Great Wall Hiking from Gubeikou to West Simatai

---

UPDATE

We are sorry but this group tour is not running due to the few people visiting Beijing after the pandemic. However, we have developed a wonderful but affordable one-day tour (1G) for everyone. You may also consider taking the Gold Package of 1AB. We've optimized the program to make it more affordable for you. 

TOUR CODE: A7. Guaranteed Departure. Last-minute registration OK!

Original Price: USD259/person 

LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT FOR EVERY TRAVELER  

10% off for the 1st guest;

45% off for the 2nd guest and after 

Extra 5% off on the top of above discounts for college students. 

SUMMARY

This program is the budget version of our 1X hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and West Simatai for 7 hours.

The 1X program was curated to meet the request from those who wanted a more challenging and more invigorating Great Wall hike. At 20km and 6+hours of hiking, this day at the Great Wall is no joke! However, if you’re up to the challenge, you’re in for a treat, as you’ll get to experience stunning views such as the snaking wall at Jinshanling and the dramatic ruins of West Simatai. You’ll get the full Great Wall experience, with glorious watchtowers, tastefully restored brickwork, and rugged and challenging Great Wall remnants. Please be advised that those in good physical condition should only undertake this hike. 

TOUR GALLARY

 Between 6:20 am, and 7:20 am, you will be picked up from your hotel. Or please go to our meeting point at Chaoyangmen Station Entry/Exit A of Subway Line 2 or 6 to meet your guide and bus. Please visit this meeting page for direction. 

From there, we will make the approximate 2.5-hour drive to Gubeik Watertown. Our staff will pick you up from this bus station to Gubeikou Great Wall to start your hike. 

The Gubeikou Great Wall occupies a strategically important location, which is difficult to access. The Wall is completely unrestored, 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. 

In 1933, the Chinese army fought against Japanese invasion troops in Gubeikou. In the four-month-long battles, over 5,000 Japanese soldiers were killed while 9,000 Chinese soldiers died. It was terrific that the ancient Wall is not merely a relic, but it remained a battlefield in the modern world. 

Much of the hiking that we will do on Jinshanling today is relatively easy, as the Wall here is partially restored, and the surface is smoother. Jinshanling has five main passes and 67 watchtowers. There is an enemy tower every 100 meters (328 feet), each of which is about ten meters (33 feet) high. Featuring various structures and having different functions, those watchtowers are either one tiered or two-tiered. 

Gradually, you will be crossing over into West Simatai. While the eastern portion of Simatai is closed due to government maintenance and repairs, the Simatai Great Wall's western section is still open to hikers. The Simatai section of the Great Wall is one of the few areas to retain the Great Wall's original appearance. Incorporating various characteristics of other sections of the Great Wall, Simatai also displays some unique features. It is often described with the following five words: perilous, dense, diverse, artful, and peculiar. This part of the Great Wall belongs to Jinshanling. 

After 7-8 hours of walking, you will descend the Great Wall, where you will be transferred back to the bus terminal at Gubei Watertown, where you will take the express bus to Dongzhimen Bus Terminal of Beijing. Following the instruction on this page, you can transfer to Subway Line 2 to go back to your hotel or take Airport Express to catch your flight.