A two-day circuit brings together four distinct Great Wall sections, from Gubeikou’s old defenses to a restored Mutianyu finish.
Route map
Route illustration. Your guide will confirm the final trail, access and travel times before departure.
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Tour code2AK
Day 1 · Gubeikou and Jinshanling
Historic battlefield Wall and quiet country ridges
Activity Hiking & exploration
Depart Beijing in the morning, normally around 8:00 AM in winter or 9:30 AM in summer. Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Gubeikou and begin the planned walk toward Jinshanling.
Allow around 4.5 hours for the approximately 7 km walking route. Uneven ground and successive climbs call for a measured pace. The changing towers and masonry reveal a clear contrast between Gubeikou’s weathered ridges and the more substantial fortifications around Jinshanling.
A Jinshanling–West Simatai alternative can be used when agreed in advance. Your confirmation identifies which first-day trail is planned.
Evening transfer and camp
Continue by vehicle toward the selected overnight location in the Jiankou area. After dinner, settle into the camp prepared by the team. If access or conditions call for a Gubeikou overnight instead, the transfer plan is adjusted and confirmed before travel.
Day 1 meals: lunch and dinner. Tents, sleeping bags and other supplied equipment are itemized in the booking.
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 · Jiankou to Mutianyu
From dramatic wild Wall to restored ramparts
Activity Hiking & exploration
Start with breakfast and the morning mountain light. Follow the permitted Jiankou approach, then continue along the agreed route toward Mutianyu. The planned itinerary describes approximately 7 km and three hours of hiking, with additional time possible for approach paths and breaks.
Jiankou’s irregular surfaces and steep setting give way to Mutianyu’s repaired steps and towers. This transition provides a rewarding finish to the circuit. Use the agreed descent, enjoy lunch and return to Beijing.
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 is a challenging itinerary with several transfers. We confirm Jiankou access, the actual overnight site and the walking distances together; a listed camp is subject to local permission.
Keep exploring
Explore more Great Wall camping trips or ask us to tailor a journey to your group.
