and hotels, on the tour are covered. More importantly, you will be accompanied by the experienced guide, which is very important and necessary when you are going to visit the remote and wild sections of Great Wall, such as Jinshanling, Simatai, Gubeikou, etc. You guide will give you many helpful advice on the right and safe routes to hike. As you may know, some wild sections of the Great Wall are very dangerous to hike, and hard to rescue as well if an accident occurs. You will also get many handy tips and useful knowledge during your Great Wall visit. Traveling with a private tour, you will save a lof of time and get rid of the crowdedness of public transportation. Besides, some sections of Great Wall can only be reached by private cars, such as Gubeikou.

Best Selling Beijing Tour including Mutianyu Great Wall:

- 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package (Ancient and Modernity Contrast)

Can I Do The Great Wall on a Layover?

You can visit the Great Wall on a layover, but you must have at least 8 hours to spend before your flight departing. You will need about 1 hour to exist the airport, then 2~3 hours to find transportation and transfer to the Great Wall, and 2~3 hours to visit and walk the Wall, then get back to the airport to catch your flight. You also have to pray for not having traffic jams. Currently there is no public transportation from the airport to the Great Wall. You have to hire a taxi or book a private transfer from travel agencies. Generally speaking, if you have about 8~12 hours for layover, you can go to visit one section of Great Wall, such as Mutianyu, Huanghuacheng, Badaling or Juyongguan. To visit Jinshanling, Simatai, Gubekou section, you need at least a full day (24hrs).

Currently you can enjoy a visa-tree stay up to 144 hours in Beijing if you meet the Beijing 144-hour Transit Visa Free Policy . It time allows, you are strongly suggested to have a longer stay in Beijing to explore the Great Wall with other Beijing highlights, such as Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, etc., at a slower leisure pace.

Recommended Beijing Visa Free Tour Package starting from the airport:

- 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour (Transit Visa Free)

Badaling Section of Great Wall (65km from Beijing)

Hiking on the Great Wall

Is the Great Wall a Kid-Friendly Destination?

The Great Wall has many sections. Some are kid-friendly, and some not. Walking on the Great Wall is physical demanding. You should choose the sections of Great Wall which are easier to walk and not too far away from the city. Generally speaking, Mutianyu and Huanghuacheng are two most kid-friendly destination. They are both only about 1.5hrs’ driving from central Beijing. Both two sections provide cable cars to transport to the top of the Great Wall. Mutianyu also has an exciting toboggan ride for you and your kids to slide down the great wall like an adventure. While in Huanghuacheng section of Great Wall, you can take a boat on the lake whiling enjoying the magnificent great wall landscape. If your kids are over 12 years ago, you can also plan a hike trip to Jinshanling, Simatai or Gubekou sections of the Great Wall.

Keep Reading: - Top Beijing Family Tours

What Are the Best Sections of the Great Wall to Visit from Beijing?

There are more than 10 sections of Great Wall located in the northern area about 60~160km from central Beijing. Mutianyu is the best option if you travel with kids, or want to enjoy a leisure and scenic hike. If you are a hiker, choose 1 or 2 sections among Jinshanling, Simatai and Gubekou to hike 1 or 2 days. If you are the second-timer, maybe Huanghuacheng section will be very attractive to you. Its lakeside walls are very stunning.

Keep Reading: - Complete Guide on Which Section of Great Wall to Visit

Magnificent Jinshanling Great Wall Landscape

Mutianyu Great Wall in Spring

When is the Best Time to Visit the Great Wall?

You’d better not visit the popular sections of the Great Wall, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, during Chinese holidays and festivals to avoid the crowds, including the Spring Festival(usually in Febuary), National Day(1st to 7th, October), Middle Autumn Festival (usually in later September), etc. If your time is not flexible, try to visit the not crowded sections of Great Wall, such as Simatai, Jinshanling, Gubeikou, etc.

How do I get to the Great Wall of China?

The location of each section of Great Wall varies greatly so is the available transportation. Some sections, which are closer to Beijing, can be reached easily, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, Juyongguan and Huanghuacheng. These sections of Great Wall provide flexible choices of transportation, including private car, train, tourist bus and public buses. Some sections of Great Wall are much further away from Chengdu, including Jinshanling, Simatai, Gubekou. Travellers can only get there by private car or public buses (usually takes much longer, and need to change bus for several times).

Keep Reading: - Complete Guide on How to Get to Great Wall from Beijing

Beijing Great Wall Location Map

Huanghuacheng Great Wall with Waterscape

Are There Some Unique Ways to Explore the Great Wall of China？

There are many ways to explore the charms of the Great Wall. You can plan your Great Wall visit according to your interest (hike, photography, history, landscape), time (2hours, half day, 1 day, 2 days) and physical condition. Below are Top 5 Great Wall Experiences:

Hiking the wild section of Great Wall - the in-depth way to explore the Great Wall. It’s adventurous, hidropoietic and scenic. You have to pack well for the hiking as there is no restaurant and shops on the Great Wall. Some basic trekking gears are required. Learn more about Great Wall Hiking .

Visiting the Great Wall at Night - Simatai section of Great Wall is the only section of Great Wall, which is open for tourist in evening. It will be lit up during 17:30~21. 00. Simatai Great Wall is about 3hrs’ driving from Beijing. You are suggested to take a full day tour which include Simatai night visit with Jinshanling Great Wall daytime hiking. 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing .

Picnic on the Great Wall – having a picnic in a watchtower on the Great Wall is a part of the Great Wall hiking on these wild unrestored sections of Great Wall. But only some of the wild sections of the Great Wall allow tourists to have a picnic, such as Gubekou, Jinshanling, etc.

Ride a Toboggan down the Great Wall - it’s a very fast and exciting way to descend the Great Wall. Currently, only Mutianyu and Badaling operate Toboggan ride. Mutianyu Great Wall Taboggan | Badaling Great Wall Taboggan .

Taking a boat to see the Great Wall - very recommended for the second Great Wall visit if you already visited Mutianyu or Badaling. Taking a boat leisurely cruising on the lake while enjoying the Huanghuacheng Section Great Wall hanging over the mountain near the lake is best way to recover from the tough Great Wall hike.

Can I Visit the Great Wall of China at Night?

Yes, you can visit the Great Wall of China, but only the Simatai section is open to tourist in the night, usually from17:30 to 21:00. Badaling section of Great Wall is sometimes lit up in the night, but not allow tourists to get onto the wall.

How to visit Simatai Great Wall in the night?

Simatai section of Great Wall is located close to Gubei Water Town, Miyun District, 150 kilometers (94 miles) from Beijing, approx. 2.5~3 hours' drive. Please note all visitors who visit Simatai section of Great Wall during daytime must exit the scenic area before 17:00. Then it will reopen for night visitors at 17:30 after getting lights on. If you want to visit the Wall in both daytime and night, you have to buy tickets twice. Night visitors have to take cable car up to the Great Wall, and take cable car down as well. The night visit is around 1 hour. Currently only the part between No. 5 tower and No.6 tower is open in the nighttime. Our suggestion is to visit another section of Great Wall nearby in the daytime, such as Jinshanling or Gubeikou, and visit Simatai in the night so that you don’t have to visit Simatai for twice.

After the Great Wall night tour, you can choose to transfer back to the city Beijing, or stay a night at Gubei Water Town at the foot of the Great Wall.

Recommended Simatai Great Wall Night Tour - 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing

Simatai Great Wall is the Only Section of Great Wall Open and Lit Up in the Evening

Can I Camp on the Great Wall of China?

Available camping season is from late March to June, and from September to early October. July and August are not recommended as it takes much risk of disruption by thunderstorms, heavy rain, or extreme hot. It is also not recommended to camp during winter days. It’s very cold and windy especially during nighttime.

Accessibility at the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is not very wheelchair friendly because most sections of the Great Wall were constructed on treacherous ridge of up-and-down mountains, and the grounds on the wall are mostly made by stone steps. Some wild sections of Great Wall even don’t have a road to walk as the walls and towers are broken. But this doesn’t mean the wheelchair travellers or the elderly can not visit the Great Wall. Actually, the lower paths of most sections of Great Wall are accessible by wheelchair, and some sections are generally wheelchair friendly. In Badaling Section of Great Wall, wheelchair travellers can take the ramps to get to the first north watchtower. The scenic area also offers elevator service. In Mutianyu Section of Great Wall, wheelchair travellers can take a cable car directly up to the Wall. The fortress of Juyongguan section is accessible by wheel chair.

Keep Reading: Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car | Badaling Great Wall Cable Car

Best Great Wall Trips for 2024

No matter it is your first, or the second or the third trip to the Great Wall, China Discovery will always find a suitable tour package for you to see and experience the Great Wall in the best way. If you are one of the first-timers, you are suggested to visit Mutianyu section of Great Wall or Jinshanling Great Wall. If you are the second-timers, it's time to take a memorable hike to those wild section of Great Wall, such as Simatai, Gubeikou, Huanghuacheng, etc. If you still have no idea where to start, you can contact us to design a tailor-made Great Wall trip for you.

Jinshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall

Great Wall Section(s): Mutianyu/Huanghuacheng

Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Mutianyu Great Wall, Hutong, Bird's Nest, Water Cube

Great Wall Section(s): Jinshanling

Great Wall Section(s): Gubeikou/Jinshanling

Great Wall Sections: Jinshanling + Simatai

Great Wall Section(s): Mutianyu

Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Jinshanling Great Wall hiking, Mount Huashan hiking

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Great Wall of China

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Great Wall of China

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• How to Visit

Huanghuacheng

Jinshanling, tour or solo, how long to spend, where to stay.

The Great Wall of China stretches 13,000 miles over mountains, forests, reservoirs, and desert. It took a millennium to build, involved multiple dynasties, and pissed off a lot of Huns. Inextricably tied to the history of the country, to visit China without seeing it would cause you to be remiss not only with your friends and family at your homecoming, but somehow within yourself as well. To stand on its ramparts gives one simultaneously a sense of experiencing something collectively epic and individually infinitesimal.

Before you visit, decide if you want to go to an unrestored section, wild section or both. (“Wild” is a popular way to refer to the unrestored sections of the wall.) Consider physical ability and whom you’re traveling with (old people, kids, your sister who hates walking) when choosing a section. 

This will be a workout. It’s not strolling on an elevated side walk. The Great Wall is stone waves steep and undulating. Grab your hiking boots and prepare for the walk of a lifetime.

How to Visit the Great Wall

Most visitors go to the Great Wall as part of a half or full day trip from Beijing. Visitors can choose from over 12 well-known sections and access them through a group tour, private driver, private tour, public transportation (sometimes combined with taxis), or by driving their own car. While the travel time from Beijing varies depending on section and traffic, it can take anywhere from one to three hours to get to there.

Worthwhile sections to visit in other provinces are the famous packed-earth Jiayuguan section in Jiayuguan, Gansu Province. It's a mere 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the city and easily accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride. Also, Ningxia Province’s Sanguankou section with its three passes is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the province's capital city of Yinchuan. It can be reached by hiring a private car.

If you want to hire a tour operator for a section near Beijing, Beijing Wonder Tour has affordable rates and English-speaking guides. Beijing Hiker’s offers hiking tours to the wild wall. If you want to hire a private car with an English-speaking driver but explore the wall on your own, you can choose from a number of options here . If you want to hire your own car, Hertz rents cars from the Beijing airport.

Best Parts of the Great Wall

The Great Wall spans nine provinces. The sections most commonly recommended are all close to Beijing. However, for less touristy and wilder parts of the wall, you can head to Gansu, Ningxia, or several other provinces less frequented by visitors. All of the ones listed below can be accessed from Beijing.

Popular among foreign tourists and easily accessible from Beijing, Mutianyu offers a well-restored wall with 23 watchtowers, replete with photo ops and views of the surrounding mountains and forests. You can hike, take a chair lift or cable car to the top, and toboggan down. It takes about two hours to walk the 1.4 miles of this section. If you go beyond tower 23, the wall is not restored, has no guardrails, and tourists are responsible for their own safety.

To get there hire a private driver or take the subway to Dongzhimen station. Walk upstairs to the North Bound Platform. Take the Express Bus 916 towards Huairou. After about an hour, get off at the Beidajie stop. Take bus H23 to Mutainyu or share a car with other tourists going there. Travel time is two to two and a half hours.

Simatai's main draw is night tours. Though Badaling is also open at night, Simatai has more ambient lighting and fewer crowds. You can take the cable car up and walk this 3-mile section for about one and half to two hours. Be aware that its grade increases rapidly (from 968 to 3,235 feet) and is super steep. The Simatai wall cuts through the Simatai Reservoir, and those who want to can zipline over it. For the day hikers, Heavenly Ladder and Sky Bridge are two extremely narrow and high parts of the wall with incredible views of mountain ridges.

To get there hire a private driver, or hop on the Airport Express subway line to Dongzhimen station. Take Bus 980 from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station to Miyun Town and then take a taxi.

This section's surrounding countryside boasts a sea of yellow flowers in spring and summer. Other distinguishing features of Huanghuacheng include: boat rides on Haoming Lake, and fewer crowds than Mutianyu and Badaling. It can also be combined with Mutianyu for a day trip, as the two sections are only a 40-minute drive apart.

To get there hire a private car, or take the 916 bus or 916 express bus to Dongzhimen to Huairou Bus Station. Hop on the H21 bus to the Small West Lake (Lakeside Great Wall) Station, and walk north to the scenic area. By public transport, it will take at least two hours from central Beijing.

For those who can’t decide if they want to see a restored or wild section of wall, Jinshanling offers a beautiful mixture of both. Ideal for hikers, this section stretches 6.5 miles, runs along the Jinshanling Mountains, contains 67 watchtowers, five mountain passes, and very few tourists. If you hike in this section by itself, plan for two to five hours. You can also hike from this section to other sections, such as Simatai or Gubeikou.

To get there, hire a private driver or take the subway to Wangjing West Station. Hop on the bus to Luanping, and get off at Jinshanling Service Area. This bus will take about two hours to get to Jinshanling Service Area. Once you alight, you can take a free shuttle to the wall.

If you want to see the section of the wall closest to Beijing and can handle huge crowds, this will be your option. Though super touristy, Badaling has amazingly restored wide walkways and guardrails for its steeper parts. Like the Mutianyu section, it offers a cable car and toboggan rides for those who want to save their energy and feet. Plan for one and a half hours to visit this section of the Wall and walk the 2.3 miles of its restored path. Check out the 19 watchtowers along the way and be prepared for tons of hawkers.

To get there hire a private driver or take the subway to Jishuitan station. Go out exit B2 and hop on the 877 bus, a direct bus with a travel time of about one and a half hours to get there.

Tips for Visiting the Great Wall

Use these tips to make the most of your visit.

You do not need to book a tour to the Great Wall, though it can eliminate the stress of trip planning and language barriers. If you are traveling solo or with one or two other adults, hiring a driver or using public transport will most likely be your best options.

If you are traveling in a large group or with children or with elderly family members, a tour or private driver will be your best options. Some tours will take you to a government sponsored tea house or jade museum during the trip. Know what you’re buying if you go the tour route, and look for tours that state they do not do commissioned stops.

Weather-wise, spring and fall are the best times to see the Great Wall. Spring will provide beautiful verdant greens (and yellow blossoms around Huanghuacheng). In the fall, the rolling forested hills on either side of the wall will be dappled with red, orange, and yellow leaves. However, the best time to go to avoid crowds is winter.

Wear layers. It gets windy and most of the sections are exposed. Even the watchtowers have giant open window frames. If you go in the summer, take a hat and sunscreen.

Spend at least three to four hours on the wall, this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site after all. Take some time to enjoy it. Sections can be steep (even if restored) and ascents slow. Stroll through the blockhouses and watch towers, sip water as you admire the surrounding hills, and zip down to the base in a toboggan (if you go to Badaling or Mutianyu).

If you want to experience the Great Wall early without leaving Beijing in the wee morning hours, consider staying at a hotel by the section you want to see. For Muitanyu, The Brickyard offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a spa. Alternatively, if you want to go to the wall during the day, but also see it lit up at night, go to Simatai. Stay at Gubeishui Town Hotel and splurge on a luxury room with great views.

For intrepid explorers, it is possible to camp on the wall. However, you will need to do your own research and take all of your gear and provisions with you. There are no vendors in the wild sections. If you want to camp in a group tour, Great Wall Hiking offers what is sure to be a memorable experience of a night on the Great Wall.

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Great Wall of China

• Location: north China, East Asia
• Total Length: 21,196.18 kilometers (13,170.70 miles), half of the length of the equator
• Length of Ming Great Wall: 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500.3 miles)
• West End: the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall, in Jiayuguan of Gansu
• East End: Hushan Great Wall, in Dandong of Liaoning
• Course & Coverage: 15 provinces and regions, roughly from east to west – Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang.

• First-time visitors to Beijing: Badaling, or Mutianyu
• Return visitors: Juyongguan, or Simatai (with Gubei Water Town)
• Experienced hikers: Jiankou (wild and dangerous)
• Best sections out of Beijing: Shanhaiguan in Hebei, Jiayuguan in Gansu, Zhenbeitai in Shaanxi

• Huanghuacheng
• Huangyaguan
•   When

•  Best Time to Visit

• best sections – badaling & mutianyu in beijing, • clothing & backpack, • how to plan a day tour to the great wall, book with us:.

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Great wall tours.

One-day Beijing Essential Tour with Great Wall Hiking at Mutianyu

“Skip the lines at the amazing Forbidden City. Appreciate Tian’anmen Square with an insider’s angle. Enjoy 2 hours of Great Wall Hiking at Mutianyu with round-way cable car. There’s a simple set meal for lunch, and smartly-timed arrangements with absolutely no shop detours. Put your mind at ease with our money back guarantee.”

Tour Highlights

• Look Chairman Mao in the eye at his giant portrait by Tiananmen Square.
• Skip the line at the Forbidden City as a VIP guest.
• Admire the world’s largest imperial palace complex.
• Hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu in the afternoon, after the crowds leave.
• Snap excellent landscapes that will be appreciated even by the most discerning photographers.
• There is free water and more at the Refreshments Kiosk.
• Go beyond surface appearances with insider narration on attractions.

The Design of the Day Trip

• Guide: better than a normal licensed tour guide; friendly and helpful with fluent English
• Driver: reliable licensed local driver with at least 5 years’ driving experience
• Vehicle: Air-conditioned business car (max: 7 seats) with GPS facilities, big windows, and ample space
• Trippest Beijing Office: 24/7 customer service, providing backup support

Trip Video Preview

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Detailed Itinerary

Your guide will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby in the morning at an appointed time around 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM, with holding your name sign or Trippest Logo. The service is provided by Trippest which is a sub-brand of China Highlights.

Good to Know:

• The day before your tour date , we will send you details of the tour guide and pick up time by email and SMS message. Or you also can find more information by youself via this site: https://www.trippest.com/track-your-trip.html . All information will be updated only 24 hours ahead of your tour date. If you failed in getting the information, please try to contact your travel advisor.
• On the morning of tour date , your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby, holding a placard with Trippest sign and your name. Show our confirmation letter and you will be guided to our vehicle.
• If you plan to leave Beijing after your day tour , please check out from your hotel before departure. Normally it will take 10 to 20 minutes for hotel staff to complete the procedure. You may leave your luggage in our vehicle, and you will be transferred to the airport (paid service) or train station straight after the tour to make best use of your time. You will need 1 hour to be transferred from the city center to airport, and you will need to be at the airport 1½ hours before a domestic flight, or 2½ hours before an international flight. Tell us about your departure time when booking, and remind your guide, and we will make arrangements accordingly.

The tour will be began from Tian'anmen Square where the famous Chairman Mao's portrait is hang on the wall of the Gate of Heavenly Peace. It is hardly to say that you have ever been to Beijing if you don't visit the square! Like the Times Square in New York, Red Square in Moscow and St. Peter's Square, Tiananmen Square is a must-visit place for traveler to Beijing and is the largest public square in the world. Your guide will provide you commentary to the history, architecture, and anecdotes of the square, you will have around 20 minutes there for taking photos.

NOTE: Tian'anmen Square could be enforced martial law due to government activities temporarily, which we can NOT be informed in advance. So the tour guide may adjust the itinerary according to the situation.

Walk north, and after going through the middle gate of Tian'anmen rostrum, there will be a huge red gate awaiting you. Start to enjoy the highlight of the day - the Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace with 9,999½ forbidden imperial chambers, home to 24 emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420–1911). You'll be marvelled by the gorgeous Chinese ancient style architectures and interesting history and lives of those Chinese emperors.

Your tour guide will help you explore 10 carefully-selected places and Hall of Clocks and Watches in the Forbidden City, recommended by our local experts, while other group tours only visit 6 spots briefly.

• As the most popular attraction in Beijing, the Forbidden City receives many tourists everyday. Usually people have to stand in a queue to buy the tickets and it will take about at least half an hour! In order to save your time, your tour guide will buy the tickets on-line in advance so that you will NOT need to stand in a boring long queue.
• We will provide the FM headset while the group is more than 3 people.

1½ - 2 hours car riding from downtown Beijing to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. There could be other participants join in the tour to visit the Great Wall. But the group would be no more than 6 people.

We will arrange a simple set menu lunch at a local restaurant before going up to the Great Wall.

• We understand and respect your dietetic contraindication. But due to the group tour, we may have a variety of dietary requirements from all group members. We try to meet individual requirement but can NOT 100% satisfy. Thank you for your understading. Also according to the limited condition, for example, we might order vegetatrian food for vegan and indian customers, and order beef or lamb food for muslim and jewish customers. The tour guide will double check with you before making an order. Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• We can drive our own vehicle to the foot of the Great Wall while others have to wait for the public transfer bus to the foot of the Great Wall. During peak seasons, people who transfer with public bus may spend 1 hour in waiting in a long queue.

In the afternoon you'll hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The section is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor for its picturesque scenery, fewer tourists, and beautifully-restored architecture.

In order to save your time, we suggest you to choose round-way cable car or round-way chairlift and toboggan ascend to and descend from the Great Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. (If you want to take one way cable car and one way chairlift or toboggan, you need to pay the price difference CNY100 per person at your own expense.)

At the Wall, it is free time to walk around after your guide does some introduction. Cable car ascends to and descends from tower 14. Hike “the most beautiful and interesting part of the Great Wall” - between the 14th and 23rd watch towers - acknowledged by hikers as "the golden route". And chairlift ascends to tower 6 and toboggan descends from tower 6 too. It would be a high challenge hiking from tower 6 to tower 23. According to your physical condition, most of our customers who take the chairlift up and down, hike from tower 6 to tower 14 and turn back. It normally takes about 2 hours to complete the route. Then descend and back to our vehicle.

• We avoid (the worst of the) crowds on the Great Wall and traffic jams by visiting in the afternoon. It's also the best time for taking good photos.
• Trippest has set up a Refreshments Kiosk at the foot of Mutianyu Great Wall. Our customers will receive free drinking water at the service site.

Going back to your hotel in Beijing will normally take about 2 hours. Likewise for Beijing train stations. Going to Beijing Capital Airport directly normally takes about 2 hours from Mutianyu.

We will transfer you to your hotel at the end of the tour. If you need to catch a flight or a train after the tour we are more than happy to help you arrange it. Please click here to book the airport transfer for your onward flight.

Thank you for choosing Trippest. We trust this trip will bring you joy and satisfaction. It would be a great encouragement to us, and we would greatly appreciate it, if you would rate us on TripAdvisor or share your experience of our service on your Facebook or blog.

You may follow us on our Facebook page to see the latest updates, photos and posts from your tour guide at: https://www.facebook.com/trippest/

Schedule and Pricing

Important notes:.

• The peak season includes the following dates: China National Day: 01/Oct/2020 - 07/Oct/2020. Chinese Spring Festival: 24/Jan/2020 - 30/Jan/2020. Other dates are indicated as shoulder season.
• Guaranteed daily departure except every Monday due to the maintenance of the Forbidden City.
• You'll be a part of a mini group with maximum 6 people.
• Not recommended for seniors (age 80+) or family travels with a baby. Private tour service is highly recommended for a better experience. Contact Us .
• Optional Airport/train station drop-off .

Price Include:

• Admission to the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall at Mutianyu.
• Round-way cable car at Mutianyu.
• Transport between attractions, including pickup and return to your hotel.
• English-speaking expert local guide.

Price Exclude:

• Personal expenses.
• Gratuities to the tour guide & driver (usually CNY 50 - 100 per person per day for each of them, please tip them separately.). It is not compulsory but would be a great encouragement for them.
• Airport transfer. Click here to book airport transfer service. (price from 18 USD p/p.)

FAQs About This Tour

Hotel pickup and drop-off services are available within the 4th Ring Zone of Beijing, if it is outside of this area, we provide the following ways for you to meet the tour guide:

• Go to one of meeting hotels below. Transportation is at your own expense. Meeting time will be confirmed and emailed you one day earlier. The Regent Beijing, address: No.99, Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Closed to Exit C of Dengshikou Subway Station (Line No.5). Taxi from aiport: 27km far, cost approx. US$20 one way. Gehua New Century Hotel Beijing, address: No.19, Gulou Outer Street, North 3th Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Closed to Exit E of Anyuanqiao Subway Station (Line No.8). Taxi from aiport: 27km far, cost approx. US$20 one way.
• Book additional transfer service with us. Cost will be advised by your travel advisor according to your hotel location.
• If you are not sure whether your hotel is within our pickup area, please kindly check with your hotel. Or add WeChat ID: trippest666 for more assistance.
• In order to save your valuable time, according to current traffic condition, the tour guide might arrange a private DiDi Taxi (Uber) for you to return your hotel after tour. Your Didi car can be monitored on DiDi APP, and the tour guide will also call your hotel to check if you arrive safe.
• If we are not able to implement the contract due to war, flood, typhoon, fire, strikes, storm, earthquake, or any other condition we are not able to foresee and avoid, we will inform customers at the first possible opportunity and offer the best possible solutions, and the final bill shall be settled based on the service we actually provide.
• Up to 7 days before departure: 100% refund of all money paid, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
• From 3 to 7 days before departure: 90% refund, excluding penalties charged by hotels, railways, airlines, and PayPal, if applicable. All penalties will be itemized.
• Within 3 days before departure: no refund.
• After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for cancelled services due to non-participation, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
• For groups of more than 10 people: The terms for cancellation may vary from case to case. Please ask your travel advisor regarding the cancellation policy for your group.

Citizens of certain countries who meet the criteria are allowed 144-hour visa-free transit via and travel in nine China cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shenyang, and Dalian. Please make sure you have read the detailed Visa-free policies before you decide to take the Visa-free policy. And please keep in mind that China Highlights does not take any resposibility for the risk or loss of customer who use the Visa-free policy. more details

What Makes Us Different

We go deep into how best to tour Beijing. We research our customers’ favorite spots and photo sites, and work out the best routes to cover Beijing’s top sights:

• In the Forbidden City: We include 10 palace chambers (including fine exhibitions, the royal opera house, and the Emperor's living room) and Hall of Clocks and Watches, while you’ll only glance at six similar rooms touring with other groups.
• On the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall: We‘ve chosen the most beautiful and classic part of the Great Wall - between the 14th and 23rd watch towers - the Great Wall hiker’s “golden route”. (You would do a more tiring and less interesting hike for about 3 hours, if you choose to start from the “walking entrance”, as most of our competitors do.)
• We have GPS in our vehicles to avoid traffic jams.
• We go to the Great Wall in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
• We buy Forbidden City tickets in advance, instead of standing in a long queue with other tour groups.
• We use the cableway to access the Great Wall at Mutianyu, instead of 800 boring steps.
• We don’t go to tourist shops, factories, etc. and waste your precious time.

Our tour guides are friendly, knowledgeable and well-trained. They are licensed by China National Tourism Administration. They only work for Trippest. We don’t use freelance tour guides.

Unlike some other online travel agents who sell tour products made by local travel agents, we built our own branch company in Beijing in 2010, and since then we started to make our own unique products. We aim to deliver a high-value tour to every one of our customers. We have more than 50 local staff in Beijing to solve your problems on the spot.

• Emergency contact: +86-18807734970 (24/7 customer service)
• Beijing address: Room 204, Building 8, Beijingxiangsu, Wuliqiao Erjie, Chaoyang District

Adult (age 12+) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Child (age 2-11) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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Happiness Promise

There are hundreds of thousands of guides and tour operators around the world. Figuring out who to trust is stressful and hard.

That’s why we started 10Adventures Tours, we’re here to make it easy to find a great guide or tour operator. We handpick the best local guides and tour operators for 10Adventures, working to ensure you have great guides and a great trip.

We know it sucks to show up in a different country and find out the tents are junk, the guide incompetent or the route different from what we thought we were getting.

We want to give our users peace of mind that you’ll have a great trip and offer a guarantee that we will work with you to make it right.

How does this work? Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.

Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.

We work hard to make sure you have a great trip. If something isn’t right, please email  [email protected]  and we will get to work right away.

Group Trips

Group travel can be chaotic and messy, which is why going on a trip with family or friends is the fun part and planning the trip, well… isn’t. But what if the group travel experience of your dreams could be organized without the hassle of you needing to plan every detail?

With 10Adventures group tours, you’ll be the mastermind behind an unforgettable trip without the need to worry about logistics, payments, or who can get time off for a holiday.

The VIP-level service of our Travel Advisors allows you to organize the adventure of your dreams, customize it exactly how you want to, and watch the savings roll in as more of your friends and family sign up for the once in a lifetime experience you created. It’s that simple!

Take the first step on your next group adventure by contacting one of our Travel Advisors today.

The window to travel as a family only narrows with time. Make the most of it by exploring the world together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why share a travel experience with people you don’t know? Spend your hard-earned vacation surrounded by close friends on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shared travel experiences strengthen bonds and are the perfect way to come together as colleagues to solve challenges in a way that just can’t be done in an office environment.

Connect with members of your club or social circle over shared interests like food, culture, and the outdoors.

• VIP Service: Have a dedicated Travel Advisor who is always a call or a click away.
• Cost Savings: More people mean a lower cost per person. And there are additional discounts for children and shared rooms.
• Customizable: You are in charge and choose the start date, length, itinerary, accommodations, and other services.
• Easy Payment: Flexible payment schedule, and most importantly separate invoices so you aren’t left paying for other people.
• Private: Just you and your group making memories that will last your lifetime.
• Quality Time: There’s no better way to travel than alongside family and or friends. Enjoy quality time exploring the world with those you love most.

Hike the Great Wall of China

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Experience authentic China and hike the Great Wall on this 9-day guided tour

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

About this tour:

What travellers are saying about 10Adventures

Jennifer W.

Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Accommodations

The accommodation for 8 nights along the tour is included.

Don't worry about meals. 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners are included. Fruit and snacks are included on some of the hiking days.

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for Hike the Great Wall of China

You will stay in a range of different accommodation as you explore the Great Wall of China. This will include a lovely 4-star hotel right in the center of Beijing as well as comfortable, local guesthouses in the more rural areas that you travel to.

In general, you can expect accommodation with 2 to 3-star facilities. Prices are based on double occupancy, but private rooms for single travelers can be arranged for a supplement.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers You can pay a supplement of $255 USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Dongfang Hotel in Beijing

This simple, but comfortable hotel offers free wi-fi, aircon and a good location to explore the city.

Guesthouses along the trail

Stay in a cozy and authentic family-run guesthouses along the trail during your trek along the Great Wall of China.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Planning a group trip?

Learn how we help group of friends, outdoor clubs and families get the tour they’ve been dreaming about.

Hike the Great Wall of China Tour Details

Overview for hike the great wall of china.

This amazing Chinese walking tour follows some of the wildest stretches of the Great Wall of China. You will hike along iconic sections of the wall and have plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes and visit famous monuments.

As well as enjoying the breath-taking landscape walking along the Great Wall, you will visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City as you explore the vibrant city of Beijing.

To ensure your comfort, you will enjoy the services of an English-speaking guide and your group will travel between destinations by private transport.

Itinerary for Hike the Great Wall of China

Today you will check into your hotel in Beijing. It is possible to arrange a private transfer from the airport to the hotel when you book, or you can make your own way there if you prefer your independence. You will have an early evening meeting with your tour guide and group to break the ice and find out any important information, before heading to a local restaurant to sample some delicious Chinese cuisine.

Walking the Great Wall of China

Today you will set out to hike the Great Wall of China. This ancient defensive wall has more than 2,300 years of history and covers over 20,000 kilometers, from lush greenery to stunning mountain scenery. You will visit the famous Jiankou, from where you will hike to Mutianyu section with your group and guide, exploring the ancient wall with its historical watch towers and beautiful mountain views. You will spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Hike to Huanghuacheng

You will spend the morning hiking from Xishuiyu to Huanghuacheng. You can expect stunning views on today’s walk, with a striking contrast between ruined parts of the wall crumbling into the lake and better-preserved sections where you can still climb up to the watchtowers. You will then transfer to the old garrison town of Gubeikou to spend the afternoon walking on the beautiful Panlongshan, also known as ‘Coiling Dragon Mountain’.

Wild hiking near Gubeikou

You will continue to enjoy hiking on the wall near Gubeikou. This section is popularly known as the wild Great Wall as it is one of the few sections of the wall that has not been fully restored for tourists. The imperfections created by the passage of time are exactly what makes this section of the wall so famous for its wild beauty.

Eastward to Jinshanling

Today you will hike eastward from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. This section of the wall is built on mountain ridges, giving panoramic views of the Chinese countryside. Passing through Spider Valley, you will notice abandoned wells and houses before reaching one of the best viewpoints of the entire Great Wall of China. There will be steep sections of the hike today, with the potential for short stretches of scrambling.

Hiking at Simatai

Today you will hike at the Simatai section of the Great Wall. This breath-taking stretch of the wall follows a ridge so narrow it had to be built with the help of goats, which could carry just one brick at a time to the laborers that were working on it. In the afternoon you will continue the walk from Jinshanling to Erchu before returning to the same guesthouse as the evening before for a hearty meal and good night’s rest.

Mountains and Palaces

You will spend the morning hiking along Mt Simatai section, savoring the stunning views and adrenaline packed stretches of narrow wall well above the lush green foliage. You will walk through 3 different watchtowers. In the afternoon you will be driven back to Beijing to visit the Summer Palace and a relaxing free evening. Having finished the walking for the trip, you can sleep soundly and give your aching muscles a well-earned break.

Explore Beijing

Back in the capital, you will enjoy a day tour of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park. You will spend the afternoon exploring Hutong, absorbing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the city. After a farewell dinner of Peking Duck, a local specialty, you will settle down in your hotel for your final night of the holiday.

After an incredible week of walking the Great Wall, it is time to say goodbye to your group and tour guide. You will enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before heading out for your onward journey. It is possible to pre-book a private transfer to the airport for a fee.

Tour Highlights

Highlights for hike the great wall of china.

Immerse yourself in over 2,000 years of history as you follow the Great Wall of China and climb into its weathered watchtowers.

Experience the authentic side of China as you taste delicious traditional cuisine and stay in local guesthouses.

Marvel at the panoramic views from atop the Great Wall of China as you gaze across the craggy mountain peaks.

Visit the famous sites of Beijing, from Tiananmen Square to the Summer palace before exploring the streets by rickshaw.

What's Included

What's included for hike the great wall of china.

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners are included. Fruit and snacks are included on some of the hiking days.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation to you and your luggage is included during the tour. Please note, that only one group departure airport transfer is included and if you need arrival transfer or private departure transfer, you can order this service during the booking for an extra charge.

Also Included

• English speaking tour guide services
• Entrance fees and organized visits:
• The Great Wall of China
• Summer Palace
• Bird’s Nest
• Drinking water
• First aid kit

Not included

• International flights
• China entry visa
• Personal expenses and tips
• Things not expressly mentioned as included above

Optional Extras

• Airport transfers:
• Private vehicle (with driver) - $89 USD per vehicle
• 9-seat van (with driver) - $110 USD per vehicle
• Extra night in Beijing before or after the tour - $129 USD per double room including breakfast

Dates & Prices

Dates and prices for hike the great wall of china.

This guided hiking tour to the Great Wall Tour is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group.

The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:

• Guided Groups of 4+: $1,610 USD

Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group, as well as your travelling dates.

Accommodation

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Tour Booking Process

Booking process for hike the great wall of china.

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Frequently asked questions for Hike the Great Wall of China

How hard is the Hike The Great Wall of China Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable walking over hilly terrain and hiking day after day. Some parts of this tour include challenging hiking and require previous experience.

Do I need a Visa to travel to China?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website , though you should verify with your government.

Does the number of guides depend on the size of the group?

Yes! Groups smaller than 6 will be led by one English-speaking guide. For groups of 6 and more, you will also have one porter assigned. Groups of 12 and more will have two English-speaking guides and a porter assigned.

Are meals included on the Hike The Great Wall of China Tour?

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance .

How do I get to Beijing to start this tour?

You can get to Beijing via flight from most of major cities in the World.

Is the Hike The Great Wall of China Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.

Where does the Hike The Great Wall of China Tour end?

This tour ends in Beijing.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to China?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for China?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to China for this tour?

The best time to travel to Great Wall for this hike is during spring and autumn.

Tour Difficulty

Difficulty for hike the great wall of china.

Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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Natasha Singer , a reporter covering technology, business and society for The New York Times.

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Using artificial intelligence, middle and high school students have fabricated explicit images of female classmates and shared the doctored pictures.

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