Two substantial walking days explore the Gubeikou–Jinshanling corridor, with an overnight near the Wall and a sunrise start.
Route map
Route illustration. Your guide will confirm the final trail, access and travel times before departure.
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Tour code2AB
Day 1 · Gubeikou to Jinshanling
From battlefield Wall to elegant watchtowers
Activity Hiking & explorationStay the confirmed Gubeikou camping location; a local guesthouse can be discussed as an alternative
Meet your guide at your Beijing hotel at around 9:30 AM and drive to Gubeikou. Begin among towers and ramparts that retain a weathered character, then follow the connecting route toward Jinshanling. The planned walk is approximately 9 km, taking around 4.5–5 hours.
The changing stonework is one of the rewards of this traverse. Gubeikou’s rougher surfaces give way to larger towers and repaired stretches as the ridge approaches Jinshanling. Your guide allows time for photographs and explains how the fortifications follow the natural defensive line.
After the hike, enjoy a Chinese countryside dinner and settle into the arranged Gubeikou camp. The team provides the camping equipment listed in your booking, including a tent and sleeping bag. The evening is a chance to experience the mountain setting after the main walking day has ended.
Day 1 meals: lunch and dinner. Overnight: the confirmed Gubeikou camping location; a local guesthouse can be discussed as an alternative.
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.
Day 2 · Sunrise and the West Simatai route
The next chapter of your Great Wall journey
Activity Arrival & transfer
Rise for the morning light, have breakfast and continue to Jinshanling’s eastern ridge toward the area known as West Simatai or Second Valley. The sample itinerary describes approximately 8 km and around three hours of hiking; the exact exit and distance are reconfirmed for your date.
Look for differences in the watchtowers, parapets and transverse defensive walls as you move between repaired and older sections. After descending, stop for lunch before the drive back to Beijing. The planned hotel arrival is around 5:00 PM.
Day 2 meals: breakfast and lunch.
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.
Rest along the route
Accommodation on the Road
Depending on your itinerary, your overnight arrangements may include camping in a historic watchtower, camping beneath the open sky on the Great Wall, or a comfortable local hotel stay. Your confirmed proposal will specify each night.
Camping in a watchtowerCamping on the WallLocal hotel stay
Pricing
Published prices for the corresponding tour. Rates are in US dollars per person unless shown otherwise.
Final availability, inclusions and price are confirmed in your written proposal. Add the published $5 resort fee per person to private camping packages.
Guest feedback · Great Wall camping
Travelers on our service
Great Wall camping
An overnight we will remember
Even after thunder and heavy rain shortened the hike, Rhonda called camping on the Wall a great experience and praised Henry and the driver.
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. Camping may also need an alternative overnight arrangement. 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?
Where driver-supported luggage transport is listed, leave your main bags with the driver or the arranged storage point and carry 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. Camping conditions also change with the season. Ask us to assess your preferred dates against the route, weather and access before booking.
Planning your visit
This route is best for hikers ready for two active days. We confirm the permitted overnight site, walking connections, water supply and equipment before booking.
Keep exploring
Explore more Great Wall camping trips or ask us to tailor a journey to your group.
