Route map
Route illustration. Your guide will confirm the final trail, access and travel times before departure.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 · Shixiaguan-Badaling
Begin near Shixiaguan and Wild Badaling, away from the main restored Badaling circuit. The route follows a mountain pass and introduces the Wall’s relationship with steep terrain. Examine older masonry and pause to look along the ridgeline before continuing to the countryside inn listed for the first night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Good Fortune Inn.
Day 2 · Huanghuacheng Lakeside
Walk beside and above the Huanghuacheng reservoir. Its wooded slopes and water views provide an immediate contrast with the previous day’s pass. Follow the accessible Wall sections and paths toward the lakeside viewpoints. The planned overnight is camping, with the chosen site, permission and equipment confirmed as part of the departure plan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Planned Great Wall camp, subject to permission.
Day 3 · Jiankou to Mutianyu
Traverse the selected Jiankou route toward Mutianyu. The day links rough, uneven defenses with a restored section where tower architecture is more readily explored. Descend according to the agreed walking or lift arrangement, then transfer toward Gubeikou. Spend the night at the permitted camp identified in your booking.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Camping on the Great Wall at Gubeikou.
Day 4 · Gubeikou-Jinshanling
Explore the Gubeikou–Jinshanling corridor, moving from weathered ridges toward more substantial towers. Your guide relates the line of fortifications to the pass below and the area’s long military history. The repeated climbs require a steady pace. After dinner, return to the camping setting arranged for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Planned Great Wall camp, subject to permission.
Day 5 · Jinshanling to West Simatai
Walk the Jinshanling–West Simatai ridge, where changes in masonry and tower form reward close attention. Follow the direction and exit confirmed for the day’s access. After descending, leave the eastern ridges for Huangyaguan and a hotel stay at the foot of the Wall, providing a break from the camping nights.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Huangyaguan Hotel at the foot of the Wall.
Day 6 · Huangyaguan Sky Ladder
Take on Huangyaguan’s Sky Ladder after exploring the surrounding defenses. The staircase is steep, and the guide determines the appropriate higher section for your group and the conditions. Afterwards, transfer toward Baiyangyu. The planned hostel there positions the group for the final walk among the valley’s distinctive stone walls.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Baiyangyu Hostel.
Day 7 · Baiyangyu
End at Baiyangyu, where light-colored stonework stands out against the surrounding mountains. Explore the permitted route on one side of the valley or across the agreed sections, noting how the river corridor affected the defensive line. After the final lunch, complete the return arrangements specified for Beijing.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Planning your visit
This variation includes several camping nights and a Baiyangyu finale. Review the camp locations, hostel standards, transfer lengths and any lift tickets before confirming the full week.