3Ab Great Wall Trek links Jiankou, Mutianyu, Huanghuacheng, Xishuiyu. The program balances walking, transfers, meals and overnight arrangements across a longer section of the Wall.
Summary
3Ab Great Wall Trek links Jiankou, Mutianyu, Huanghuacheng, Xishuiyu. The program balances walking, transfers, meals and overnight arrangements across a longer section of the Wall.
Route map
Schematic route · not to scale
Route stop
Brief itinerary
Day 1 · Jiankou trek and camp
Day 2 · Jiankou-Mutianyu
Day 3 · Lakeside Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu
Detailed itinerary
Day-by-day route details from our original tour program. Confirm the departure time, walking distance, meals, lodging and permitted campsite in your booking proposal; these may change with access and weather.
Day 1 · Jiankou trek and camp
Hiking Distance: 10km/6miles
Hours to Take: 4
Accommodation: Camping in a watchtower
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
We will leave Beijing at 9:30 am and drive 2 hours to Jiankou.
Jiankou section built in the Ming Dynasty is one of the most famous wild walls constructed on the ridge of the dangerous peaks and broken cliffs, and is famous for its majesty and danger. It was one of the most favorite parts of the great wall hiking for hikers around the world.
In order to hike on Jiankou, first we have to climb up a path for about 30-40 minutes (2km) to reach it. Our hike today will take about 2.5 hours and will cover 4km.
The Jiankou section is known for its ruggedness and wild beauty, and you will be in awe of the marvelous views it affords. As soon as we reach Jiankou we will see a deserted watchtower that gives you a panoramic view of the entire valley. In the early morning the view is priceless with its morning fog. This section of the wall is not well known by tourists, although if you see a picture of the Great Wall from exotic traveling magazines, chances are it is from Jiankou. This is the pinnacle of exotic Great Wall scenery. Although the majestic wall is slowly being conquered by small trees and brambles, but the view from the top is still stunning! Other landmarks will include the “Beijing Knot “ and the “Heavenly Ladder”, but we will not be able to scale these peaks as they are not accessible due to its toughness and dangerous footing. The toughest challenge that this hike presents is a portion known as the “38 Steps”, where the Wall vastly increases in steepness, to the point that it is near 70 degrees! It is due to this feature that we advise those with heart problems or a phobia of heights not to go on this trip. The rest of the hike is mostly smooth sailing.
We’ll end today’s hike with a Chinese country-style dinner well different from what you had experience with any Chinese restaurant in your country. After dinner, we will head for the peak called Zhengbeilou (North Peak Tower) to get ready for tonight's camping.
Day 2 · Jiankou-Mutianyu
Hiking Distance: 9km/6miles
Hours to Take: 3.5
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Camping in a watchtower
Water: Unlimited bottles
If you elect to spend the night camping, we’ll be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Great Wall, so be sure to have your cameras ready!
The hiking today will cover about 10km/6miles. The Jiankou section is known for its ruggedness and wild beauty, and you will be in awe of the marvelous views it affords. Be sure to see the watchtower known as “Eagle on the peak,” this tower is extremely high and forms the highest reaching point of the Jiankou section. It is the pinnacle of exotic Great Wall scenery.
From Jiankou, you will cross over onto Mutianyu, a section of the wall that has been largely restored. Although it has gotten a face-lift, it avoids the army of tourists that plague Badaling. Mutianyu offers some breathtaking views of the valley and wall below, and if you look to your right, you’ll see a large sign engraved in the side of the mountain, encouraging you to “Cherish Chairman Mao.” Leaders of foreign countries often visit Mutianyu.
You can hike down to the parking lot, take a cable car, or take a toboggan ride (highly recommended, and lots of fun!) down to meet our driver, who will drive us to our inn for the night. We will then move to Huanghuacheng to camp on the Great Wall there.
Day 3 · Lakeside Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu
Hiking Distance: 10km/8miles
Hours to Take: 4.5
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Water: Unlimited bottles
We will wake up at 6:30 AM to welcome the sunrise. Chinese breakfast will be delivered to the Wall where you are camping at. We will then continue our trek, this time from Huanhuacheng to Xishuiyu.
Huanghuacheng, like Jiankou, is fast becoming popular with hikers and tourists who are looking for something a little different in their Great Wall experience. The wall here is a combination of both restored and unrestored areas, giving your hike a little more variety and adventure. When you reach the middle of the wall you will be able to see that the countryside is swathed in yellow, as masses of wild flowers come into bloom. We will then cross over onto the Xishuiyu section.
Today’s hike is quite special-part of the wall is under water! In 1974 China built the Xishuiyu Reservoir, and when the water level rose, some low-lying sections of the wall were submerged under water. Seen from the dam of the reservoir, this stately sunken wall is still visible under the water’s smooth and glimmering surface.
Following our hike today our driver will take us back to Beijing, where you will be dropped off at your hotel, ending the tour.
In the afternoon, we will drive back to Beijing and arrive at your hotel at around 5:00 PM.
What we confirm
Meeting point and departure window
Admissions, tickets and local transport
Guide language, meals and accommodation
Walking level, luggage and weather plan
Return point or onward connection
Before you proceed
Share the relevant dates, group size and priorities. We will provide the current details in writing and identify anything that must be booked separately or may change with access, schedules or local conditions.
Original Great Wall stonework and watchtowers — from the Great Wall Adventure Club source site.
What makes this experience different
More than a viewpoint
Walk tower to tower and understand how the Wall follows the natural defense line.
A route for your pace
We distinguish gentler restored paths from demanding unrestored ridges before you choose.
Local route knowledge
Entrances, exits, seasonal conditions and transfer logistics are checked for your date.
TerrainStone steps, ridges and uneven historic paths
Best seasonsSpring and autumn; summer and winter need extra planning
BringGrippy footwear, water, layers and sun protection
Designed around real travelers
Every departure is matched to the group’s dates, ages, interests, walking experience and preferred comfort level. Tell us what matters most—quiet trails, photography, history, a physical challenge, family time or a broader China itinerary—and we will explain the most practical options without hiding the tradeoffs.
Questions worth asking before booking
How much time is spent walking, driving and stopping?
Which parts of the route are restored, unrestored, steep or exposed?
What is included, and what should we carry or arrange ourselves?
What changes if weather, access rules or transport schedules affect the plan?
Keep exploring
Compare more multi-day treks or talk to us about a custom route.
