Great Wall 3-day Adventure from Beijing by Train and Bus

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Transportation by Beijing municipal suburban train
 

Take S501 bullet train at 6:58 AM from Beijing North Railway Station at Xizhimen (西直门). The ticket is only 12 RMB. The train arrives at Gubeikou at 9:23 am. Check out this Youtube video to learn about the train ride (in Chinese, though).

Arriving at Gubeikou. 4-hour hiking

After you arrive at Gubeikou Train Station, our local manager will meet you there and transfer you to the Great Wall Village in Gubeikou. He'll then send a local guide to walk with you on an exclusive path for four hours from the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall to Jinshanling (Golden Ridge) section. This is one of our legendary routes for Great Wall hiking. 

Time permitting, you may catch the sunset by climbing the General Tower of the Great Wall before dinner. Please follow the direction of our camping manager on how to go up and come back. It should be a 20-minute climbing. Dinner will be served in a country-style setting in our camping center.  

Camping on the Great Wall

Tonight, we will provide a tent for you to sleep in an ancient watchtower of the Great Wall.  Ms. Kang, our assistant camping manager will take you to the tower and help you set up your tents. You will sleep alone, and it is safe. However, if you prefer having Ms. Kang to escort you, there's an additional fee of 200 RMB. 

The typical sunrise time is around 4 am in summer, or 7 am in winter. You won't want to miss the moment. Please wake up for the beautiful sunrise. Our camping manager Ms. Kang will come to collect the tents, etc. at 4:30 am. Feel free to stay on the Wall for the sunrise and go back to the camping center by yourselves.  

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Jinshanling. We'll get a beautiful map for you and show you how you'll walk from the main entrance to the East entrance. Then we'll wait for you at the East Entrance. The hike takes about 3-3.5 hours. It'll be very easy to walk on your own because this section of the Wall is a managed park. There are clear signs of the path to show you the towers and direction. It's also one-way.  

The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China is a true marvel of ancient engineering and architecture. It stretches across the rugged terrain, offering breathtaking views and a tangible connection to history. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this part of the wall is renowned for its well-preserved watchtowers and complex defensive system. It's a favorite spot for hikers and photographers, capturing the essence of China's grandeur and the enduring spirit of its people.

We'll treat you lunch after your hike. You'll rest for the rest of the day. You may visit the Great Wall Museum of Anti-Japanese Battles in the village. In 1931, over 5000 Chinese soldiers died in the fierce battles against he Japanese army in this part of the Great Wall. 

You'll overnight in our hotel. 

The Simatai Great Wall, a majestic section of the Great Wall of China, stands as a testament to ancient engineering and defense. Located near Beijing, it's known for its steep gradients and narrow paths, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into history. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the only part of the Great Wall that retains the original features of the Ming Dynasty, making it a unique and authentic experience for visitors. Whether illuminated under the stars for a night tour or explored during the day, Simatai promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Chinese heritage. 

The entrance to the Simatai Great Wall is located inside Gubei Water Town. Currently, 10 watchtowers are open. There is also a cable car to take if you want. The entire tour can be 4 hours. When you walk down, you will have a relaxed tour of Gubei Watertown.

Gubei Watertown, often referred to as 'Wuzhen in Beijing', is a picturesque resort that combines the beauty of waterways, ancient villages, and the majestic Simatai Great Wall. This charming town is characterized by its northern architectural style and rich history from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period. Visitors can immerse themselves in the past, exploring the old quartzite streets and traditional courtyard houses, or engage in cultural activities like wine making at the Sima Liquor Distillery and cloth dyeing at the Yongshun Dye House. With its tranquil waterways and scenic views, Gubei Watertown is a serene escape that offers a glimpse into China's profound history and culture.

You'll take the afternoon train (S504) at 5:00 pm to return to Beijing. We'll transfer you to Gubeikou Station.