GREAT WALL CAMPING: Lakeside Wall and Jiankou-Mutianyu
TOUR 2B: Great Wall hiking from Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall to Jiankou and Mutianyu
SUMMARY
This program starts at Huanghuacheng, a section of the Great Wall, which in the spring and summer features lush flowers blooming, beacon towers, and even a section of the wall that runs underwater! You will camp overnight in our newest watchtower at lakeside Huanghuacheng with our modern camping facilities.
From there, we'll drive to Jiankou, where you will embark on what is perhaps the best Great Wall hike. Jiankou, located in a small farming village, is entirely unrestored, meaning this is about as authentic an experience as you can get. You'll see some amazing ruins of watchtowers set against the surrounding hillside, making for an unforgettable hike. After a few hours, you'll cross into Mutianyu, a largely restored portion of the Great Wall that is very popular but not as touristy as other sections. One of the most photographed sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu has played host to world leaders and has been the scene of numerous movies.
Guaranteed camping inside the watchtower!
In the past, it was on this most searing and fascinating of the Wild Wall that the guards guarded the Great Wall, camped in the beacon tower, and slept on the Wall in the harsh conditions, wind and rain. Today, we have camping tents and sleeping bags for you to be an ancient warrior. Your camping is legal and safe. We have everything ready for you. Please look forward to the enchanting sunrise tomorrow morning.
BRIEF TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1: Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. Camping on the Wall.
We'll leave Beijing at 8 (in winter) and 9:30 (in summer). Drive 2 hours to Huanghuacheng, the section known for sitting beside the two lakes. It is perhaps the least crowded part of the Great Wall around Beijing. Gourmet lunch and dinners are served locally. Camping on the Great Wallwill be the highlight of the day!
DAY 2: Great Wall at Jiankou and Mutianyu
After watching the sunrise from the Great Wall, we'll drive to Jiankou to start the 3.5 hours of hiking after breakfast. Jiankou is entirely unrestored, while Mutianyu is 50% rebuilt. Jiankou is known as the most beautiful Great Wall with stunning views. Mutianyu is the destination for many international celebrities and events. Trying the toboggan sleight to slide down to the ground from the Wall is fun! We'll return to Beijing after having lunch at Mutianyu in the afternoon. You'll get back to your hotel by 5 pm.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Beijing-Huanhuacheng-Xishuiyu (L+D, 4.5 hrs of hiking). Camping.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 9:30 am and take you by private car or minivan to the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall. Today we will be hiking about 10km/6miles. When you reach the middle of the Wall, you will be able to witness the lush yellow flowers blooming (during the late spring and early summer) in the surrounding countryside.
In this section of the Wall, you will pass by many forts, beacon-towers, and guard towers, including Yaoziyu Fort, which is the best-preserved. While not very long, today's hike is quite unusual; part of the Wall is underwater! The name of this water body is called Jintag lake, and the water is cold and clear, fed by numerous springs.
After the hike, you will enjoy a gourmet dinner in a restaurant called "The Ancient Path," certified by Great Wall Adventure Club, where chefs cook with organic poultry. They breed locally, and vegetables planted in their yard. You'll go up and camp in an exceptionally preserved ancient watchtower or the Wall around it. This camping site is our newest with new camping gear and better support. You'll be able to spend the night on the Great Wall under the glow of the stars.
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.
DAY2: Jiankou-Mutianyu-Beijing (9 kms, 3-4 hours of hiking)
If you elect to spend the night camping, we'll be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Great Wall, so be sure to have your cameras ready!
The hiking today will cover about 10km/6miles. The Jiankou section is known for its ruggedness and wild beauty, and you will be in awe of the marvelous views it affords. Be sure to see the watchtower known as "Eagle on the peak," this tower is exceptionally high and forms the highest reaching point of the Jiankou section.
From Jiankou, you will cross over onto Mutianyu, a section of the wall that has been largely restored. Although it has gotten a face-lift, it avoids the army of tourists that plague Badaling.
Mutianyu offers some breathtaking views of the valley and wall below, and if you look to your right, you'll see a large sign engraved in the side of the mountain, encouraging you to "Cherish Chairman Mao." Mutianyu is often visited by leaders of foreign countries.
You can hike down to the parking lot, or take a toboggan (highly recommended, and lots of fun! extra fee.) down to meet our driver. We will then have lunch at a local restaurant. After that, we'll drive back to Beijing and drop you off at your hotel.
Back home, you'll then need to upload all the fantastic pictures you recorded on your Great Wall trek!
Meals:Breakfast & Lunch in the local restaurants
Bottled Water: Unlimited