Begin with an extended walk through older Great Wall terrain, then finish at Mutianyu’s restored ramparts the following day.
Route map
Route illustration. Your guide will confirm the final trail, access and travel times before departure.
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Tour code2AC
Day 1 · The Gubeikou–Jinshanling walk
Historic battlefield Wall and quiet country ridges
Activity Hiking & exploration
Leave Beijing in the morning, with the planned itinerary using approximately 8:00 AM in winter and 9:30 AM in summer. Drive for around 2.5 hours to Gubeikou, where the hiking route begins.
Allow roughly 4.5 hours for the planned 7 km walk toward Jinshanling. Uneven surfaces and connecting paths make the pace slower than on an ordinary paved trail. Your guide introduces the strategic pass and points out changes in the towers and masonry along the way.
Jinshanling provides a different perspective, with substantial watchtowers and stretches of repaired walkway above the mountains. An alternative Jinshanling–West Simatai walk may be used when agreed for the departure.
Have dinner locally and spend the night at the confirmed Gubeikou camp. The team prepares the supplied equipment before you settle in.
Day 1 meals: lunch and dinner. A guesthouse alternative can be requested if you prefer an indoor night.
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 · Explore restored Mutianyu
Restored towers, broad views and a relaxed finale
Activity Hiking & exploration
After breakfast, transfer to Mutianyu. Spend approximately three hours exploring a section of its restored fortifications, with the walking distance adapted to your pace and the chosen entry and exit points.
Broad views, forested slopes and closely spaced towers give the second day a different character. You can concentrate on a manageable stretch or add more stair climbing if your group is comfortable.
Finish with the agreed descent, lunch and the return drive to Beijing. A cable-car or toboggan option may be available, subject to operating conditions and the tickets in your package.
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
We plan the Mutianyu distance around your group rather than assuming every guest follows the same loop. Camping permissions, equipment and optional lift tickets are confirmed in the proposal.
Keep exploring
Explore more Great Wall camping trips or ask us to tailor a journey to your group.
