3-Day Great Wall Trip by Train: Gubeikou and Simatai
A rail-based three-day trip links a Gubeikou overnight, Jinshanling’s ridge walk and a separate visit to Simatai and Gubei Water Town.
Route map
Three-day rail and local-transfer route
Route stopOvernight
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Tour code3TX
Day 1 · Train to Gubeikou and overnight near the Wall
Historic battlefield Wall and quiet country ridges
Activity Transfer & sightseeing
Travel independently from Beijing North Railway Station at Xizhimen on the confirmed morning service. The local team meets you at Gubeikou station and transfers you to the base for the first day’s arrangements.
Explore the selected Gubeikou section and prepare for the overnight outdoors. A local dinner and the supplied camping equipment are arranged according to your package. Train times and the campsite are reconfirmed for your dates.
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 hiking
The next chapter of your Great Wall journey
Activity Hiking & exploration
Start with the early light and breakfast before transferring to Jinshanling. The planned itinerary allows approximately 3–3.5 hours for a walk from the main entrance toward the eastern exit.
Your booking identifies whether this section is guided or independently walked with transfer support. The team explains the direction, exit and collection time so you can concentrate on the towers and ridge scenery while keeping the return meeting practical.
After lunch, rest at the local base. If time and opening hours allow, you may visit the village’s museum about the area’s twentieth-century battles. Spend the second night in the hotel or guesthouse specified in your proposal.
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 3 · Simatai and Gubei Water Town
The next chapter of your Great Wall journey
Activity Transfer & sightseeing
Transfer to Gubei Water Town for access to the separately managed Simatai scenic area. Explore the available towers or use an agreed cable-car option, then spend time beside the town’s waterways and traditional-style buildings.
Allow roughly four hours for the combined visit, adjusted to the booked tickets and your pace. Later, return to Gubeikou station for the confirmed train to Beijing.
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
Guest feedback · 3-day Great Wall trek
Travelers on our service
3-Day Trek
Guest review · 3-day adventure
“Our guide Danny was so patient with our two teenage daughters over our 3-day hike. He kept everyone motivated up the steep steps with great humor and fascinating historical trivia.”
Brooke & Mason Walker, Denver, Colorado, USA Visited July 2024
“The Jiankou stretch on our 3-day trek is no joke, but Justin guided us with total confidence and safety. We felt in great hands every single step of the way.”
Paige & Callum Gallagher, Belfast, Northern Ireland Visited December 2024
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
The first and second nights use different accommodation styles. Your itinerary lists meals, guiding, rail tickets, transfers and lift charges clearly so the independent and supported parts are easy to follow.
Keep exploring
Explore more Great Wall camping trips or ask us to tailor a journey to your group.
