Walking the Great Wall

Arrive into Beijing and freshen up in your hotel. Then, head out to meet the rest of your group and leader for a welcome dinner of Beijing duck (please note there will be an alternative option for vegetarians and vegans).

This morning you’ll leave the capital and head into the countryside towards the Great Wall, starting your adventure at the Huanghuacheng section of the wall, situated in a picturesque location by a lake, which, during the spring and summer, is surrounded by stunning yellow flowers. Take in the views as you trek, before getting some much-needed rest in the evening at your guesthouse close to the wall.

Today you’ll be driving on to Mutianyu, where you’ll witness the majestic wall snaking off across mountains and valleys. This section of the wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and imperial tombs, complete with 22 watchtowers. Trek to Jiankou before settling down into your local guesthouse for the night.

Wake up and get ready to explore the Jiankou ‘wild wall’ section – built along a steep mountain edge. For the daredevils among you, you can climb an optional short vertical climb to the top of the wall for incredible panoramic views; there’s a reason why this is the most photographed section of the Great Wall. Walk for about 2.5 miles along this section before transferring to Gubeikou, where you’ll walk another 2.5 miles or so.

Another day, another epic hike. Prepare yourself to walk the length of the Jinshanling Great Wall section, from Zhuangdaokou Tower to Eastern Five Window Tower, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This section of the wall reaches seven metres high and six metres wide, complete with five main passes, 67 watchtowers and two beacon towers, zig-zagging through the mountains. At the end of a long day’s hike, you’ll descend to a village and transfer to your guesthouse in Gubeikou for the night.

Today you’ll be trekking Gubeikou’s Panlongshan section, one of the most challenging walks of the trip – and yet the most rewarding. Witness one of the oldest parts of the wall, dating back to the Han Dynasty, passing many watchtowers until you reach the 24 Window Tower where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, before heading back half way to meet your driver for the transfer back to your guesthouse.

Discover Majiagou Hill, first built in the sixth century. Start your hike today with a steep walk from the northern gate towards the top watchtower, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Crouching Tiger Great Wall. Later, you’ll be driving to Niangniang Taoist Temple for a visit before continuing to Beijing where you’ll spend the night.

On the final day of your tour, you’ll get the chance to explore lively Beijing, starting with a walking tour of the city’s hutongs (narrow alleys), opening your eyes to Beijing’s old side and traditions. You’ll also pay a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest of its kind in the world. Later, explore the beautiful Forbidden City, with its plentiful courtyards and temples, while the evening is free to spend how you choose; perhaps head to the Beijing Opera, a Kung Fu show, or soothe tired feet with a relaxing spa treatment.