TOUR 4UX: IRON MAN'S HIKE (360+ kms) & 3 Nights of Camping

---

Huanghuacheng is the only section that sits beside the lakes, so it is called Lakeside Great Wall. Since the lake breaks this section of the Great Wall into three segments naturally, its uniqueness might surprise you. 

The Hanghuacheng Reservoir lies here, shaped like a curved moon. The highest point of the wall is a   broken watchtower, and from there you will have a wide panoramic view of the whole valley. From this summit the Wall dives steeply downwards into the valley.  Today’s hike is quite special-part of the wall is under water! In 1974 China built the Xishuiyu Reservoir, and when the water level rose, some low-lying sections of the wall were submerged under water. Seen from the dam of the reservoir, this stately sunken wall is still visible under the water’s smooth and glimmering surface.   

Tonight, we will camp on the Great Wall in an ancient watchtower. 

INCLUDED

Meals: B, L, D 

Accommodation: Camping on the Wall

Jiankou is translated as 'Arrow Nock' in English, for the shape of the mountain is like an arrow, with the collapsed ridge opening as its arrow nock.  The Jiankou section is known for its ruggedness and wild beauty, and you will be in awe of the marvelous views it affords. As soon as we reach Jiankou we will see a deserted watchtower that gives you a panoramic view of the entire valley. In the early morning the view is priceless with its morning fog. This section of the wall is not well known by tourists, although if you see a picture of the Great Wall from exotic traveling magazines, chances are it is from Jiankou. This is the pinnacle of exotic Great Wall scenery. 

INCLUDED

Meals: B, L, D 

Accommodation: Camp inside an ancient tower 

Today, our goal is to complete the hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and to West Simatai. This is a very classic intensive hiking on the Great Wall enjoyed by many people, but only offered by the Great Wall Adventure Club.  

The section of Gubeikou was a battlefield in the modern World War II. Gubeikou Great Wall occupies a strategically important location, which is difficult to access. Many of them are famous cultural relics, such as the Big Flower Beacon Tower of the Northern Qi Dynasty, Fairy Tower, General Tower, and the dominant Wangjing Tower.  The Simatai Great Wall is separated into eastern and western halves by a valley, with a rainbow-like chain bridge over the valley.  

INCLUDED

Meals: B, L, D 

Accommodation: Camp inside an ancient tower

Today we'll start with Peace Fort (Taipingzhai) that starts from Banlagang Mountain in the east and arriving at Guafu Tower (Widow Tower) in the west. There are six watch towers, one battlement, and one shortcut leading to the wall. 

Waking westward, we will get to the steepest segment of this section, the Huangya Sky Ladder. Stretching to the top of the ridge, this long stairway seemingly leads to the sky. Climbing over the ladder, we will reach the primitive Great Wall built in the Northern Qi Dynasty, marking the end of the Huangyaguan section. 

Today is the last day of this iron-man 4UX adventure. 

INCLUDED

Meals: B,L

We will transfer you between the airport and your hotel in Beijing for free. It's our appreciation to you for having chosen us for your lifetime Great Wall experience.  

 We'll treat you with farm-to-table meals and special breakfast watchtower delivery on the camping day. We offer a dining experience that reflects the unique ingredients and creativity of every part of the Great Wall we travel. After an active day on the Wall, it's time to see what other great choices are on the menu.    Have a food allergy or a restricted diet? Just let us know, and we'll make sure there are meal options available to you.