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Great Wall 3D/2N Trekking with Camping
Route 3AM: Gubeikou – Jinshanling – Simatai West – Mutianyu From wild ruins to beautifully restored
Designed for travelers who enjoy outdoor activity and immersive cultural experiences, this program brings together several of the most iconic and visually striking sections of the Great Wall, balancing rugged history with comfortable access.
Your journey begins with the classic Gubeikou–Jinshanling hike, widely considered one of the finest Great Wall treks. This route reveals both restored and untouched “wild” sections of the Wall, offering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of its original military design and historical significance.
After spending the night inside one of Gubeikou’s massive ancient watchtowers, you’ll continue hiking to Second Valley, a strategically important and less-visited section of the Wall. Its steep terrain and raw condition provide a rewarding challenge and a strong sense of adventure.
The experience concludes at Mutianyu, one of the Great Wall’s most famous and beautifully restored sections. With its sweeping mountain views, solid walkways, and optional cable car, Mutianyu offers a memorable and more relaxed finale—an ideal way to end the journey before returning to Beijing.
>> Did you know we have 6 three-day treks. Click to compare ALL.
Guaranteed camping inside the watchtower!
A few agents claim they can do so, but that's not true. They usually mean that they may take you to the foot of the Great Wall to camp on the ground or sleep at a guesthouse. Not us. For each participant (even children), we must pay a hefty relic preserving fee to the Great Wall administration office. This fee allows you to camp on the Great Wall, hence why this program's price is higher than most. Great Wall Adventure Club is the only company approved by the Great Wall Administration Office to offer international guests camping. That is what sets us apart from other operators.
TREK MEMORABLE TIME
TREK DETAILS
DAY 1: Beijing-Gubeikou-Jinshanling
Hiking Distance: 10km/6miles
Hours to Take: 4.5
Accommodation: Camping in a watchtower
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
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 10km/6 miles. Gubeikou is covered with over 140 watchtowers, all differing in size and design. You will witness how the wall twists and winds along with the steep mountain range from the Wall here. It 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, allows 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 watchtower. 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!
DAY 2: Simatai West (Second Valley)-Jinshanling
Hiking Distance: 6km/4miles
Hours to Take: 3
Accommodation: Great Wall Farmotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Water: Unlimited bottles
The first thing we'll do today is to watch the magnificent sunrise early in the morning. After a quick breakfast, we will resume our hike on Jinshanling's right-wing, where we will hike until we reach Simatai West, called Second Valley. As we head west, the wall will gradually deteriorate, making the hike progressively more challenging and exciting to observe and compare.
The Jinshanling Great Wall has now not been repaired considering that 1570. It is a far-flung and incredibly isolated part of the Great Wall. If you search for breathtaking views with a pretty peaceful walk, then the Second Valley of Jinshanling cannot be better, so we hope that you remembered to convey your camera!
Simatai West, called the Second Valley, is the left-wing of Simatai. It is also in a severe ruins country and is thereby the best example of the authentic Great Wall, while too extraordinarily beautiful and rustic. The wall is 7.8 m high and 5 - 6 m thick at the bottom. In addition to the first-rate scenery on your hike, you will also get to see how the wall was designed for practical purposes, that being the defense against outer enemies, and how the Great Wall was once supposed to preserve them out. There are 'obstacle-walls' built perpendicular to the parapets, a feature unique to Jinshanling Great Wall's Second Valley section.
Tonight, we'll overnight in a farmotel at the foot of the mountain in Jiankou to prepare for the next day's hike there. The chefs working in this hostel used to work in Beijing to cook with better skills than those who are home cooks in the countryside. Suppose you are a vegetarian, no problem. He'll cater to you with delicious Chinese vegetables and beans, etc.
DAY 3: Mutianyu
Hiking Distance: 9km/6miles
Hours to Take: 3.5
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Water: Unlimited bottles
Today’s hike will cover approximately 10 km / 6 miles, offering a rewarding blend of scenic walking and iconic Great Wall views.
You’ll spend the day exploring Mutianyu, one of the most famous and beautifully restored sections of the Great Wall. Known for its solid walkways, elegant watchtowers, and sweeping mountain scenery, Mutianyu delivers a classic Great Wall experience without the overwhelming crowds often found at Badaling.
As you walk along the wall, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and ridgelines. Look carefully to the right side of the mountainside to spot the large engraved slogan encouraging people to “Cherish Chairman Mao,” a historical reminder of the Wall’s more recent political significance. Mutianyu has also hosted visits from numerous foreign leaders, underscoring its importance on the world stage.
After completing the hike, you may walk down to the parking area or opt for the toboggan ride (highly recommended and great fun; additional cost) to meet your driver. A local lunch follows before the comfortable drive back to Beijing, with drop-off at your hotel.
Back home, the only thing left to do is upload and relive the incredible photos from your Great Wall adventure!
Yes, the Great Wall! But more.
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