Full-Day Small-Group Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling

This full-day small-group hiking tour along the Great Wall offers an unforgettable adventure. Trekkers can capture stunning photos of the iconic landmark and its breathtaking surroundings. With an experienced guide, travelers will enjoy a comfortable ride, ample provisions, and a memorable farmer’s lunch. Though the hike is not recommended for all, those who undertake this journey are sure to come away with a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Great Wall. What makes this particular excursion stand out from the rest?

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Inclusions and Exclusions

3 Meeting Point and Duration

4 Accessibility and Restrictions

5 Vegetarian Option and Facilities

6 Trekking Poles and Insurance

7 Group Size and Traveler Information

8 Scenic Highlights and Lunch

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

This full-day small-group hiking tour takes visitors along restored and unrestored sections of the UNESCO-listed Great Wall near Simatai West and Jinshanling.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, experienced English-speaking guide, unlimited water and snacks, and a local farmer’s lunch.
Hikers receive a certificate commemorating their Great Wall adventure, but the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues.
The meeting point is at Dongzhimen Station, and the tour lasts the full day, from morning to evening.
Children under 5 are not permitted, and the hike is not wheelchair accessible, though vegetarian options are available upon request.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group hiking tour takes travelers along the restored and unrestored sections of the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Simatai West to Jinshanling.

Hikers will enjoy fantastic photo opportunities of the iconic wall and the stunning surrounding landscape. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an experienced English-speaking guide, unlimited bottled water, snacks, and a local farmer’s lunch.

Upon completion, hikers will receive a certificate commemorating their Great Wall adventure. This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues, and children under 5 aren’t permitted.

With a maximum group size of 10, travelers can expect a personalized and intimate experience.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver, a personal English-speaking hiking guide, unlimited bottled water and snacks along the Wall, as well as a lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant.

Travelers will also receive a certificate of completion for hiking the Great Wall.

However, the tour excludes travel insurance, which is optional and the responsibility of the traveler. The chairlift is also not included, and personal expenses aren’t covered.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers. Children under 5 aren’t allowed, and a vegetarian option is available upon request.

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour’s meeting point is Exit C of the Dongzhimen Station on Subway lines 2 and 13, and the full-day excursion lasts the entire day.

This hiking adventure along the Great Wall takes you from Simatai West to Jinshanling, where you’ll witness both restored and unrestored sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour begins in the morning and concludes in the evening, giving you ample time to soak in the stunning vistas and capture unforgettable photos.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, this comprehensive tour ensures you make the most of your time on the iconic Great Wall.

Accessibility and Restrictions

While the tour provides an enriching experience exploring the Great Wall, it’s not suitable for everyone.

Notably, the hike isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 5 aren’t allowed.

Facilities along the hike are limited, with only restrooms available at the wall’s entrance and exit. Trekking poles are available upon request, but travel insurance is optional and the responsibility of the traveler.

The small group size, limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensures a more personalized experience. It’s essential for prospective hikers to consider these restrictions before booking the tour to ensure it aligns with their abilities and needs.

Vegetarian Option and Facilities

A vegetarian option is available upon request, catering to dietary preferences.

Restroom facilities are only accessible at the wall’s entrance and exit points, with no toilets provided along the hiking route.

The tour offers a few additional conveniences for hikers:

Trekking poles are available upon request, providing extra stability and support during the climb.
Small group sizes, capped at 10 travelers, ensure a more personalized and enjoyable experience.
Travelers are provided with unlimited bottled water and snacks to fuel their hike along the historic Great Wall.

While the hike may present some logistical challenges, the tour aims to make the experience as comfortable and accessible as possible for all participants.

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Trekking Poles and Insurance

Trekking poles are typically available upon request, providing hikers with additional stability and support during the challenging sections of the Great Wall ascent.

Travelers can also choose to purchase travel insurance, though it remains an optional personal responsibility. The tour company recommends considering travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies.

While not included in the tour package, travel insurance can give hikers peace of mind and financial safeguards throughout their Great Wall adventure.

Whether using trekking poles or obtaining travel coverage, these optional additions can enhance the overall hiking experience and ensure a memorable, worry-free day on the iconic Simatai West to Jinshanling trail.

Group Size and Traveler Information

The tour group size is kept small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate hiking experience along the Great Wall. Children under the age of 5 aren’t permitted, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant travelers are also not recommended for this particular hike, given the physical demands and uneven terrain encountered along the Simatai West to Jinshanling section.

No toilet facilities are available along the hike, so hikers must plan accordingly.

Trekking poles can be provided upon request, offering extra stability on the unrestored sections of the Wall.

Vegetarian meal options are available, but must be requested in advance.

Scenic Highlights and Lunch

Hikers along the Simatai West to Jinshanling section of the Great Wall will be treated to fantastic photographic opportunities of the restored and unrestored portions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the dramatic landscape and architectural wonders.

During the hike, you will enjoy a lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant, providing an authentic cultural experience.

The contrast between the well-preserved and weathered wall sections offers a visually striking tableau, perfect for capturing memorable shots of this iconic landmark.

With the undulating mountains as a backdrop, hikers can enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds this historic fortification, making for an unforgettable day on the Great Wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of This Hike?

The hike is moderately challenging. It’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or pregnant travelers, but the tour provides trekking poles and the group size is kept small for a more manageable experience.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on this small-group hiking tour. The tour operator does not allow animals due to safety and logistical considerations. Hikers must focus on traversing the uneven terrain of the Great Wall.

Is There an Option to Extend the Hike Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to extend the hike duration. The tour is a full-day small-group experience with a set itinerary and schedule. Extending the hike time is not part of the standard tour offering.

Will There Be a Guide to Take Photos for Me?

Yes, the tour includes a personal English-speaking hiking guide who can help take photos for you along the Great Wall. The guide will ensure you capture fantastic memories of your hike.

Can I Cancel the Tour and Get a Refund?

The tour operator’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds if the booking is canceled at least 72 hours prior to the tour date. Travelers should review the policy carefully before booking to understand the terms and conditions.