GREAT WALL CAMPING: Gubeikou-Jinshanling-Lakeside Wall
TOUR 2AD: Hike at Battlefield Great Wall and camp in the lakeside section
SUMMARY
This 2-day Great Wall program packs quite a punch! Not only do you get the classic Great Wall hike on Jinshanling, but you also get to explore little-known Gubeikou, while also getting to camp and sleep overnight in a Great Wall watchtower! Just think of it! You'll be able to witness the sunrise and sunset from the perfect vantage point. On the second day you'll get to walk Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu which features an extremely rare trait-the Great Wall underwater!
Guaranteed camping inside the watchtower!
The General of Hot Blood is a hero, and the song is a bonfire to sharpen his loyalty. Camping for a song of the mountain and river, the sword of a thousand kilos of the warrior's blade.
In those days, the brave guards camped year-round in this beacon, guarding the Great Wall and guarding Beijing in the cold wind and rain. We have camping tents and sleeping bags for you, and tonight you are a soldier guarding Beijing. Your camping is legal and safe.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Gubeikou-Jinshanling (9 kms, 4.5-5 hours of hiking). Camping!
- 9:30 am: We will pick you up from your hotel, and drive directly to the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall, where we will begin our two-day hike on the wall. It is 2.5 hours of driving.
- Today we will hike for around 10 km/6 miles. Gubeikou is covered with over 140 watchtowers, all differing in size and design. From the wall here you will be able to witness how the wall twists and winds along the steep mountain ranges. This is as dramatic a view on the Great Wall as you’ll find.
- The Jinshanling Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while 1/4 of it is restored, is allowing you to have a more intimate experience with the wall. This afternoon, you'll watch the sunset while walking along the Wall.
- Then we'll take you to have a gorgeous Chinese countryside style dinner served by a local housewife. Before it gets dark, we'll go up to the mountain and sleep overnight in a watch tower. We'll prepare the necessary camping facilities including tents and sleeping bags so you don't have to bring anything but yourself. Here it is the sound sleeper's paradise - let the mountain valley and the Great Wall echo your snoring sound!
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner in the local restaurants
- Bottled Water: Unlimited
- Accommodations: Camping at Huanghuacheng Great Wall
- If camping is not your choice, you may overnight in a home inn at the foot of the Great Wall.
DAY 2: Huanghuacheng-Xishuiyu (10 kms, 4 hours of hiking)
- We will be sure to wake up early in order to catch the sunrise over the Great Wall. Afterwards will disembark from the Great Wall and drive to Huanghuacheng, Great Wall.
- The Huanghuacheng (Yellow Flower City) Great Wall is a beautiful tourist spot combining mountains, lakes and ancient Great Wall. It is the latest section to become popular with hikers. It provides a challenge for hikers because the paths are steep and out of repair. The Wall here is divided by lakes and some parts are even immersed in the water, which is a very unique characteristic, distinguishing it from other sections of the Great Wall.
- The Great Wall is surrounded by mountains with verdant vegetation, lots of blossom and other seasonal beauty. During summer, the countryside around the Huanghuacheng Great Wall is swathed in yellow, as masses of wild flowers come into bloom. The highest point of the wall is a broken watchtower, and from there you will have a wide panoramic view of the whole valley.
- Most of the Great Wall around Xishuiyu is in reasonably good, deteriorated, but not collapsed condition. None of the Great Wall here has been restored so it retains its authentic condition. As we follow the Wall to the west here, you will get views of the Xiaoxihu reservoir. From our vantage on the Wall, we will see a real treat, the broken Great Wall running underwater!
- We will finish this hike at about 1 pm. We will return to Beijing after a gourmet lunch.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch in the local restaurants
- Bottled Water: Unlimited