Forbidden City, Great Wall Camping and Jinshanling
Use two days to connect imperial Beijing with a Great Wall overnight and a longer walk through Jinshanling’s towers.
Route map
Route illustration. Your guide will confirm the final trail, access and travel times before departure.
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Tour code2X1
Day 1 · Palace history and Olympic landmarks
The next chapter of your Great Wall journey
Activity Arrival & transfer
Meet your guide and driver at approximately 8:00 AM and begin with the Forbidden City. Explore the main sequence of imperial courtyards and halls before continuing with the city visits agreed in your booking.
Tiananmen Square and exterior views at the Olympic Park can be included when reservations and timing allow. The Bird’s Nest and Water Cube add a modern architectural contrast to the palace. After lunch, leave central Beijing for Gubeikou.
Evening at Gubeikou
Arrive in the late afternoon and take a suitable walk toward the old fortifications. The ridge provides a setting for the evening light before dinner at a local base.
Your team prepares the camp and equipment for the overnight. A local guesthouse is an alternative to discuss if you want the hiking experience with an indoor stay.
Day 1 meals: lunch in Beijing and dinner near Gubeikou.
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 Jinshanling’s eastern route
A distinctive hiking stage across the Great Wall landscape
Activity Arrival & transfer
Rise for the early light, have breakfast and continue to Jinshanling. The walk follows a sequence of towers toward the area commonly called West Simatai, with repaired masonry giving way to more irregular stretches.
Allow approximately 3.5–4.5 hours on the selected hiking route. Your guide explains the defensive use of the tower positions and gives you time to photograph the ridge. The final walking distance is confirmed with the accessible entry and exit points.
After lunch, drive back to Beijing. The planned itinerary anticipates a late-afternoon hotel arrival.
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
Ask us to confirm the current price for this itinerary. We do not substitute rates from a different route.
Current tour price
Request current pricing
This route does not have a matching published price on the referenced tour list. We will confirm the correct rate for your date, party size and support level.
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
Palace admission, city reservations and the permitted campsite must be coordinated before confirmation. We may adjust the city sequence to keep the transfer and overnight practical.
Keep exploring
Explore more Great Wall camping trips or ask us to tailor a journey to your group.
