2-Day Great Wall Hiking Tour From Beijing: Jiankou, Mutianyu, Jinshanling and Simatai West

Exploring the iconic sections of the Great Wall of China is a bucket-list item for many travelers. This 2-day hiking tour from Beijing promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, combining stunning natural scenery, historical significance, and physical challenge. From the rugged terrain of Jiankou to the well-preserved trails of Mutianyu, and the dramatic vistas of Jinshanling and Simatai West, this moderate-difficulty adventure offers something for every type of hiker. With meals, accommodation, and transportation included, all that’s left is to lace up your boots and embark on an exhilarating journey through one of the world’s most remarkable wonders.

Key Points

• This 2-day Great Wall hiking tour from Beijing covers the challenging Jiankou, well-preserved Mutianyu, scenic Jinshanling, and dramatic Simatai West sections of the Great Wall.
• The tour is operated by China Adventure Travel Ltd and is priced at $517.34 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
• The tour includes a local guide, meals, transportation, overnight accommodation, and admission tickets, catering to a wide range of travelers.
• The hiking difficulty is moderate, making it unsuitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, with a minimum age requirement of 6 years.
• The itinerary offers diverse hiking experiences, showcasing both challenging and well-preserved areas of the iconic Great Wall.

Tour Overview

The 2-Day Great Wall Hiking Tour from Beijing offers an immersive exploration of several iconic sections of the Great Wall, including Jiankou, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai West.

Operated by China Adventure Travel Ltd in Beijing, the tour is priced from $517.34 per person, with variations based on group size.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour includes a local guide, meals, transportation, overnight accommodation, and admission tickets, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free experience along the ancient fortifications.

This moderate-difficulty hiking tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, and a minimum age of 6 years applies.

Inclusions

The tour package comes packed with a range of inclusions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers will have a local guide accompany them throughout the hike, providing insights and historical context. Meals including breakfast, 2 lunches, and dinner are all covered.

Transportation to and from the hiking sites is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. Overnight accommodation at a local farmers guesthouse near the Great Wall is included.

Plus, all admission tickets for the various hiking stops are taken care of. The tour also includes gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Key inclusions:

• Local guide
• Meals (breakfast, 2 lunches, dinner)
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Overnight accommodation
• Admission tickets
• Gratuities

Itinerary

This 2-day Great Wall hiking tour kicks off on the first day with a visit to the Jiankou section of the Great Wall, known for its rugged and unrestored terrain. Hikers will spend 2.5 hours exploring this challenging yet rewarding part of the wall.

Next, the group will move on to the Mutianyu section, another iconic Great Wall destination, for an additional 2.5 hours of hiking. The day concludes with a 7-hour hike along the Gubeikou Great Wall.

On the second day, the tour visits the Jinshanling Great Wall for 2 hours and the Simatai West section for 2.5 hours, providing a diverse range of experiences along this legendary fortification.

Jiankou Great Wall

Jiankou Great Wall, one of the most challenging and visually stunning sections of the iconic fortification, beckons hikers with its rugged, unrestored terrain.

This formidable stretch features steep, winding staircases, crumbling watchtowers, and breathtaking vistas that offer a glimpse into the wall’s storied past. Hikers must possess a moderate fitness level to conquer Jiankou, which is renowned for its:

• Steep, uneven slopes
• Lack of handrails or safety features
• Stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains
• Opportunity to explore abandoned, centuries-old watchtowers
• Sense of adventure and accomplishment upon reaching the summit

The Jiankou section promises an unforgettable and authentic Great Wall experience for those willing to embrace its unique challenges.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most popular and well-preserved sections of the iconic fortification, offers hikers a more accessible yet still awe-inspiring experience.

Unlike the challenging Jiankou section, Mutianyu is known for its well-maintained trails and gradual inclines, making it suitable for a broader range of fitness levels.

Visitors can explore the stunning watchtowers, admire the dramatic landscapes, and even ride a cable car or toboggan for a thrilling descent.

The section’s proximity to Beijing also makes it a convenient choice for day-trippers seeking an immersive Great Wall adventure without venturing too far from the city.

Gubeikou Great Wall

Situated along the northern border of Beijing, the Gubeikou Great Wall section is known for its rugged terrain and strategic military importance throughout China’s history.

This challenging 7-hour hike offers stunning vistas of the wall winding through the mountains. Hikers will encounter:

• Crumbling watchtowers offering panoramic views
• Steep, uneven steps testing endurance
• Fewer crowds compared to more touristy sections
• Opportunities to explore lesser-known, remote areas
• Insights into the wall’s historical defensive functions

The Gubeikou hike provides a rewarding, off-the-beaten-path Great Wall experience for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic, strenuous adventure.

Jinshanling Great Wall

The Jinshanling Great Wall section boasts a captivating blend of well-preserved watchtowers and scenic, winding pathways.

Stretching over a distance of around 10 kilometers, this segment is renowned for its remarkable architectural features and stunning vistas.

Hikers can marvel at the intricate brickwork and strategic defensive structures that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into the Wall’s rich history.

The gradual ascents and descents along the trail provide ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains.

With its relatively well-maintained condition and moderate difficulty level, the Jinshanling section offers an engaging and rewarding Great Wall hiking experience for visitors of various fitness levels.

Simatai West Great Wall

After exploring the remarkable Jinshanling Great Wall, the tour continues to the Simatai West section, another highlight of this hiking adventure.

Simatai West boasts incredible views, including steep cliffs, watchtowers, and restored fortifications. Hikers will spend approximately 2.5 hours traversing this magnificent stretch of the Great Wall.

Key features of the Simatai West section include:

• Dramatic scenery with steep slopes and unique architecture
• Well-preserved watchtowers and fortifications
• Opportunity to witness the contrast between restored and unrestored parts of the Great Wall
• Challenging yet rewarding hiking experience for adventurous travelers
• Stunning vistas overlooking the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Hike?

Yes, you can bring your own food and snacks on the hike. The tour inclusions mention that only breakfast, lunch (2), and dinner are provided, so you’re free to bring your own supplementary snacks and refreshments if desired.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to 3 Days?

The tour operator doesn’t explicitly offer a 3-day option, but travelers can likely request an extension. This would allow more time to explore the Great Wall sections at a leisurely pace. Additional fees may apply for the extra day.

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size typically ranges from 2 to 15 people, though the exact number may vary. The tour operator notes that the price per person is dependent on the group size, allowing for flexibility in the tour experience.

Can I Rent Hiking Poles or Other Equipment From the Tour Provider?

The tour provider doesn’t offer equipment rentals, but hikers can bring their own hiking poles and other gear. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the tour requires a moderate fitness level.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Physical Requirements for This Hike?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 6 years and requires a moderate fitness level. Pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions are not recommended to participate due to the physical nature of the hike.

Recap

This 2-day Great Wall hiking tour from Beijing offers an unforgettable adventure, showcasing iconic sections of the wall. Travellers will experience the thrill of challenging hikes, jaw-dropping vistas, and enjoy the wall’s rich history. With meals, accommodation, and transportation included, it’s a seamless way to explore the magnificent Great Wall. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking a new adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.