Great Wall Adventure Club
Multi-day treks3AA

3-Day Great Wall Trek: Gubeikou, Jiankou and Lakes

Three substantial walking days introduce the eastern ridges, the Jiankou crossing and the reservoir landscape north of Beijing.

Route map

Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Jiankou, Mutianyu, Huanghuacheng and Xishuiyu three-day route map

Route illustration. Your guide will confirm the final trail, access and travel times before departure.

Itinerary

Day-by-day itinerary

Tour code3AA

Day 1 Beijing-Gubeikou-Jinshanling

From battlefield Wall to elegant watchtowers

Activity Hiking & explorationStay Planned watchtower camp, subject to permission

Begin with the drive from Beijing to Gubeikou and a walk toward Jinshanling. The route covers roughly ten kilometers, combining weathered ramparts with the larger towers of the adjoining section. Pause for the landscape and construction details between climbs. A local dinner is followed by the planned camp, with the overnight site confirmed in advance.

The initial 3AA stage covers about 10 km (6.2 miles), allowing approximately 4.5 hours on foot. Overnight: Planned watchtower camp, subject to permission. Meals: Lunch and dinner. Bottled drinking water is provided.

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.

Hikers on the unrestored Great Wall between Jinshanling and Gubeikou
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.

Great Wall Adventure Club private Buick and Mercedes vehicles
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.

Pricing

Choose the package level that matches the support you want. The published prices below are for the Platinum Package; Gold and Silver prices are available on request.

English-guided experience

Platinum Package

1 solo traveler
$949
2 travelers
$589 each
3 travelers
$569 each
4 travelers
$539 each
5 travelers
$529 each
6 travelers
$519 each
7 travelers
$489 each
8+ travelers
$469 each
Compare Platinum, Gold & Silver package inclusions →

Prices are in US dollars. “pp” means per person. Final availability, inclusions and price are confirmed in your written proposal for the selected date, party size and route.

Guest feedback · 3-day Great Wall trek

Travelers on our service

3-Day Trek

Guest review · 3-day adventure

“Jack was an exceptional guide throughout our 3-day hike. His knowledge of Ming Dynasty history is incredible, and navigating from wild ruins to restored ramparts over three days gave us the perfect overview. The local village lunches were delicious!”

Julian Thorne, Sydney, Australia
Visited June 2024

Read guest feedback ↗
3-Day Trek

Guest review · 3-day adventure

“Our driver and guide Bill were prompt every single morning of our 3-day hike. Smooth rides, incredible ancient vistas, and zero stress.”

Erika & Jan Novak, Prague, Czech Republic
Visited December 2024

Read guest feedback ↗

Selected guest feedback from travelers on this same 3-day trek length. Individual routes, 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?

For this multi-day trek, prepare for consecutive days of walking, steep climbs, descents and uneven stone steps. Check the walking time and terrain in each day’s itinerary; routes differ in length and difficulty. 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?

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. Ask us to assess your preferred dates against the route, weather and access before booking.

Planning your visit

This route includes one camping night and one inn stay, unlike the two-camp 3AB variation. Confirm the final accommodation, approximate hiking hours and any additional night listed after the return day.

Keep exploring

Explore more multi-day Great Wall treks or ask us to tailor a journey to your group.

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