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Beijing Great Wall Features & How to Choose:
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A Beijing Great Wall tour is a must-do for many visitors to China, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of China's rich history and natural beauty. Whether you're a first-time visitor on a classic Great Wall tour or a seasoned traveler, you can select from our best Great Wall tours to plan a memorable trip to Beijing.
Experience the Great Wall in a totally different way by visiting at night! Simatai, the only section of the Great Wall that is lit up after dark, is a popular choice for a night tour. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the illuminated wall and the surrounding countryside. It's also a great idea to combine a visit to the charming Gubei Water Town with a night tour of the nearby Simatai section of the Great Wall. After hiking the Great Wall, visitors can explore the ancient town's canals, bridges, and traditional architecture for a unique and enjoyable trip.
Looking for an in-depth tour of the Beijing Great Wall? It's a good idea to spend at least two days exploring 2-4 sections of the Great Wall for a variety of experiences. (1) Most challenging section - Jiankou to Mutianyu: difficult; (2) Most rural and historical section - Gubeikou to Jinshanling: moderate; (3) Most photogenic section - Jinshanling to Simatai West: easy. Choose based on your desired Great Wall features, crowds, and accessibility to plan your perfect trip. Or, all the Great wall hiking tours can be tailor made, please tell us your ideas.
We offers many China tours with Beijing Great Wall experience trying to meet different travelers’ needs, and it will take some time to select which one best suits for you. Based on years’ experience, travelers’ choices and feedback, we highly recommend you to choose from the following 6 China tours with Beijing Great Wall for first-time visitors. You will explore from classic discovery in China’s golden triangle cities to scenic exploration in Guilin with Karst landscapes, from Potala Palace to Hometown of Giant Pandas. Any of them can be tailor-made according to your interests and needs. Best prices are guaranteed!
Planning a trip to Beijing and Great Wall requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour. To help you get ready, we've compiled a list of essential articles related to Beijing tours and Great Wall tours and travel that you should read before you go. These articles offer valuable tips and insights on everything from transportation and the best time to visit, to attractions and things to do. By reading these articles, you'll be well-informed and better prepared for your trip to Beijing.
1.Most Challenging Section – Jiankou to Mutianyu: Difficult
This route is for thrill-seekers and seasoned hikers looking for a challenge. It takes you through some of the most rugged, steep, and unrestored sections of the Great Wall, providing a raw and authentic experience. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.
2.Most Rural and Historical Section – Gubeikou to Jinshanling: Moderate
Perfect for history buffs and those wanting to escape the city's hustle and bustle, this route offers a trip through time. It takes you from Gubeikou, a less touristy section abundant with historical sites, to Jinshanling, known for its beautifully preserved watchtowers and broad views. This hike is a moderate challenge and can take 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.
3.Most Photogenic Section – Jinshanling to Simatai West: Easy
This route is a paradise for photographers. Both Jinshanling and Simatai West sections offer some of the Great Wall's best views, with their well-preserved structures set against stunning natural scenery. The hike is moderate and takes about 3-4 hours, covering a 5km trek.
Option 1: Mutianyu-Simatai Night Tour (Two-day trip)
Day 1:
Morning: Depart from your hotel in Beijing and drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall (around a 1.5-2 hours’ drive). Ascend the wall via the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and hike along the wall, exploring its unique features and views. Afterward, choose your method of descent - the cable car, toboggan, or walking.
Afternoon/Evening: Make the 2-hour transfer to the Simatai Great Wall. After checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town at the base of the Simatai Great Wall, take the cable car up to the Wall to begin your night tour. Enjoy the illuminated spectacle of the Wall and the surrounding landscape before descending via cable car.
Day 2:
Morning/Afternoon: After breakfast, spend your day exploring Gubei Water Town. Enjoy the authentic courtyard-style houses, ancient bridges, and quaint lanes before your 2-hour transfer back to your hotel in Beijing.
Option 2:Jinshanling-Simatai Night Tour (Two-day trip)
Day 1:Morning: Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you'll drive to the Jinshanling Great Wall (approximately 2.5 hours). Spend the day exploring this less crowded and photogenic section of the Wall, hiking from the Zhuanduokou Pass to the East Tower with Five Holes.
Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to the Simatai Great Wall. After checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town, take the cable car up to the Wall for your night tour. Marvel at the stunning transformation of the Wall under the night sky, adorned by the soft glow of lights.
Day 2:
Morning/Afternoon: After breakfast, take the day to explore Gubei Water Town. Enjoy the authentic courtyard-style houses, ancient bridges, and quaint lanes. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Beijing.
Gear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers. Carry a raincoat or umbrella.
Supplies: Carry plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
Protection: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent as needed.
Guidance: Consider hiring a local guide for a richer experience and safer navigation.
Weather: Check the forecast before you go and prepare accordingly.
Accessories: Battery, phone, camera, GPS
Respect the wall: Take all trash with you and avoid the further damages.
Spring (April to June): Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Great Wall. The weather is pleasantly warm, and the surrounding landscapes burst into life with blooming flowers and lush greenery. However, it can be a bit crowded, especially during the May Labor Day holiday.
Summer (July to August): Summer offers long days and lush landscapes, but it can be quite hot and rainy, especially in July. The Great Wall can also be quite crowded during the summer holidays. However, if you don't mind the heat and crowds, the Great Wall is beautifully green during this time.
Autumn (September to October): Many argue that autumn is the best time to visit the Great Wall. The weather is comfortable, and the fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop, particularly in the sections like Mutianyu. It is also less crowded than in summer.
Winter (November to March): Winter visits are for the adventurous. The Great Wall is least crowded during this time, and if you're lucky, you might see the Great Wall covered in snow, which is a spectacular sight. However, it's freezing, and some sections might be closed due to icy conditions.
The Great Wall of China is a vast and complex system of fortifications that stretches across several Chinese provinces. While some of the most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, there are many other sections of the wall that are worth visiting and can be accessed from other cities. Here are the places to visit the Great Wall of China:
1.Great Wall of Beijing: The most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jingshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall.
2. Great Wall of Shanhaiguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei province. It is known for its unique architecture and stunning coastal views.
3. Great Wall of Jiayuguan: This section of the Great Wall is located in Jiayuguan, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its western-style fortifications and desert landscapes.
4. Great Wall of Dunhuang: This section of the Great Wall is located in Dunhuang, a city in Gansu province. It is known for its colorful murals and stunning desert landscapes.
5. Great Wall of Henan Province: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Henan province, including the Yuntai Mountain section and the Yinxu section, which is known for its ancient ruins.
6. Great Wall of Inner Mongolia: There are several sections of the Great Wall located in Inner Mongolia, including the Hulunbuir Grassland section and the Hohhot section, which is known for its unique architecture.
Here are some useful tips for your Great Wall Hike:
1) Don't bring too many things. Climbing the Great Wall may make you a little tired, you only need to bring a bottle of mineral water.
2) Those who like to take pictures should not bring too many accessories, just a tripod is ok.
3) Wear flat shoes or sports casual shoes, and don't climb in high heels, otherwise you may hurt you feet, and it is not safe.
4) If you hike with you kids, it is important to ask them not to chase each other on the steep parts of a Great Wall section.
5) Do not climb alone, try to find an experienced guide
6) Make a hiking plan beforehand based on your own condition, including the length of the hike, the items you need to take, and ask someone to be your contact person for emergency.
Patricia N
Singapore
Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 11, 2015
Tour Customized by: Claire
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Australia
Destination(s): Beijing
Date of Experience: May 07, 2019
Tour Customized by: Hannah
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US
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Date of Experience: Oct 03, 2023
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