Follow Jinshanling’s eastern ridge toward the area commonly called West Simatai, comparing restored walkways with older fortifications.
Route map
Route illustration. Your guide will confirm the final trail, access and travel times before departure.
Itinerary
Your itinerary
Hotel pickup and the drive to Jinshanling
The next chapter of your Great Wall journey
Activity Transfer & sightseeing
Meet your guide at your Beijing hotel at around 8:00 AM. Travel by private vehicle to Jinshanling and review the day’s route before climbing to the Wall. The pace can be adjusted to your group’s hiking experience.
Daily itineraries may vary due to trail and road conditions, weather, and government regulations. Hiking routes, accommodation arrangements, and transfer times between sections are subject to change.
Tower-to-tower walking
The next chapter of your Great Wall journey
Activity Hiking & exploration
Spend the main part of the day exploring the ridge and its watchtowers. Some stretches have more even steps and repaired parapets; others show weathered bricks, irregular surfaces and the effects of centuries of exposure. Pauses at the towers give you time to examine these details and photograph the Wall winding over the hills.
Continue east toward Jinshanling’s Second Valley and eastern exit, subject to the route open on your travel date. This area is often marketed as West Simatai. It is distinct from the separately managed Simatai scenic area accessed through Gubei Water Town.
Daily itineraries may vary due to trail and road conditions, weather, and government regulations. Hiking routes, accommodation arrangements, and transfer times between sections are subject to change.
Lunch and the journey back
The next chapter of your Great Wall journey
Activity Arrival & transfer
After leaving the Wall, enjoy a Chinese lunch near the hiking area. Your driver then takes you back to Beijing, with hotel arrival typically around 5:00 PM, depending on the chosen trail and traffic.
Daily itineraries may vary due to trail and road conditions, weather, and government regulations. Hiking routes, accommodation arrangements, and transfer times between sections are subject to change.
Flavors along the route
Your Great Wall adventure is also a food adventure
Enjoy freshly prepared, authentic Chinese dishes along the journey—from country-style meals at our camping centers and guesthouses to local restaurant favorites. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged with advance notice, and complimentary bottled water is provided along the way. Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Let us know in advance and we’ll help arrange a special moment during your journey. Meal arrangements and celebrations vary by itinerary and your confirmed package.
Comfort between the trails
Your Private Vehicle
Travel between hiking sections with our professional drivers in quality Buick and Mercedes vehicles. Your private transfer arrangements from Beijing and back, along with vehicle size, are matched to your group and confirmed itinerary.
Pricing
Published prices for the corresponding tour. Rates are in US dollars per person unless shown otherwise.
Selected historical guest feedback describing this route or a closely related experience. Guides, access, timings and inclusions may differ from today’s itinerary.
Questions before you book
What fitness level or walking ability does this trip require?
Great Wall routes can involve steep stairs, uneven stonework and sustained uphill walking. Use this itinerary’s walking time and terrain to judge the challenge; a restored section can still have many steps. Tell us your recent hiking experience, preferred pace and any mobility concerns so we can discuss a suitable route.
What happens if weather changes or cancels the trip?
Weather or access restrictions can change the route or timing. The team will discuss practical alternatives when an adjustment is needed. If a departure is cancelled or rescheduled, any charges, credits or refunds depend on your confirmed proposal and booking conditions. Ask for those terms before paying.
How is my luggage handled during this trip?
Bring a small daypack for water, layers and essentials. Tell us about large suitcases before departure and confirm storage, bag handovers and any limits for this route. Train-based trips can have different arrangements.
Can I book this itinerary as a solo traveler?
Solo travelers can send an inquiry. Tell us your dates and whether you prefer a private trip or hope to join others. We will confirm availability, room arrangements and a quote for your party. A shared departure, room share or supplement-free price is not guaranteed.
What is the best time of year for this itinerary?
Spring and autumn are useful starting points for milder walking conditions. Summer can be hot and wet, while winter can bring snow and ice. Ask us to assess your preferred dates against the route, weather and access before booking.
Planning your visit
Your proposal specifies walking time, entrances, guiding language, admissions and meals. The eastern exit and any unrestored sections are reconfirmed for the date of your hike.
Keep exploring
Explore more Great Wall day hikes or ask us to tailor a journey to your group.
