Route map
Schematic route · not to scale
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 · Jiankou to Mutianyu
Begin with the Jiankou–Mutianyu crossing, moving from rugged mountain defenses to repaired ramparts and towers. Allow around four hours for the planned walking section. After descending, transfer to the first overnight base. Your written itinerary identifies the overnight property and transfer, allowing you to review the location before booking.
Walking distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles. Walking time: 4 hours. Overnight: Hostel at Jinshanling. Meals: Lunch and dinner. Bottled drinking water is provided.
Day 2 · Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu
After breakfast, continue to the lakeside defenses between Huanghuacheng and Xishuiyu. The walking route alternates between Wall sections and mountain paths above the reservoir. Look for the line of masonry descending toward the water and the contrast with the wooded ridges. The evening is planned as a permitted Huanghuacheng camping night.
Walking distance: 9 km/6 miles. Walking time: 4 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight: Camp at Huanghuacheng Great Wall. Bottled drinking water is provided.
Day 3 · Wild Badaling-Stone Pass
Leave the lakeside area after breakfast and drive to the Ancient Badaling and Shixiaguan landscape. The route explores a less-developed section outside the main restored Badaling visitor area, crossing toward Stone Gorge Pass. Old walls and surviving fortification traces provide a final architectural contrast before the journey back to Beijing.
Walking distance: 10 km / 6 miles. Walking time: 4.5 hours. Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Bottled drinking water is provided.
Planning your visit
Your final plan identifies the first night’s property, the Huanghuacheng campsite and each day’s trail connections. Walking times are estimates and depend on the route, weather and your pace.