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Epic Great Wall Camping Experience: From Gubeikou to Mutian
TOUR 2AC: Camping on the Great Wall: A Journey Through China’s Most Iconic Sections
SUMMARY
This program takes you through four of the most spectacular and photogenic sections of the Great Wall of China, combining adventure, history, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Your journey begins at Gubeikou, an atmospheric and unrestored stretch of the “wild” Great Wall. From here, you’ll continue into Jinshanling, famed for its imposing watchtowers and sweeping panoramas, where the Wall winds dramatically over rugged hills. Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to camp overnight in a tent inside an ancient watchtower—a truly unforgettable encounter with history.
The adventure continues at Mutianyu, one of the Great Wall’s most spectacular and best-preserved sections. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), this part of the Wall impresses with its wide walkways, allowing you to walk side by side as you take in the sweeping views of the Yanshan Mountains. Its distinctive watchtowers, crowned with crenellated battlements, stand proudly against the skyline, making this stretch a photographer’s dream. To end your visit with a touch of thrill, you’ll descend the mountain not only by cable car but also, if you wish, by the famous toboggan slide, an exhilarating ride that twists through the forested slopes.
>> Did you know we have 14 camping trips. Click to compare them.
Guaranteed Sleep on the Great Wall by tenting
Against the stars, looking at the moon, there was silence and peace. Have you imagined how nervous the soldiers camped in the beacon hundreds of years ago were? Here they stood guard for the sneak attack of the mad enemy, fighting tooth and nail. We make sure you experience a night on the Great Wall where they camped that year too, and remember this memorable moment forever.
BRIEF TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1: Great Wall at Gubeikou and Jinshanling
We'll depart Beijing at 8:00 AM in winter (or 9:30 AM in summer) for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Gubeikou. Today's hike will take us from Gubeikou to Jinshanling, a journey of approximately 4.5 hours. Gubeikou holds profound historical significance, having served as a strategic battlefield throughout history, including during the heroic resistance against the Japanese invasion in the 1930s. By contrast, Jinshanling is considered one of the best-preserved and most representative sections of the Great Wall. Alternatively, we may choose the breathtaking hike from Jinshanling to West Simatai, a stretch frequently featured in official publications, travel media, and government offices for its iconic beauty.
After the hike, we'll enjoy dinner at our camping center—a comfortable place to relax, recharge, and savor authentic Chinese cuisine. Then we'll spend the night under the stars in tents positioned directly on the Great Wall itself—an extraordinary way to connect with both history and nature. The watchtower we'll use served as one of the battle headquarters for the Chinese army during their courageous defense against Japanese invaders in 1931, where 5,000 Chinese soldiers gave their lives defending Beijing.
DAY 2: Great Wall at Mutianyu
We'll wake up at 4 or 5 AM to welcome the sunrise. You'll want to capture the breathtaking spectacle as golden rays illuminate the ancient stones and stretch across misty mountain valleys below, offering a magnificent 360-degree view that few travelers ever witness. This magical moment creates memories that last a lifetime.
After breakfast, we'll drive to Mutianyu, one of the most spectacular and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. This Ming Dynasty marvel offers dramatic mountain settings, dense forest coverage, and fewer crowds than other popular sections. What makes Mutianyu striking is its wider walkway, distinctive watchtowers with crenellated battlements, and stunning panoramic views of the Yanshan Mountains.
You'll try the famous toboggan slide—an exhilarating descent through the forested mountainside that winds down over a kilometer, offering both excitement and spectacular views as you glide through the natural landscape. It's the perfect thrilling conclusion to your Great Wall adventure, showcasing both the an
MEMORABLE TIME
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Gubeikou-Jinshanling (7kms, 4.5 hours of hiking) and Camping
We will leave Beijing in the morning, at 8:00 AM during winter and 9:30 AM during summer, adjusting for the daylight hours. The drive to Gubeikou takes about 2.5 hours, passing through rural villages and mountain scenery that gradually reveals the outline of the Great Wall in the distance.
Our hike begins at Gubeikou, a site of immense historical importance. This section of the Wall was strategically vital and witnessed countless battles throughout the centuries. Most notably, it was the site of fierce resistance during the Japanese invasion of the 1930s, leaving behind both scars of conflict and a legacy of resilience. Hiking here, you’ll sense not only the physical grandeur of the Wall but also its role as a silent witness to history.
From Gubeikou, we will trek to Jinshanling, a 4.5-hour hike that offers both challenge and reward. Jinshanling is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Its watchtowers rise at regular intervals, each with unique architectural designs, providing perfect vantage points for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Photographers and history enthusiasts alike will find Jinshanling a highlight, as this section embodies the essence of the Great Wall: majestic, enduring, and breathtaking.
As an alternative, we may hike from Jinshanling to West Simatai, another spectacular stretch. This route is frequently featured in travel magazines, public media, and even government offices, chosen for its iconic representation of the Wall’s grandeur. Its dramatic ridgelines and striking watchtowers are among the most recognizable images of the Great Wall worldwide.
After a full day of hiking, we’ll continue to Jiankou, where the adventure takes on a new dimension. This section of the Wall is famous for its rugged beauty and dramatic setting. Rising over steep cliffs and winding in bold curves across the mountains, Jiankou is often described as the “wild” Great Wall. While it is one of the most challenging sections, we will follow a carefully chosen safe route to ensure your comfort and security.
Before settling in for the night, you’ll be treated to a gourmet dinner, a well-deserved reward after the day’s trek. Then comes the highlight of the day: camping overnight on the Great Wall. Sleeping in tents set up along this ancient wonder allows you to experience the Wall in a way few travelers ever do. As the crowds disappear, the Wall becomes tranquil, offering an almost mystical atmosphere. Under a sky full of stars, with the silhouettes of mountains stretching into the distance, you’ll fall asleep surrounded by both the history and the natural beauty of this extraordinary site.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner in the local restaurants
Bottled Water: Unlimited
Accommodations: Camping at Gubeikou Great Wall
If camping is not your choice, you may overnight in a home inn at the foot of the Great Wall.
DAY2: Mutianyu (7 kms, 3 hours of hiking)
After breakfast, we'll drive to Mutianyu, one of the most spectacular and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. This Ming Dynasty marvel offers dramatic mountain settings, dense forest coverage, and fewer crowds than other popular sections. What makes Mutianyu striking is its wider walkway, distinctive watchtowers with crenellated battlements, and stunning panoramic views of the Yanshan Mountains.
At Mutianyu, we'll embark on an invigorating hike along the wall's ancient ramparts, exploring the meticulously restored fortifications that wind dramatically across mountain ridges. The hiking trail offers varying levels of difficulty, from gentle walks along the main sections to more challenging climbs up steep stone steps leading to higher watchtowers. As we traverse the 2.25-kilometer restored walkway, you'll discover hidden corners, defensive positions, and architectural marvels while soaking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding forest canopy and distant peaks. The experience combines physical adventure with historical immersion, allowing you to truly appreciate the engineering marvel that protected ancient China.
After our hiking adventure, you'll experience the famous toboggan slide—an exhilarating 1,580-meter descent through the forested mountainside. This unique alpine slide features individual sleds that you control as they wind down the mountain through lush vegetation, offering both heart-pumping excitement and spectacular aerial views of the wall snaking across the landscape. The toboggan provides the perfect thrilling finale to your Great Wall adventure, combining modern fun with breathtaking scenery as you glide from the ancient fortifications back to the base of the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch in the local restaurants
Bottled Water: Unlimited