3 Days Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour | In-depth Great Wall Hiking

Itinerary Day by Day

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Day 1 Beijing Great Wall Hiking | Jiankou to Mutianyu: Most Challenging Section

Hiking Duration: Approximately 5 hours covering a 10km trek

Your private guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel in the morning. Today, you will start hiking the great wall from the rugged and untouched Jiankou section of the Great Wall to the well-restored beauty of the Mutianyu section. The entire hike will take approximately 5 hours for a 10km trek.

It takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Xizhazi Village, which is the starting point for hiking the Jiankou Great Wall. After hiking for approximately 1 hour, you will reach Zhengbeilou Tower on the wall atop the mountain ridge. Then, after passing multiple ancient watchtowers and trekking up and down along the mountain ridges, you will reach Mutianyu Great Wall in about 3hours. You will hike through the crumbling brickwork with many soil-grown obstacles, the totally unrestored section of the Wall.

There will be a sharp contrast when you arrive at Mutianyu, with its gloriously restored Great Wall masonry and watchtowers. Take a leisurely stroll for about 1 hour from No.23 Tower to No.10 Tower along its sturdy blockwork ramparts and then will descend from the wall.

Then, you will be transferred to the beautiful Gubei Water Town where you will stay overnight.

Dining:

None

Accommodation:

Hotel at Gubei Water Town

Jiankou Great Wall, Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing

Day 2 Beijing Great Wall Hiking | Gubeikou to Jinshanling: Most Rural Section

Hiking Duration: Approximately 4- 5 hours covering a 10km trek

After breakfast, you will embark on an exhilarating hike along the Gubeikou to Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. Compared to other sections of the great wall, this section has more rural and historical charm.

Gubeikou, known for its strategic importance, was a protective barrier for Beijing against northern Mongol invasions. Here, history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers can walk in the same footsteps as ancient soldiers. As you traverse its ancient battlements, you're greeted with panoramic vistas of undulating hills and vast countryside. There are two main sections of the Wall here: the Panlongshan Great Wall and the Wohushan Great Wall. You will hike the Panlongshan Great Wall (Coiled Dragon Mountain), which is dotted with 40 towers, each with its unique features and look. The entire hike will take approximately 4-5 hours for a 10km trek, but this section is easier than Jiankou to Mutianyu Section.

Suggested Route:

Gubeikou Village - Panlongshan Great Wall - 24-Eyes Window Tower - Jinshanling Great Wall

Your hike begins at Gubeikou Village, which serves as the gateway to the Panlongshan Section. A two-hour hike will lead you to the 24-Eyes Window Tower. Then, you will need to detour along the basins of the Spider Valley. From here it is a gentle walk through the cornfields to the hilly trail to reach the Jinshanling Great Wall, which takes about 1.5 hours. Soon, you will reach West Five Window Tower of Jinshanling Great Wall, where we are going to spend one-hour hiking and photo taking and then descend from Zhuanduokou.

After the hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling Great Wall, you will be transferred to Gubei Water Town again for an overnight stay.

Dining:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel at Gubei Water Town

Jinshanling Great Wall, Beijing

Gubeikou Great Wall, Beijing

Day 3 Beijing Great Wall Hiking | Jinshanling to Simatai West: Most Photogenic Section

Hiking Duration: Approximately 3 hours covering a 5km trek

After breakfast, drive for about 30 minutes to reach the Jinshanling Great Wall. Today's hike includes a 3-hour trek from the Jinshanling Great Wall to the western section of the Simatai Great Wall, covering a distance of approximately 5 km.

The Jinshanling Great Wall is one of the most photogenic parts of the Great Wall. It was named after the Greater and Lesser Jinshan Ranges, also known as the "paradise of photographers."

Your hike will start at the Zhuanduokou Pass, from where we will traverse the eastern section of the Jinshanling Great Wall, passing through iconic watchtowers such as the General Tower, Lesser Jinshan Tower, and Big Jinshan Tower, each with its unique charm and historical significance and excellent photo opportunities. After enjoying the views from these towers, we will head east towards Simatai and exit the Great Wall at East Five Window Tower at Simatai West. This section of the Great Wall is wild, ruined, original, preserved, and half-restored.

Your hike concludes at Simatai West, one of the most majestic sections of the Great Wall and also one of the less crowded ones. It’s steep slopes and remote location provide a profound sense of tranquility and adventure. Finally, you will head back to the Beijing city and be escorted to your hotel in Beijing.

Dining:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

None

Great Wall Between Jishanling and Simatai, Beijing

Simatai Great Wall, Beijing

Jinshanling Great Wall, Beijing

Simatai Great Wall, Beijing

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request

What's Included:

Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned private vehicle throughout the tour. We will arrange different types of vehicles (sedan, minivan, or coach) based on your group size. Luxury vehicle upgrades are also available.

Airport/Train Station Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off service at the airport (PEK/PKX) or train stations (e.g., Beijing South or Beijing West Station) upon arrival and departure. (Tip: Please inform us in advance if you have early morning or late-night flights. Extra charge may occur.)

Professional Guide Service: Licensed English-speaking guide throughout the tour. Guides speaking Spanish, German, Italian, French, or Russian are also available upon request.

Driver Service: Includes driver’s service fee, fuel, tolls, and parking fees.

Hotel Accommodation: Twin-bed accommodation in selected 3 star, 4-star or 5-star hotels as specified in the itinerary.

Daily Hotel Breakfast: Buffet breakfast provided at the hotel each morning.

Meals as Specified: Lunches and dinners clearly indicated in the day-by-day itinerary. (Tip: Please check the detailed itinerary for specific meal arrangements.)

Entrance Fees: First entrance tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary (such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Summer Palace).

Great Wall Visit: Usually arranged at Mutianyu Great Wall, including a round-trip cable car ride. (Not applicable for hiking-focused itineraries.)

Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Covered by our standard liability insurance.

Personal Travel Insurance: Before departure, we will purchase personal travel insurance for your group.

Special Experiences: Fees for included special activities, such as a Hutong rickshaw ride or hands-on cultural experiences, are already covered.

Comprehensive Service: Our professional support from tour planning and handling to on-the-ground operation and trip completion.

What's Excluded:

China Visa Fee: All costs related to obtaining your China entry visa.

International / Domestic Airfare: Flights to and from Beijing, and any domestic flights not included in the itinerary, as well as related airport taxes.

Transportation During Free Time: Any personal transportation expenses during your own free activities (such as metro, taxi, or ride-hailing services).

Optional Activities: Additional activities to enrich your Beijing experience, such as evening shows, city walks, special dining, or night tours, are available at extra cost.

Meals Not Listed: Any lunches, dinners, or special local meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary (including during free time).

Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and other beverages not included with the included meals.

Extra Expenses Inside Scenic Areas: Additional charges such as optional exhibition hall tickets, electric shuttle cars, or small in-park transportation not listed in the itinerary.

Tips for Guide and Driver: Gratuities are not mandatory but highly appreciated. Tipping is a good way to recognize excellent service and motivate the guide and driver. The amount is entirely up to your discretion based on service quality and satisfaction.

Personal Expenses: Such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, overweight luggage fees, and shopping.

Single Room Supplement: Extra cost for travelers requesting a single room instead of sharing a twin room.

Expert Advice and Ideas for Extending Your Beijing Trip

Usually, you’ll spend 2-3 full days exploring Beijing, covering all the classic attractions.

1. Local Hutong In-depth Visit:

For deeper local experience, you can have in-depth Hutong tour, including Shichahai, Yinding Bridge, and Bar Street (about 20 minutes by rickshaw), and local family visit. You can also try Chinese calligraphy, mask painting, or paper cutting here - just tell us what interests you most!

2. Discover the Surrounding Destinations:

Tianjin (1-day trip): Explore the Italian Style Street and the Five Great Avenues.
Chengde: Visit the Qing Dynasty’s summer retreat and royal mountain resort.
Inner Mongolia: Escape the summer heat with grassland adventures, horseback riding, and the Naadam Festival.

3. Take Classic China Tour (for First Timers):

If it’s your first trip to China, we recommend exploring the Golden Triangle - Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai - or even Guilin for its stunning karst landscapes. The 8 to 10 days tour offers perfect mix of ancient wonders, modern cities, and natural beauty.

> 8 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Small Group Tour: Best Selling Group Tour

>> 10 Days Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai Tour: Hot Small Group Vacation

4. How to Easily Plan and Book Your Beijing Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel

Step 1: Find Your Ideal Trip: Focus on the tour that interests you most, and browse the “Day-by-Day Itinerary” section to understand the details.

Step 2: Consider Your Preferences: Before sending an inquiry, take a moment to think about your personal requirements - such as activities or experiences you’d like to include in your Beijing tour.

Step 3: Submit an Inquiry: Click the “Inquiry” button, fill in your travel details and contact information. Please note that our quotation service is completely FREE.

Step 4: Receive Your Quote: Our Beijing/China travel advisor will contact you soon by email with personalized quote based on your travel information and preferences.

Step 5: Modify Your Itinerary: Work with your travel advisor to adjust your itinerary and travel details until everything meets your satisfaction.

Step 6: Confirm Your Booking: Once you’re happy with your plan, make a deposit payment, and we will send you an Official Confirmation Letter for your trip.

Step 7: Settle the Balance: Please complete the final payment before you arrive in China to begin your tour.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Trip with AOT: Get ready to enjoy your Beijing adventure with Asia Odyssey Travel!

Where to Stay in Beijing: Handpicked Hotel Options

We offer a wide selection of carefully chosen 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels in Beijing. Most are conveniently located in prime areas - within the Second Ring Road, around Wangfujing, and the CBD - offering easy access to top attractions (Forbidden City, Hutongs, Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street), shopping, and dining.

Room Options:

Depending on your group size, we can arrange standard twin rooms, king-bed rooms, family rooms, or triple rooms. If an extra bed is needed, please let us know in advance so we can confirm availability with the hotel.

All hotels provide daily buffet breakfast, and we ensure each room is comfortable, non-smoking, well air-conditioned, and spacious - for a truly pleasant stay in Beijing.

Tip: Already have a preferred hotel in mind? Just let us know - we’ll be happy to help with the booking!

Latest Beijing Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Beijing Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>

Sarah Lim

Singapore

161

What a 30-Day China Adventure — Exceeded My Expectation

I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional experience.

Starting in Beijing, everything kicked off seamlessly — airport pick-up worked well, and our guide made us feel comfortable right away. Over the month we moved through a very broad selection of China’s landscapes, cities, history and culture. From the imposing Great Wall of China and Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient capitals, ethnic minority regions, high-speed train rides, rural scenery and modern metropolises.

Some of the highlights for me:

Visiting the Great Wall early in the morning when it was quiet and feeling the scale of it in person.
Seeing ancient city walls, historic towns and temples that really brought Chinese history to life.
Travelling by high-speed train across regions — the logistics were smooth and we always arrived on time.
Staying in a mix of city hotels and countryside guesthouses which gave variety.
Getting to try regional cuisines — from northern Beijing specialties to southwestern flavours, each region surprised me.

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, YangtzeRiver, Xinjiang, Dunhuang/Gansu

Date of Experience: Apr 01, 2025

Tour Customized by: JoJo

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Michael S.

USA

196

An Incredible 21-Day China Experience - Eye-Opening & Seamless

I recently completed the “21-Day China Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from the U.S., I found the journey both impressive and very well managed.

Starting in Shanghai, our arrival went smoothly — airport pick-up, a comfortable downtown hotel, and a friendly local guide who helped us get oriented right away. From there, the itinerary took us through a carefully curated mix of China’s highlights: we explored ancient towns, visited imposing historical monuments, traveled on high-speed trains and domestic flights, and experienced both modern cities and scenic countryside.

Some of the standout moments for me:

Walking through the old-city lanes and seeing the contrast of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture.
Visiting iconic landmarks (palaces, temples, historic walls) that helped me appreciate China’s deep history.
Getting a taste of regional cuisine — from street-food stalls to more refined local restaurants — and discovering how varied Chinese food is.
Being impressed by the logistics: the hotels were well chosen, transport connections worked without major hiccups, and the guides were knowledgeable and professional.

I highly recommend this tour to fellow American travelers. It offers an excellent balance of history, nature, and city life — all arranged in a smart, hassle-free manner. Thanks to Asia Odyssey Travel for making it an unforgettable experience.

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Jun 10, 2025

Tour Customized by: Catherine

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Liyana T.

Malaysia

161

Amazing 30-Day Journey Across China — Well Organized and Truly Worth It

I just came back from the 30-Day China Panorama Tour from Guangzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever joined.

From the moment I landed in Guangzhou, everything was well-coordinated. The local guide greeted us at the airport and made us feel welcome right away. We started with classic Cantonese highlights like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lychee Bay, and traditional dim sum — a great introduction to southern China’s culture.

The route that followed was impressive. We cruised along the Li River in Guilin, cycled through Yangshuo’s peaceful countryside, and admired the Longji Rice Terraces. In Yunnan, Dali and Lijiang’s old towns were full of character, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Chengdu was all about pandas and Sichuan food, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong looked like scenes from a painting, and Chongqing’s mountain city views were unforgettable. The trip ended with Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, and Shanghai’s skyline — the perfect contrast of history and modern life.

Everything ran smoothly throughout. The guides were professional and friendly, the hotels were clean and comfortable, and transportation was efficient. My personal highlights were sharing bamboo rice with local villagers in Longji, standing by the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and watching the city lights in Chongqing after dinner.